Ian Hunter | December 2025 | Horse’s Mouth

Happiest New Year!!  (We hope!) Mustn’t grumble a Ralpher used to say.

 

 

 

 

Doug in St Louis: Ian, what is your thoughts on the Rutles?

 

IH:  Was always a Neil Innes fan I met him briefly when they opened for us at the Barbican (not the Ruttles – Neil) in London.

 

 

 

 

Bob Boyle: ***A Very Happy Holiday*** to you and Trudi Was wondering recently if Mott ever encountered the underground music composer Genesis P Orridge and his experimental group from 1969 – 1974 COUM Transmission this was basically the same exact timeline that you were in Mott The Hoople Coum was sorta britain’s answer to Zappa’s Mothers/Invention Gen’s lady Cosey Fanni Tutti was a good friend of Ronson in those days Cosey and her friends were sorta the brit version of the GTOs

 

IH: Never heard of either; sounds interesting…

 

 

 

 

Scott Mallender: Always been your #1 Fan( along with K’s others:) – I’ve always believed that when u & Mick joined together, if u called yourself’s ‘ The Hopples’ when forming your new band would have turned the table of instant Success! Ppl. like a Group name over Solo? Along with recognizing Mott/Hunter lived on! Especially if Joe Walsh was available then? U3 would have immediately been labeled as a new superstar group. The timing was interesting as Joe joined the Eagles shortly after! I know Joe opened for Mott a few years earlier? Just my pipe dream of the World’s greatest band from 1975 onwards! 😉. No matter what, I was at every concert when in the Windsor/Detroit including the last Mott reunion phenomenal concert in 2019. Thanks for the great trip! ❤️…

 

IH: We didn’t think like that – we just wanted to play. Stardom – irrelevant!!! (daft – I know).

 

 

 

 

Ricky: Sea diver is my absolute favourite song of Ian ‘s & boy what a great tune that is it’s one of those you can listen to over & over such an underrated classic song IMO simplistic is what can make great compositions

 

IH: Thank you!

 

 

 

 

Stephen Kettell: Hi Ian Hope this finds you and yours well – caught this on the radio re tinnitus – don’t know how you are getting on with this, but I thought you might be interested. Link enc. Been listening to Wildlife a lot recently – tend to do that get obsessed with an album then move on to another Waterlow, Angel of 8th Ave and Original mixed up kid are superb tracks… Anyway – take care Steve https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cy4xr19r9e2o

 

IH: Yes – ‘Wildlife’ was a bit of a mix up, but there’s some good stuff on that record. I think at that point Mick was more influenced by the American West Coast music scene than blues Sticking “Keep a Knockin’” on the end didn’t help!

 

 

 

 

Nick:  I just read that a German officer visited Picasso’s studio in 2nd World War. Looked At Guernica and asked did u paint this Answer no you did

 

IH: True. That’s why it’s in the song.

 

 

 

 

Kevin Quinn: Hi Ian, l had a great question to ask you, but l gone and forgot what it was, it’ll come to me but anytime soon, anyhow a good chance instead to wish you and Trudi a very Merry Christmas and a very Healthy and Happy New Year, have a great time with family and friends 👍

 

IH: I had a great answer too. Pity!

 

 

 

Burbank Jones: I remember reading a blurb about how you and Verden were coming out with an LP with Hooplish songs. Is it still on the way? Thanks, Ian.

 

IH: No truth to this ‘blurb’. Saw Phally on film at that Mott gig – still a great player – looks good too.

 

 

 

 

Robert Kidd: Back in the day Mott always had a big following in the Northeast of England. I remember seeing you many times at Redcar Jazz Club, Newcastle City Hall and The Mayfair. I always appreciated the way that the band mingled with the crowd before coming on, remember buying Pete a drink as tough he was an old friend, can’t imagine this would ever happen nowadays?

 

IH: Of course it would! With us, anyway.

 

 

 

Craig Frank: Ian, I was wondering if you are contemplating publishing a book of your poetry and lyrics. I imagine you have plenty of excellent poems we have not seen. I for one would be anxious to read them. Have a great holiday. Craig

 

IH: Never thought about it. I remember sending poems to a publisher in the early days of Mott. They were turned down. I guess poetry and musical lyrics are separate entities – only ‘the poets’ don’t have to match them to music!

 

 

 

 

Alan Goldsmith: Hey Ian, good day! Saw you at Masonic Auditorium in Detroit with Mott in the mid-seventies when Queen opened some days. But for the Detroit date Kansas ended up as the opener. The Motor City audience wasn’t too happy with the switch and was rude to Kansas, but I always wondered Mott’s interaction with Kansas. Were they good folks or has time erased those memories and stories? Thank you, sir!

 

IH: Well, we were down when Queen left. We were all English and half the humour had gone!! Kansas were nice guys, and a very good band, but it wasn’t the same.

 

 

 

 

Stonefly: Greetings Ian- I had totally forgotten about, “What Would I Do Without You”- Lucinda is definitely one of my favs. I have seen her in concert a few times, most recently with Mike Campbell and the Dirty Knobs. Your duet with her is a keeper. I have always made it my purpose to travel this planet as often as funds allow. In doing so, I have come across numerous Public Art works which various cities have invested in, in an attempt to further an aesthetic awareness. A worthy endeavor, so important, in my opinion, often more powerful than any religious or political dogma. One such public work is the Jewish Memorial in Berlin. Such an interesting, solemn and powerful piece of work. Walking through the obelisks evokes a sense of transience and reverence- very thought provoking. I was wondering if you have also come across any public art in your many travels that may have hit a chord of awe and/or wonder within you?

 

IH: Cologne Cathedral – we (Mick and me) just turned a corner that there it was. Trudi and I turned a corner and there it was – Trevi Fountain; the Vatican, castle on Lake Geneva/Venice/Rome and so it goes when you’re touring. I haven’t seen the Berlin Memorial, but we all faced the guards at the wall – 20 yards from death!! They looked at you through binoculars and discussed – can’t imagine what they were saying! ‘Guernica’ was another one – inspiring.

 

 

 

Magne Hamarstrøm: Hello Ian Listened to dirty laundry. Lot of great songs, and for me as a Norwegian it’s good to hear you together with casino steel. But what got my attention on the album was the beautiful: the other man. Hope for your sake it is not a personal experience. Best fm Magne

 

IH: Yeah, I always imagined that would be covered by a country artist at some point. And Sam Lederman (my then manager) told me Willie Nelson had it in his warehouse, but didn’t do it because Sam had given it to the ‘Everly Brothers’ – who didn’t do it either!

 

 

 

William benson: I am amazed by you and one other individual Mike Campbell so how to you two go back in collaboration I believe your most popular piece was standing in my light need you and mike somewhere near Iowa

 

IH: It happened through my manager, Mike Kobayashi. Brilliant Musician!!! What he did with ‘Guernica’ was magical.  MC, and Dean DeLeo were blessings. Plus Mr. Beck – the guvnor!! I could go on – Waddy, Rick – Todd – Slash – Billy – Andy – Jeff – Johnny  – Brad – all great players!!! Great experience. What with these guys and Ronno and Ralpher – haven’t I been a lucky chap! 

 

 

 

SAM HALLENBECK: HI THERE. “MOTT LIVE” IS A SEMINAL LIVE ALBUM FOR ME IN LARGE PART BECAUSE OF THE GUITAR’S DEVASTATINGLY HEAVY TONES AND THE ALBUM’S SOLID, PUNCHY MIX. PLEASE COMPARE THE STYLISTIC DIFFERENCES OF MICK VS. LUTHER AND HOW IT AFFECTED YOU. I WAS FRONT/CENTER IN CHICAGO FOR THE “MOTT ’74” SHOW A FEW YEARS BACK AND SAW LUTHER PLAYING A STRAT (VERSUS A LES PAUL JR) WITH NO PICK AND BLEEDING LIKE A SIEVE ALL OVER THE PICKGUARD, YET SOLDIERING ON. ALSO, I SEE YOU SPEAK OF “ANDY” QUITE FREQUENTLY – IS THIS ANDY YORK, WHO I BELIEVE I SAW PLAY WITH YOU AND THE RANT BAND AT CITY WINERY, AND IF SO, DID HE ONCE PLAY GUITAR WITH NASHVILLE’S JASON AND THE SCORCHERS ON THEIR “THUNDER AND FIRE” ALBUM? THANKS.

 

IH: Mick was an arranger type guitarist – a quiet, thinking man – prone to getting it done his way – and he was right 100% of the time.  Luther’s schitzoid!!! He’s capable of outrageously good – or – what the F— was that! Same with his songs. Great fun on stage and off. They learned how to play together. Totally different approaches, but they got on like a house on fire. Love both of them. Yup – Andy York did play with Jason and the Scorchers. We’ve been at it for 25 years!!

 

 

 

Mick McKenzie: No question, just sending best wishes to you and your clan for Christmas and the New Year. Cheers.

 

IH: Same to you, Mike.

 

 

 

Larry Woodside: Wishing You, Trudi And Family a Happy Holiday Season. Wishing you good health for the New Year.

 

IH: And to you, Larry.

 

 

 

Paul Wilner: Happy holidays I hope you enjoyed a great family get together. Over the years you have written songs that cover a multitude of song genres. Is there a theme you would like to write about but just hasn’t come to you yet? Thanks for all the great music and for staying connected with all of us.

 

IH: I’m aiming for present day ambiguity….

 

 

 

James P McCabe: Hi Ian, I read the discussion of “The Journey” in the last issue, I hadn’t heard it, so I went back and listened to the Brain Capers album ( I’m probably the only Mott fan who hadn’t heard it! ) and found what you were saying to be true: great album, excellent production! Just one problem: I can’t seem to play “The Moon Upstairs” loud enough! Please advise! Be well, Ian, Happy Holidays to you and yours, and thanks! JPM

 

IH: Keep tryin’ !

 

 

 

Patrick Harwood: Just thanks for the music. I don’t smile much anymore, but today I told Alexa to play Honaloochie and it brought a smile to my face. We’ve met a few times and you were always kind, thanks for that. So many great songs and memories, you have been a big part of my life and you never knew it, I’m sure a lot of people feel this way. Good bless you and your family.

 

IH: Cheers, Patrick – glad to have been of service.

 

 

 

John in Cleveland:  Hi Ian, A Big fan of Mott and yourself since the early 70’s…Saw you solo in Cleveland 1975. When we celebrate Thanksgiving, after dinner we sit around the bar, sip bourbon and watch/judge Rock videos on YouTube. After watching one particular video of AC/DC doing Sin City live I compared them to MTH doing All the way from Memphis (Midnight Special) with the premise that MTH Live took a back seat to no band…After watching that blistering performance Everybody agreed!! Age old question for you…Beatles or Stones? Merry Christmas!!!

 

IH: I think, in retrospect, both.

 

 

 

Dru:    Too bad about Hilly. Always been a bummer for me that he wasn’t in the band for Welcome To The Club, but I’m glad he came back for All of the Good Ones Are Taken

 

IH: It was NYC – it was usually who was around – who was available.

 

 

 

Pasquale: It’s Christmas! A baby was born to teach us how to live in peace, loving each other. Unfortunately, we still have to learn. Merry Christmas and Happy new year to everyone in the Hunter Towers and to all the fans reading the Horse’s Mouth. Santa sent me, in time for Christmas, the schizo 2lp I’ve bought some months ago, so I can play a “new” record of yours. I believe all of your fans are looking to see you on stage again. It’s a remote chance, cause of tinnitus, international travels and other problems. So I was thinking if you could organize an online gig. I remember you did one song on a Bowie online tribute gig with Mike Garson during the COVID-19. Also some other artist did online concert from their garden or their house (Glenn Matlock and Earl Slick, to name a few). I believe lot of people will be happy to pay a ticket to have a link for the access to your show. Live from the Hunter Towers… Please, think about this…

 

IH: Not a bad idea, Pasquale. We’ll see how it goes. Still in the middle of Part III recording wise.

 

 

 

Sts: Always was curious which show or shows that Ian Astbury had joined you on stage. some time in 1988 in north america, but where exactly and what tunes by chance would he have sung with you? cheers and happy christmas/happy new year! StS

 

IH: No recollection of this. Sorry.

 

 

 

Bob Kleb: Merry Christmas & a very Happy New Year’s to you & the family, wishing you only the best in 2026. Just one question Ian, have you considered redoing a collection of ur great previous music as JD Souther, Cat Stevens (alias Yusuf Islam), John Fogerty have recently done i definitely believe your loyal fans would absolutely enjoy understanding ur voice is still intact. Thanks Ian for yesterday, today and the future of you entertaining your beloved true to heart fans.

 

IH: It just doesn’t appeal to me. I only like doing what comes next – what’s new to me. That’s the buzz.

 

 

 

Tim Hewston: First, a question: Do you find that the vibe of your music changes according to where you are living / working? I ask this because all your albums from ‘The Artful Dodger’ onwards have a similar vibe to my ears, which must have been around the time you moved to Connecticut. Yes, the ‘Defiance’ albums are a bit different, and I don’t think you have moved, so maybe that hypothesis is a bust. Secondly, I have mentioned them before, but Grant’s Rock Warehaus, who reviewed all the Mott albums – with or without you – are at it again, reviewing your 70s solo albums: https://www.youtube.com/live/kCgzOGF0td8?si=nXYIyQVuj30fUr9L. I think they plan to review all your solo works and this is just a start. You have 3-4 panelists commenting and scoring, and also an inner circle of listeners also commenting and scoring. The inner circle seemed to know more about your solo albums in this episode. Anyway, your first four albums came in at: 1. You’re never alone with a Schizophrenic 2. Ian Hunter 3. All American Alien Boy 4. Overnight Angels … which is the order, I would guess, most readers of this blog would put them in, although I see that hunter-mott.com puts ‘All American Alien Boy’ at No.2, which would probably be my personal preference. The next ones, I am predicting, will be scored as: 1. Welcome to the Club 2. YUI Orta 3. Short Back N Sides 4. All of the Good Ones are Taken … although I could also push ‘YUI Orta’ to No.1. I see that hunter-mott.com is not a fan of 3. and 4. I don’t suppose you care much about this stuff, but the doggedly devoted Grant’s Rock Warehaus team might appreciate a nod from you as being as loyal to you as we all are, and readers here may well enjoy their shows.

 

IH: I am truly thankful for the websites that continue to discuss Mott the Hoople, as well as my earlier and more recent work. Without these platforms, I’d probably sink into oblivion!! But like I said above – I’m only interested in what comes next. I don’t know about ‘scoring’ albums. I get it – but different situations – different times…… I can tell you the ones I don’t like!! Anyway, ‘thank you Grant’s Rock Warehaus team’ for hangin’ in with us older chaps. It’s appreciated!!

 

 

 

Gerard Martell: What happened to your album When I’m president on Apple Music and Spotify? And can I purchase any vinyl?

 

IH: We’ll look into it.

 

 

 

Dave Grant: Hi, Ian Happy New Year to you & Trudi! I hope 2026 brings you continued good health, and some relief from your tinnitus. Did you ever watch ‘The New Avengers’ back in 1976? In one episode “Your [sic] never alone with a schizophrenic” was written on a blackboard, and in another episode a character was called Professor Waterlow. A curious coincidence. All the best for 2026, sir! Dave Grant

 

IH: They sneak ‘em in from time to time. Fun.

 

 

 

Dave Simmons: Hi Ian. Chuffed to bits as my 20-year-old daughter Lucy has finally picked up the guitar. Were now having lot of conversations about Gibsons, Martins etc. but she asked me to ask you is it still possible to get good deals in pawn shops in the States? I have been reading “Diary” to her! Cheers and keep goin! Dave

 

IH: Dunno. I would say probably not up North – maybe in the South, but I think those days are over, sadly. Guitars you could get for 100 bucks back then are up in the thousands nowadays. On the positive side, guitars are ‘going out’ a little (A.I> and tech and all that stuff) so check locally. You never know when someone wants rid of stuff.

 

 

 

Simon Henshall: I’ve seen you quite a few times including when Queen were the backing band. Did you ever get asked to be the warmup for anyone if so who if not I presume it would be his Bobness. Have a great 2026 and if you do return to the UK I’ll be there though my hair won’t be.

 

IH: Bowie wanted us to open for him on a ‘Save the Whale’ concert but it was 45% lights and 45% sound – so, NO!!!  Roxy did it. 

 

 

 

Hal: Hi Ian Happy and Healthy New Year to you and your family! I am finally going to retire and hang up “the scope” for the last time in mid January. As you have probably guessed, I will have “Bastard” playing during my final procedure, as this is most fitting. As I look back on almost 50 years of practice (and over 50 years of listening to you!), the memories come flooding back. One of the highlights of my life was when you mentioned me as “the bum doc” during one of your interviews discussing rabid fans. I can’t tell you how many docs, nurses, patients, and other coworkers I have turned on to your music over the years. You’ve been a presence in my life since my high school years and your music is one of my greatest treasures. No question this time, just wanted to touch base, make you aware and thank you for all the years of great music, great conversation and fantastic shows! Meeting you and talking with you on several occasions remain some of greatest memories. I’ll have more time to listen now and more time to catalog my large collection of Mott, Ian and Bowie 8 tracks, vinyl, cassette and CDs! Stay well, Hal

 

IH: You can’t leave me now!!!

 

 

 

JC Finn: Happy New Year Ian. When yourself and Mick Ronson were due to appear on Top Of The Pops to promote Once Bitten, and Ronno remembered his Musicians Union membership had lapsed so he couldn’t Appear on the show, was it not possible to just re-join and pay his membership in order to play on the show? I know this sounds easy, and probably was more convoluted than it sounds. I ‘m just curious to know!

 

IH: We came in from the states – we were landing, and he comes out with this! The rest is history. By the way, it hadn’t ‘lapsed’ – he was never in it!

 

 

 

Bob Boyle: Hope you and Trud had a beautiful Holiday Just got finished reading Cosey Fanni Tutti bio Art/Sex/Music she revealed She and Genesis Orridge were the kissing couple on the UFO album Force It, which got banned in the U S not because of partial nudity but because the couple were ambiguous were they two men, two women no one knew for decades she revealed Aubrey Powell only paid 50 pounds for the photo shoot They paid their phone bill w the money found link to all Hipgnosis album cover artworks http;//www.hipgnosiscovers.com

 

IH: Aha!

 

 

 

TBone: Thanks for making decades of great music and for continuing to do so. I recently heard Alejandro Escobedo do a cover of Irene Wilde and he gave you high praise. Have you ever crossed paths with him?

 

IH: Yes, we go back many years. I don’t know how many – but it’s a lot! Worked with one of his relatives too! Alejandro’s the genuine article.

 

 

 

Danielz: Hi Ian I hope all is well. I’m trying to find out if the ‘Strings Attached’ album is available on vinyl? Many thanks. Danielz T.Rextasy

 

IH: I don’t think so, but it’s a good idea.

 

 

 

Peter Jordan: Have you ever been tempted to rework a song from a previous album and put it on a new one? I know you occasionally changed the tempo of ‘Roll away the stone’ live and you may have done others that were too subtle for me! Apologies if so! The reason for the question is I’ve been listening to AAAB lately and I thought a more sombre version, as opposed to the angry one, of Restless Youth would be really good! The ‘Defiance style’ vocal would add something I think. I suppose some would argue that you keep moving forward and new is better but they don’t have your back catalogue!

 

IH: Rehearsing for a gig – you just do them. if someone in the band says ‘how about this’ and it sounds better – it changes accordingly. Some develop, some stay as is. You’re talking a lot of songs here and I forget. 

 

 

 

Jonathan Bailey: Hi Ian, I have just been watching old archive episodes of, ‘The Old Grey Whistle Test’, from the 1970’s on the BBC iPlayer here in the UK. This got me to wondering if Mott the Hoople were ever asked to appear on this show? Also, were you ever approached and asked to appear as a solo artiste? All the best to you.

 

IH: Can’t recall, sorry.

 

 

 

Royboy: Brighter new year for Trudi and you moving forward in 2026!! A few things: do you know why David Bowie didn’t play the Mick Ronson Memorial show??, it’s have 3 track e.p. ,death of a nation and the live acoustic version of wash away has become my favorite song of yours. So if you do tour… I’m all good with acoustic, as opposed to electric. If it would be easier on your hearing.. . And finally and once again. Wouldn’t it be great if we ran out of hate???? Just play on Maestro…..

 

IH: I really don’t know why David didn’t want to do the show. I read somewhere he thought it could turn into a circus if he appeared. Might have been true. Lots of people did turn up – Great night – if sad.

 

 

 

 

So here we are – 2026.

So here we STILL are 2026!

Hope all goes well for all of you and yours.

Keep ‘em comin’

 

IH

The Horse’s Mouth xxx