Ian Hunter | January 2026 | Horse’s Mouth
Hi All – how’s it goin’ !
Dave Griffiths MBE: Hi Ian, Happy new year and hope the Tinnitus is behaving itself. You may already be aware of this, but I have just read Ade Edmondson’s book “Berserker” and he mentions that he is a huge fan of Mott the Hoople and you. He says he loved your contribution to Melody Maker in the 1970’s. His fellow actor the late Rik Mayall was also a huge fan. You have had a huge influence on so many lives, myself included! Stay well Dave
IH: Yes, I’ve met Ade a couple of times over the years. So unlike Ade!! Professorial!! He said the two of them (with Rik Mayall) use to drive up and down the M1 playin’ our stuff.
Ooour Wullie: Hope you are the family, motters and ranters have a great 2026. Lang may your lum reek. Anything happening in the near future Will there be a defiance pt3 or any gigs? – Aurabest Ooour Wullie
IH: Yes, there will be a Defiance 3. It’s already written – in overdubbing stage at the moment.
John Frawley: Cheers Ian, hope you are doing as well as can be. You’ve written songs on your own and also with others like Ralpher, Ronno, Hilly Michaels, Phally. Obviously most were written on your own. Were there any issues when writing with others? Were you in the same room when writing with them? Happy New Year!
IH: No issues at all, to my knowledge. We would always finish them off together – maybe think them up separately, then work them up together.
Beirne Beirne: Hi Ian Wondering about any literary heroes of yours. Authors or books that have influenced you or that you really have just enjoyed.
IH: Loved Robbie Lewis Stevenson when I was a kid. Treasure Island and all that magical stuff.
Keith Johnson: Hi Ian, big fan since the 70’s. Last year I discovered a YouTube show called waste some time with Jason green. He is the tour manager for Stephen Pearcy of the band Ratt I met him and happened to have my Ronson t shirt on and he stated he had met mick years ago. We spoke of you and because he does the best interviews with music and movie personalities I told him I wish he could do an interview with you! He stated he would love to do it he’s so good and respectful of anyone he interviews I think you would enjoy his style! Usually how does one set those up I would contact him with info if you’re interested it would be good!!! Hope you are well and the family!
IH: Fran DeFeo of Fran DeFeo Public Relations would be the person to contact.
Tim Hewston: Not to put you on the spot – well, maybe to put you on the spot – in reply to my question last month, you said you could tell us which of your albums you don’t like. In response to which, I say, “Yes, please do just that, Sir,” with great excitement and encouragement. I’m guessing at the bottom of your personal preferences are ‘Overnight Angels’ and ‘Only the good ones are taken,’ with ‘Short Back N Sides’ a smidgeon above them. It does have, after all, ‘Central Park N West’ and ‘Rain,’ which is a quintessential song about what it felt to live in England at that time. I wish it had had ‘Venus in a Bathtub,’ too. Maybe in some version it does. You have said many times that ‘All American Alien Boy’ was commercial suicide, but I think you are quite proud of it, and I am sure you are proud of all your Year 2000+ albums with Andy York, and rightly so. But I have never heard what you think of ‘Dirty Laundry’ and ‘The Artful Dodger.’ I hope you like ‘The Artful Dodger’ as it is one of my many favorites, not just for the towering ‘Michael Picasso.’ I just love ‘Skeletons (In Your Closet)’ for the lines: Hey hey, the gang’s all here Pimps ‘n’ pervs, straights ‘n’ queers Enquiring minds want to sneer At the skeletons in your closet. English male youth culture nailed! I’ve been there so many times.
Ian, In last month’s ‘Horse’s Mouth,’ Jonathan Bailey asked if you had ever been on the ‘Old Grey Whistle Test’, and the answer is ‘Yes.’ Here is Whispering Bob interviewing you about ‘Diary of a Rock N Roll Star,’ and you replying in your best David Bowie voice: https://youtu.be/6EI8zhxDWBU?si=4ellYb1Fzzmny91K
IH: Yes – ‘Overnight Angels’ – I blew that one ‘All of the Good Ones Are Taken’ – no Ronno (well, a bit). I liked ‘Short Back and Sides’ – it was different with Mick Jones – enjoyed that. ‘AAAB’ was great; working with all those amazing people – as were the last two. Enjoyed all of the ‘Andy York’ albums – including the one we’re doing at the moment. The Rant Band was great on a few. What’s a ‘Best David Bowie’ voice?
Nick tinari abington, pa: Best for 2026 to you and yours, Sir. Had a long drive and put Dudes on after many, many years. Sea Diver just caught me in the gut and wouldn’t let go. Mick Ronson gave your song everything it deserved and more. The production is just perfect. Not a spec of marble more or less on Michelangelo’s David, it is. And then, you could do “I’m Getting Nuthin for Chrismas !” The highs and lows of it all, I suppose is why we will never stop loving you. Stay well Ian.
IH: Whatever comes, comes.
Tim Hewston: The viewers of the Grant’s Rock Warehaus show were pretty excited that you reached out to the show with your kind comments: http://youtube.com/post/Ugkxs9PgtCIR_uFJcbCUHGn-PIzX1y-qb5Fs?si=bvGPaw5BLstB2pYw
Thanks for doing that! Tim
IH: OK!
Andy Allison: Happy New Year Mr Hunter! I hope all is well with you…? We really miss you not visiting UK. Does 2026 hold any positive news?
IH: Not really – old man stuff!! Might do a Q & A at some point.
Neil McCormack: Hi Ian, did you ever run into the late, GREAT Keith Moon after the escapade described in Diary of a Rock & Roll Star?
IH: He came to a gig at the Palladium in LA and asked me where I was staying. I told him and he rang me the next day. Before the book was out, we ‘had a word’ down the Speakeasy; he was fine with it.
Willie Wit: How are you finding living in America during these troubling times? Would anything make you return to the UK? Ta 🙂
IH: Seems like a mess everywhere. Don’t know.
Hal: Hi Ian, Hope all is well. Can’t wait for Defiance Part 3. I just wanted to set the scene for my final scope: Wednesday morning, January 14, 930am – Procedure starts and “Bastard” is blasting throughout the unit. As Bastard ends and the procedure nears completion, Old Records Never Die followed by Dudes. Then lots of hugs and a cherished career ends. The next phase begins and I’m looking forward to it. It will definitely include lots of your music and words, with their many excellent lessons to live by. You are the best! Hal
IH: Glad to have been of assistance!!
James “Tripp” Pair: Hello and Happy New Years to you! I was wondering if you were sent a copy of “You Are One Of Us”? The book from Andrew Feld and Fans! A reverse sense of the Horses Mouth I suppose. Reading stories from the fans has got to feel good!. I’m wondering if you had read it and if any of the stories brought back and memories of times gone by? Hope the print from the MottFest gets to you soon! Seeing all the signatures is really awesome! Lots of love coming from the fans and friends! My very best to you and Trudi
IH: Yeah, James has still got it, but he’s really busy with is shops, gigging and selling photos (I don’t know how he does it). Trudi actually ordered the book and it’s lovely. Pete, Buff and Mick would be honoured. I saw footage of Phally at that gig. Still looking good and playing the shit out of that organ!
Jim McConnell: Ian i have always loved Rollerball and the lyrics are relevant still (nothing seems to change). What’s the chances of this as a bonus track on Part 3? Hope 2026 is a good ‘un for you and Trudi.
IH: Probably not.
Sandie Smith: Did Ian once have a bible study with a Jehovahs Wittness called Jean Smith. She recently passed away aged 100 and if I remember correctly she told us it was Ian she had a study with. Thanks
IH: Not to my knowledge. R.I.P., Jean Smith! (I liked this one – odd>)
David Morgan: I love the songs of Bob Seger who like you uses his life experience to as the basis of most of his songs. Do you like his music and have you ever met him?
IH: Bob came to see us and I think he was there to poach Mick for his band. Never happened. Great singer though.
Lee Jones: Hi Ian. It’s now the 10th anniversary of the passing of Jimmy Bain and I recently remembered that he has some involvement in your Overnight Angels band. I’ve heard various reports that he toured with you but I’ve never seen any photos or read any articles or seen any other evidence, so I would be grateful for any recollections you may have about him. Ta! All the best. LJ
IH: Don’t remember this, sorry.
Lilah M: Howdy! I’ve noticed imagination is mentioned a lot in your lyrics, like in the bridge of my fave solo song Man Overboard. It speaks to me because it’s also an important part of my personality. Now at your age, have your opinion on imagination changed? How did/does it help you fight against reality? Hope you’re doing well and I’m looking forward to the new music!
IH: Imagination’s great, but – of course – there’s a B-side. Get a pimple and you’re dying!! Reality varies – sucks at the moment!
George Miller: Hello Ian! I hope all is well! I was wondering if you would start a Podcast for the Horses Mouth and maybe Give us a Song or two to end the show. It would be very nice to hear you perform! God Bless You and Stay well!
IH: I’m useless with computers (on purpose). Maybe down the road a tad.
Mark F: What was the hardest song for you to sing, either hitting high notes or emotionally (Michael Picasso?) Did you regularly play “We’ve Got To Get Out of Here” as part of your setlist or was it only on Welcome to the Club?
IH: That would be ‘The Loner’. I don’t think we ever played ‘We’ve Got To Get Out of Here’ live.
Al Johnson: Hi Ian, I’ve just been listening to Crybaby’s Daily Misery album again for the umpteenth time, what a brilliant album it is. It got me to thinking if you might consider recording Rock ‘N’ Roll Heart and putting it out as a single. What do you think? Cheers Al.
IH: I’ll have a look.
Dru: Does your philosophy of looking forward and not back only apply to your music or does it apply to all aspects of your life?
IH: In life I can look back; in music – it’s always the next song – never the last one. Also, I have a crap memory. Stan Tippins told me recently that my memory was bad back then!
Pete Morris: Ian, been reading many books by musicians like Dave Davies, Ginger Baker, Steve Gorman etc but the one I found most interesting was by Johnny Winter. It was an extremely sad book what he faced through his life. Did you ever meet him?
IH: Yes, we gigged with both Winters. Just said hello – that’s about it. They both seemed offish, but we were from a different neck of the woods. They were solid blues and we were rockers.
Jon White: Hi Ian I’ve just been rewatching your amazing performance of ‘Dudes’ at the Rock N’ Roll Hall of Fame in 2019, with Colin Blunstone on backing vocals. Did your paths ever cross back in the day, or was that the first time?
IH: The Rant Band and I gigged with the Zombies in 2015 – lovely guys. In 2019 MTH ’74 were rehearsing in New Jersey so I didn’t get to the Hall gig until 10 pm and unfortunately, didn’t get a chance to say hello.
Peter: Hi Ian, Just found an old home recording of Later with Jules Holland from 2010, featuring you and the Rant band doing ‘Flowers’ and ‘Once Bitten”. Do you remember much about it, I always wondered did the bands have to hang around for the whole time, whilst others played, or did the bands play their all their songs in one go and then it was spliced to go round the songs one at a time. All the best, Peter
IH: It was typical TV. Somebody would come to your dressing room and take you to the set
Donald Mease: If it isn’t one thing it’s another these days Gunner went to Minneapolis to see a hockey game and was accosted by ICE agents demanding to see his papers When all he could produce was a small booklet of Zig-Zags, they shipped him off to Uganda I said I’d help get his proof of citizenship together and asked him where he was born and he tells me the stork brought him So, Ian … are your papers in order?
IH: Nothing – as of yet!
Kieran McPeake: Hi Ian Hope you’re well. I’m reading the biography of Lou Reed by Anthony DeCurtis. Just wondered about your meetings with Lou if they ever happened – he seemed like a difficult character!. Who decided to cover Sweet Jane? Did you ever visit the factory or meet Warhol? Any thoughts about NY at that time? Thank you Ian, hope to see you again soon in England. Much love and thanks for all the joy you’ve given me over the years… Kieran
IH: Never went to the Factory, but I met Andy Warhol. Seemed like a nice guy – shy. Lou on the other hand!! Bowie turned us on to ‘Sweet Jane’ We sorta converted it to our way of doing things. I’ve no idea if Lou was amused or not!! It’s one of the best chord sequences ever. Lou just seemed withdrawn. He was in the UK and a bit over awed with David. A lot going on at the time.
Bob Boyle: Now that Iggy Pop is officially retired from stage work as of Jan 1st What suppose will he fill his days with ? I for one would like to see Iggy in the role of music producer/engineer for fledging new bands that are influenced by his career The track RAW POWER was done on a 24 track console but utilised only 3 channels on the recording console and Iggy mixed the song himself the result was nothing less than amazing read a review of it https://en.apoplife.nl/iggy-and-the-stooges-raw-power/ Iggy as a 21st century studio producer.. thats rich !
IH: It is kinda difficult having had a long career. It’s ups – it’s downs – periodic excitements etc. etc. I personally don’t miss the travelling aspect. And who’s gonna insure me! I don’t know what Iggy will do. I just keep writing; I guess we all have to grow up!!
Dru: Listened to Schizophrenic the other night . You sing your ass off
IH: Cheers, Dru. It was a good time.
billc: I took a road trip to Cincinnati Ohio Ohio Ohio, recently. I gave my wife complete control of the music . If was one of the few times in 40+ Years on a trip like that and Mott Live was not played. I once found myself doing 90 mph on 91 in Massachusetts listening to Medley. 145 Km/Hr if you are a metric guy.. It’s just a fun piece of music if you want to get things going . I always assumed it was an Ariel Bender era thing but it goes back to Mick Ralphs. Is there any story behind that chunk of music or was it just an evolution? It’s the gift that keeps on giving . On the same topic, During Mott 74 , someone took all those videos in the van. Did you have any rules on noise and music . Did you prefer it more silent since the other part of the trip was noisy. One last thing-when was the last time you went sleigh riding ? Enjoy the cold while it lasts. 🙂
IH: I never gave it much thought. Buff and Mick were the re-mix – into the studio guys – Buff especially. As far as I was concerned – they were gigs. Having said that – they apparently did a great job. I don’t think I’ve ever heard ‘Mott Live’. Maybe way back then, but not in recent decades.
Bob Kleb: Ian, hope you and ur bride had & will have a great New Year….upon hearing today of the snub to Bill Belichek into entering The Football Hall Of Fame & the outburst of the ignorance and shame of the Hall Of Fame & voices stating in this case they should do away with the Hall it brings me to the same vivid thought in reference to why Mott The Hoople/ Ian Hunter are not in the Rock now Roll Hall of Fame, I am sure this situation today has brought the same sediment of questioning Motts/ Ian’s snub for several years….as voiced today if not elected in very soon( long overd) the same logic the whst we “call” The Rock N Roll Hall of Fame should be done with….we’re all behind you Ian, let’s hope they get this DONE!
IH: I’m sure there’s worse people than me in it and better people than me out of it.
Mike Flanagan: Do you compose on piano or guitar? If the answer is none of the above please expound.
IH: Mainly piano – sometimes guitar.
Tom McGary: What’s your view on the Springsteen protest song “Streets of Minneapolis”? Too specifically political? Personally I think it’s a powerful statement.
IH: Bruce does it his way – I do it mine.
Dave: Hello. This is a business question, so you may not want to answer it. My question is – how does it work re: contacting labels to produce and distribute your CD? Do you give them demos of some (all) songs for the upcoming CD? Do you give them stats re: sales for Part 1 and 2? Do you need to tell them some of the musicians you have lined up? Do they need to give you their marketing plans, etc. etc. Thanks for whatever insight you can provide. Blessings.
IH: It varies – I’ve never actually sent anything to anybody. I’ve always had some kind of management situation. I guess the manager pitches the artist or the song. In my current situation my manager, Mike (also Def Leppard’s manager) sorts all that kind of stuff out I’m really not a business bloke at all and I’m useless on computers. Happy Valentines Day, Trudi!!! So yes – I need help!
Matt Parish: Hey Ian…Just sharing my astonished grievances regarding the R N Roll Hall of Blame with their “tribute” to Mick. You are much too much a gentleman to go over the top pointing out their ( yet another ) blunder but I aint. Man does it stoke my furnace when something this important is left to some coffee runner. Mick Is a LEGEND and should be treated as such….with royalty, respect and RECOGNITION!
IH: Who cares? Mick certainly wouldn’t.
Mike Costanzo: Found this little tidbit nestled in “David Bowie’s Serious Moonlight: The World Tour” which was published way back in 1984. Bowie was appearing at Madison Square Garden and your presence in the backstage VIP lounge (amid numerous small children of Bowie’s support band) was duly noted: “Veteran rock & roller Ian Hunter, Bowie’s old buddy and protege for whom Bowie wrote the slightly warped teen anthem “All the Young Dudes,” slumped himself down into a sling chair and through his Ray-Ban shades scanned the New York Post and tried to be cool and not notice the screaming little kids running around his ankles. It wasn’t like this in the old days, back when Hunter was heading up the fine group Mott the Hoople. Rock & roll had finally matured, the appearances seemed to say.” I guess if you could be anywhere in New York City that night, it was exactly where you were at, despite the pre-school atmosphere. Bravo, my friend.
IH: Don’t remember this. I saw him at the Garden when Slick was in the band. I was in his dressing room, but there were no kids The room was empty except for me and him and one other guy (a minder?). David was desperate for a fag and I only had Marlboros; he liked French/Turkish heavy duty cigarettes – and this is before he goes out to sing!! Some guys had all the luck.
Dru: Did Mick like producing Morrissey?
IH: Dunno. Morrissy loved what Mick was doing though. I know this because I asked him and that’s what he said.
Wayne Klein: Which album do you wish you could ‘do over’? An album where you weren’t happy with the results (and , if so, what didn’t you like about the album)
IH: I wouldn’t want to do any of them over. Once they’re done – that’s it. Good or bad – I would never want to go back and do one again. They’re old already!!
Bobby Kleb: Just an add on from earlier comment, just seen on Google ATYD was just voted best Glam rock ballad!!! Well deserved Mr Hunter.
IH: Isn’t that Great!! We were first for once!! Only took 50 yars!!
John McMillan: Hi Ian, so happy to report. My last work contract Before retiring is in the UK. Here now and loving It, in spite of the negativity spoken by various people. Some people say you love Mott and Hunter so much. Why not visit his childhood Home. I think its daft. Instead of the childhood Homes I would and will be visiting places where Mott made history, like in cyrodon. Or the old Hammersmith theater in London. Do you have Any fond memories of a spot to visit where you Feel MOTT used to shine? Also who copied who? I look at Noddy Holder from back in the day. And he uses so many similar stage presence Moves as you. Lol. And to all the people that laughed at me while growing because I liked Slade and Mott. They weren’t bleeding us. They were feeding us. But some are to f n. Slow. God bless ya! John..
IH: As I’ve said before, Noddy and his mates saw Mott at Wolverhampton Civic and decided to form a band. I remember the Greyhound, Croyden was a great gig and the Lyceum was a crazy gig. Hammersmith Odeon (or whatever they call it now) was London’s Beacon (NYC). The Speakeasy was for after hours. Fairfield Hall, Croyden was a big step up. Aylesbury, Birmingham Town Hall, Liverpool, Newcastle, Glasgow, the Albert Hall – I could go on. As far a ‘Shining’ goes – Mott always played magnificently in out of the way gigs and usually blew it magnificently at gigs awash with press- and power!!
Freezing in CT: Long time fan. Do you know if Steve Earle is playing a bit of All the Way from Memphis in Hard-Core Troubadour? Sure sounds like it. Perhaps a nod to a fellow troubadour? Wishing you good health in 2026.
IH: I did not know that – as a fellow freezer.
Matt Nojonen: Dear Mr. Hunter, Do you have tracks in the vault that you would like to release? Any gems to polish up and get out there? Sincerely, Matt
IH: All new Matt – all new. Never look backwards. It’s been done! So it can’t have been good enough as it didn’t see the light of day. “You win some – you lose some”…..Now that should have been a hit.
Keep ‘em comin’!
Sincerely chaps
IH
The Horse’s Mouth
p.s. Just written a song that’s like no other song I’ve ever written. I don’t even know what it is – that’s FUN!
P.s.s. R.I.P. Mick Hince
Being Mott the Hoople we didn’t go ‘through’ the alps – we went over the alps in the middle of the night with Booster driving. Ralpher nervously suggested he should give ‘foot down’ Booster a break. “Shut the F— up.” Booster snarled – it was just another terrifying Mott experience during Booster’s reign as our only roadie.
Needled to say, we all loved the guy. Mick Hince – a true gentleman!!
Condolences to his family and all who knew him.
Ian Hunter