Ian Hunter | May 2026 | Horse’s Mouth

Sunny Day – thanks for all the birthday wishes!!!

 

 

Phil Morand: Any plans to release super deluxe versions of your solo albums or any of Mott the Hoople’s releases? Thanks!

 

IH: I think we’re in the process of getting ‘Rant’ out on vinyl.

 

 

 

 

Russ OMalley: It was 1973, Radio City Music Hall, Mott the Hoople Halloween concert, New York radio dj Zachary rose out of coffin ,announced the band , you guys rose up from beneath the stage, You, Ariel, and Overand out front tearing it up!! It was an amazing night I will NEVER forget. I have seen you countless times since, I have been honored to meet you (Pier 1,The Chance,Daryls Place… ) I truly miss your live shows, I wish you well, a fan forever! Russ

 

IH: I thought Radio City was pretty bad, actually. We had serious P.A. problems. I remember Pete pushing me out in a wheelbarrow for the encores!

 

 

 

 

Dru: Were Johnny Winter and Rory Gallagher both good live?

 

IH: Oh yeah! Both were excellent. Rory was a lovely guy too. 

 

 

 

 

Dru: Did you like Frank Zappa?

 

IH:  Frank was an absolute gentleman. I visited him once and he told me to come back anytime. A lot of these guys with ‘reps’ aren’t as crazy and they’re made out to be.  Keith Moon had taken me there and it was just an ordinary evening in suburbia (in the Hollywood Hills).

 

 

 

 

Graham: Hi Ian Wondering if you have seen the film Still Crazy? Premise is a 70’s glam band reuniting for one last show and its a fun little film (Bill Nighy as the lead singer who is still stuck in his glam rock days is hilarious). In the film opening there is a scene which is all voice over: it’s at a big outdoor festival sometime in the 70’s and we hear a band arguing with the promoter about when they are going on: PROMOTER: “You’re on right after Mott the Hoople” BAND: Ah c’mon mate: we’re bigger than Mott the f’ing Hoople!” Thought it was a funny ine, and it worked out for the best for you guys because whenever their band went on the lead singer was struck by lightening! Cheers mate GK

 

IH: Yeah, saw that. Bil Nighy – always really good (and really thin these days).

 

 

 

 

RICHARD P BUCKLE: Side one, Mad Shadows. BRILLIANT!

 

IH: Real

 

 

 

 

John Channing: Hard Labour, Gemini Moon !!, just want to wish you a very happy birthday for the 3rd June, keep doing what you do, we need you and your music even more these days 🙂 Do you still go walking most days ?, me and my Joe go for stroll nearly every day, our favourite place is Greenwich Park in South London, if you are ever in that part of the smoke it’s a great walk, a few hills that are good for cardio !! Take care Ian and keep rockin’ 🙂 John

 

IH: Got some great stuff on the way.  I walk, but less these days – old man stuff.

 

 

 

 

Ray Schroeder: Hi Ian, Writing from Australia, always been a big fan since the 70’s, I am also intrigued by the fact you are a runner, I wondered if you still run? If so how far? I am about to turn 70 and hope to keep running as long as possible

 

IH: My Father was an athlete (had a bronze medal for boxing in th Army). I was ‘made’ to run as a kid! Pretty much kept it up until recently. How far? I would do 6 miles in my 70’s.

 

 

 

 

RICHARD MILLS: Hi Ian I guess this might to you in time for another birthday, so happy returns and best wishes. You’re always being asked about Luther and Ronno and comparing them to Mick Ralph’s. But an enquiry about Blue Weaver had me thinking…there were three keyboard players (more?) ushered in after Verden Allen left. I wondered what sort of gap was left when Phally left and how well you thought Morgan Fisher, Michael Bolton and Blue bridged that gap. Maybe musically but personality fit, too. Cheers, Richard

 

IH:  In retrospect, Phally had a lot to do with the ‘Mott the Hoople Sound’. He played heavy, as did Mick. Morgan was gifted as a keyboardist and had a great stage persona. Blue was (and probably still is – one of the best around) and Mick Bolton was a real nice kid on the way up!

 

 

 

 

Jem H: Hi Ian – RE: my response to your response to my question 3) – last issue refers – Volume 1 (by Campbell Divine) will be ordered by the time of your next issue!! (Sorry I wasn’t already in the know) but 2019 – 2021 was a strange period and this has made me realize, I need to look back at your News archive! It’s great to me that the two volumes of your authorized biography are ‘bridged’ by the year 1974. Thanks and best wishes…

 

IH: Yeah, Campbell did a great job. He’s about as thorough as you can get.  Good friend to us.

 

 

 

 

Scott: Congrats on the Blue Plaque!!!

 

IH: I heard about it, but no one has contacted me. Is it for real?

 

 

 

 

Paul Wilner: Hey Ian, Facebook just popped up a memory 9 years ago when you played the Ark in Ann Arbor MI . It got me thinking did you ever meet Don McLean and what he thought about your version of American Pie? It is a great way to start a concert as you did with the 1974 tour! Thanks for all your creativity!

 

IH: Nah – never met him.

 

 

 

 

Mark F: Happy Birthday Ian, “your still here & I’m still here” (High School Class of 72, turned 72 May 13th). “Hope” for many more. I know you did a stint with Ringo’s all-star band, but back in the day what did you think of the Beatles?

 

IH: The Beatles were (and still are) probably the best ever. The Stones a close second! And we can’t forget about The Who.

 

 

 

 

Smith: Hi Ian….Recently got back into MTH after 50 years left on the shelf. Also I’ve been re-vitalised with your solo career since leaving the group and thoroughly love your exceptional song writing talents. My question is short and simple. How does it feel to have the proposed unveiling of a plaque dedicated to your place of birth at this time in your life. ? Keep up the fantastic song writing ability that you have and which your fans truly appreciate and love. Fingers crossed for your next album….Stay safe and keep enjoying life.

 

IH: It’s very nice of them, if they are, in fact, doing it.

 

 

 

 

Mark F: Do you watch the show “Filthy Fortunes”? A combination of Hoarders & Pickers.

 

IH: Never heard of it!

 

 

 

 

Rolf Brunner: Hi Ian, I scanned some photos of you and Mick Ronson from a concert in Zurich in the 70s. I wanted to give you these photos at a concert in Switzerland, but unfortunately it didn’t work out. If you’re interested, where can I send the pictures? I’m really looking forward to more of your work; I’ve been following your music since the first Mott the Hoople album and I own all your albums.

 

IH:  You can send the pictures to me at: P.O. Box 245, Bridgewater, CT 06752. Thanks!

 

 

 

 

Michael Wolf: Hey Ian! Hope all is well mate. Curious as to what instruments you prefer to play. I know you said the H was not the greatest. For guitars, is Martin a stand out? Same for keyboards. I have an old, cheap , Epiphone. It does the job, since I am far from a recording artist. What about pedals? Do you prefer electric or acoustic, although I am sure it depends on how a song feels to you at the time. Thanks.

 

IH: I have Martins (even a little one!). I also have Gibson acoustics and electrics, but I’m favoring the little Martin at the moment. It’s easy – sounds a bit like a Taylor – which I don’t have, but want. I prefer acoustic these days because of my ear problems. I have a few keyboards – most of the stuff I wrote on these ‘Defiance’ records were on a Roland.

I have Yamaha and Alesis, too. The Maltese Cross is great – but LOUD. The rest are in a cupboard!

 

 

 

 

Jim McConnell: Happy birthday Ian. You did a splendid job in the All Of The Good Ones Are Taken video – was there ever a chance that any acting roles might come your way?

 

IH: Would love to do a bit of acting, but nobody’s asked!

 

 

 

 

Audrey: Hello Ian!! I hope you are fine. Tell us how you feel about Mick Ronson now and what happened between you during his life????

 

IH: You know Audrey, I get asked this a lot. All I can tell you is we were brothers. I’m still with him – and always will be.

 

 

 

 

J C Finn: Happy Birthday for the 3rd Ian. David Bowie had his three 70’s albums (Low, Heroes, Lodger) called the “Berlin Trilogy”. Will your three Defiance albums be known as anything? maybe “The Connecticut Trilogy” or “The New England Trilogy”, maybe just “The Trilogy of Defiance”. Whatever it’s called I think all the fans are looking forward to its release.

 

IH: Dunno! Haven’t really thought about it. I’ve started to do something a little differently lately. There’s one track on Defiance III that will give you a clue as to life after these three.

 

 

 

 

Phil: Ian! Just bought a car in the UK. If you miss out one letter and the numbers on the registration, it spells DUDE. Wow- I’m almost as cool as you. We could be brothers! Take care. Phil

 

IH: You’re daft!!

 

 

 

 

Tom Flynn:    The web site best classic bands.com has an article about “10 Greatest Road Trip Rock Albums”. Happy to mention Strings Attached is in great company between Humble Pie and Paul Simon. Keep Up The Good Work Ian.

 

IH: It’s all just opinions. You can be #1 in one poll and not be in the top 500 in another. Opinions. I must write a song about this.

 

 

 

 

Rob Davis: This evening I watched a 60 Minutes program which included a section discussing a famous person teaching the piano who stated words to the effect that playing the piano is hard, grinding , work…..Maybe no fun. That made me think of All the Way From Memphis. I smile everytime I hear the intro; I can’t imagine writing such music and not feeling joy. Happy Birthday (a little early)! Was it hard work, or did you feel joy?

 

IH: I was just fiddling with black notes at the time. We lived in Wembley and it was an old stand up (30 bob) piano with wrecked whites keys. Took a while but it came out great at the end. Hard work AND joy I’d say.

 

 

 

 

Mike Costanzo: Ian, Had Mick Ralphs stayed on and you had his singer/songwriting to help carry the weight, do you think MTH could had squeezed out an additional album or two, or would it not had mattered? Also, happy forthcoming birthday. Your age shows youv’e done something right, and a solid marriage is a reflection of that. (Thank you, Mrs. Trudi!)

 

IH: (Never heard of him.)  Yes, I think it probably would have.

 

 

 

 

Robert Rawlings: Congratulations on the blue plaque, you and the family must be so proud. Many happy returns for the 3 June.

 

IH: Thank you!

 

 

 

 

Bill Holmes: I write this as I celebrate Ronno’s 80th birthday, which of course has me playing much of his music – lots alongside you – and smiling ear to ear. I’m sure it’s a bittersweet day for you as well. Thankful that I was born when I was and got to grow up with an incredible soundtrack, in your case from the Guy Stevens years to the upcoming Defiance III (and hopefully beyond!). Just wanted to take a moment to thank you and wish you and yours the best of health. Like you, I respect the past but doon’t live in it – onward and forward! Cheers…Bill

 

IH: How nice, thank you.

 

 

 

 

MGdriver: My favotite line from all your songs– From Comfortable–” I bet those twins ain’t identical.” Did ever find out?

 

IH: See, if the mainstream would only listen!!!

 

 

 

 

Joe Wyatt: Hey Ian Firstly I just wanted to say thanks for everything you’ve done. Your work has been and continues to be a huge part of my life. I was wondering what you thought/think of the music comedy crop like Bad News and Spinal Tap? I know Rik and Ade from Bad News were big into Mott so you can’t knock the lads for ‘avin taste! Thanks again, Ian. Be well m8! Xx P.s. Do you think you’d ever do anything with Mr. V. Allen in the future? Perhaps something remote considering location differences.

 

IH: I’d love to work with Phally again. Unfortunately, he’s over there and I’m over here. I thought of him only yesterday. Don’t know if he’s computer savvy; I’m not, but Andy York is!!

 

 

 

 

Jem H: Hey Ian, with mine lower down this issue – I meant Devine, not ‘Divine’ – sorry to Campbell – I’m looking forward to reading Vol 1!

 

IH: I’ll tell him – he’ll be mad!!

 

 

 

 

Michael: Just listening to Life after death what a great rocker.All the best Ian

 

IH: I remember that one.

 

 

 

 

Peter Jordan: Just reading a book called ‘Killers of the King’ about the fate of the regicides who signed Charles 1sts death warrant or who played a role in his execution. Contrary to my schooling Charles 2nd went after them in a big way. Some fled to U.S. and it seems New Haven’s status as a colony was downgraded because of (passive) resistance to hunting the refugees down. I wondered if you felt a greater artistic (as opposed to religious or political) freedom from becoming US based and how it affected your writing? Of course songs like ‘Death of a nation’ and ‘Ripoff’ show you can dip back into U.K. angst so perhaps you’re mid Atlantic?

 

IH: (Never heard of him.) I’m center – always have been. I find most politics diabolical – riddled by who you now, ‘power’ and money. TV and newspapers – awful – not even subtle. How these people live with themselves is beyond me. Apart from that – it’s all cool!  A doctor said to me once,  “Get in and get out”. (Good title, Peter.)

 

 

 

 

James ‘Tripp’ Pair:   DO you have any hobbies that keep you busy around the house other than writing music? Cooking, gardening , birdwatching? Where does your motivation come from on staying healthy and happy other than the obvious . Wishing you a wonderful Birthday. I’m looking forward to Part 3. Hope all is well, Tripp

 

IH: God no!!  Trudi likes gardening. I just think!

 

 

 

 

Paul Gabrik: 12 Bridey Lane, Brewster. Private Road. Paul Gabrik , 65 year old Cyber Tech Executive for 20 years. Dream is to see you play Darryls House, not far away or Ridgefield Playhouse. Have seen Ian over 20 times, even back in NYC on west side with Mick R. Countless number of beautiful song from Irene W, When the daylight comes,Once Bitten, but my college room dorm contribution to the floor Was each night…..Just Another Night. What a no bullshit rock and roller, I admire the most. Paul

 

IH: How nice of you. Cheers, Paul.

 

 

 

 

Mark: Hi Ian, would you say the Beatles had an influence on you music? Greetings from Germany Mark

 

IH: The Beatles had no influence on me. They were terrific, but my influence came from elsewhere. Dylan, Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis, Little Richard, P.J. Proby etc. etc. Pre- Beatles (apart from Bob).

 

 

 

 

Ed:      Over the years it seems Old Rockers ( Tull ) are becoming more pastoral with their music. I’m not sure if you were a fan of Jethro Tull but would you consider working with Ian Anderson ? Your sensibilities, song craft and experiences seem to line up. Just something to think about.

 

IH: I’ve only spoken to Ian once at length – and that was about his fishing farm business in Scotland. So, no – we’re different!

 

 

 

 

Dru: Who was Wells Kelly?

 

IH: Well, having consulted Wikipedia!…….Wells was a NY based drummer, who played with Ronno a few times. I don’t/didn’t know him. He died young (35) in the UK. Originally from New Orleans.

 

 

 

 

Peter Morris: Hi Ian Will you be watching the World Cup and who would you be rooting for?

 

IH: Saw the USA vs Paraguay last night – well done, chaps!! Not rooting for anybody, but would prefer an ‘outsider’ – that would be fun.

 

 

 

 

Scott: Just so you know, Rufus Publications has gone dark again!!!

 

IH: They sent me one – the finished product – so it is done. Whatever was wrong has been sorted. NO excuses now.

 

 

 

 

Tim B: I first saw Mott in 1974 at the Auditorium Theater in Chicago. The best show I ever saw. Thank you. Do you recall when Kansas was introduced as the replacement for Queen. That was not a Kansas crowd, they wanted Queen and the boos started. Then the lead singer, a big bearded guy dressed bib overalls says something like “If we knew were were supposed to be Queen we would have wore our sequenced underwear”. It worked, the crowd responded and Kansas went on with a pretty good set. Since then I saw you and Ronson a few times and then you with the Rant Band in Chicago and NYC for Mott 74. All great times. I have question for you. I admire your interest in Native Americans (Ta Shunka Witco and All American Alien Boy). Have you heard of St. Clair’s Defeat? It happened in 1791 near present day Fort Recovery Ohio. It was the largest defeat ever suffered by the U.S. Military at the hands of Native Americans. Interesting that we all were taught of the “heroics” of Custer at the Little Big Horn, but American History conveniently skipped over a battle that almost wiped out the entire U.S. Military. Thought you might be interested in digging into it.

 

IH: You thought right, Tim. I’ll look into that. Typical!!

 

So, thanks for all the HB’s on the official fan sight – much appreciated. No idea how I got to be this age. Probably Trudi!!  So thank you my girl!!!XXX

 

And so it goes…….

 

IH

The Horse’s Mouth