Ian Hunter | August 2026 | Horse’s Mouth

New!!!

 

Monthly moan:  30 second ads – give them a miss every time!!

 

 

 

Ken Yeomans: Hi Ian, I’m listening to “Welcome to the Club” as I write this. I just wanted to say thanks for the countless hours your music has provided as background in my life. Wishing you health and happiness.

 

IH: Cheers, Ken – appreciated.

 

 

 

 

Paul Kennett: Hello Ian, When do you think we may be able to hear a taster from the new album please? When will you be able to give us the cast list? Hope all is okay with you and your family. Regards, Paul.

 

IH: It will be done and dusted by the first quarter of ’27. People who’ve heard it are very happy with it.

 

 

 

 

Parr:   Hi Ian, Mea culpa. I saw you ten years ago at the Cat’s Cradle. Wonderful show. At the start of “Once Bitten,” in my over exuberance I blurted out the “hello’s “ prematurely. Of course you didn’t miss a beat. I’m really just here to say thanks for being part of my life. Parr

 

IH: See – now you’ve got to get the ‘hello’ bit right. Practice!

 

 

 

 

Matt Nojonen: Dear Mr. Hunter, Who would play you in a Mott the Hoople biopic? How about your bandmates, producers, other characters important to the music, the road, the business?

 

IH: I’m not fond of biopics or anything ‘Hollywoody’ regarding bands. It’s what the directors and actors think a rock band is, and they’re usually, sadly, amiss. True rock is within you – you had to be there at that time.- with those influences and those mates (and those jukeboxes, and those venues, pubs, and the East Village etc. etc.).

 

 

 

 

Kirk: Have you ever used a 12 string Ian, and if not wouldn’t it have given songs like Hymn for the Dudes more ‘body’? …love ya pal, still one of Rocks greatest.

 

IH: Yeah, I’ve got one, but it’s difficult to play. I’d rather double track a 6 string. I like Taylors – haven’t got one, but I like ‘em.

 

 

 

Anita Pierce: I was recently in New Orleans, and visited The Dungeon, made famous by Brian May in Queen’s “Now I’m Here”. There’s the line “Down in The Dungeon, just Hoople and me”. Any good stories you can share with us about that, and the Mott the Hoople and Queen tour?

 

IH: Well – you had Bowie – a great performance artist (and rocker) and then you had Fred!! Fred was naturally outrageous, so that was great fun; Brian was the opposite, shy and caring; Roger spoke his mind!! And John Deacon was sharp and retiring. Perfect combo – most of the time! Fred was similar to Bowie in that they were both pretty great singers in their own ways. Buff and I were there when they were mixing “Bohemian Rhapsody”. Fun days.

 

 

 

 

Model X: Hello Ian Hunter. What do you think about Defiance Part 6: Legacy?

 

IH: Probably won’t be defiant by then. Probably won’t be thinking. Gee thanks!

 

 

 

 

Bob Knight: Hi Ian, not messaged for a long time. Memories of MTH at Edgar Street in 1971. My brother was inside watching, but I was outside ( I was only 13), stood on my bike , with a decent view over the gate! Unfortunately the Hereford United chairman at the time, didn’t think we should get a free view and came along and stopped that!! Other memories was that Jagger was rumoured to show up, and the f word was a worry with the local Police!

 

IH: Stan Tippins (still in Hereford), our esteemed rep/road manager, “heard” it was not sold out (it was a football field). So, Stan went round every pub in the town saying he ‘heard’ Mick Jagger was turning up. I don’t know if sales improved, but there was a great crowd. “I’ve heard” became part of Motts regular day to day language from then on.

 

 

 

 

Sarah Donahue: Ian, I could ask a 1,000 questions but they’ve probably been asked before or they’d bore you to tears so I’ll just say, thank you for entertaining us for decades with your music, words, wisdom, laughter, and your time on the road and in the studio. With much love and appreciation, Sarah.

 

IH: How nice – thank you, Sarah.

 

 

 

 

Mike Costanzo: Does your “culinary palate” prefer American food over British food, or vise-versa? Also, have you imbibed such English delicacies such as eel, black pudding, and beans on toast?

 

IH: When we go out – it doesn’t matter. I just stick to a few meals I like in any given regular restaurant. I don’t even have to order – it just comes! I don’t experiment – I know you’re supposed to, but I just find something I like and stick with it.

 

 

 

  

Scott: Ian, great of you to get involved with the Rufus Publications ordeal. We know that you don’t have to do this for us and appreciate it greatly. Apparently it has already helped as I got an email stating that the printer screwed up the order and Rufus had to send them back to get them reprinted. They stated that they hoped to get them in house this week and will send them out accordingly. Just in case that doesn’t work, my full name is Scott Bowers and it is order # 39639. Again, I really appreciate the help. Can’t wait for # 3 (much more important)!!!

 

IH: I read somewhere it took 13 months to fix what was wrong. I did have a chat. Hope you’ve got it. 

 

 

 

 

John: Do you have an occasional drink? Do you have an occasional smoke? Did you ever want to have one more song with Ellen Foley? What kind of car do you drive? “Still Love Rock’n’Roll ” my all time favorite–oldie but goodie. And ” Defiance”–I still don’t get it. Have a safe and healthy day. John

 

IH: 1) No. 2) No  3) I’d luv to work with Ethel again, but my ears are kaput. 4) I drive a Mini – opinions – opinions…..

 

 

 

Donnie Arpin: Ian, I am apparently one of many who have felt slighted by Rufus Publications. After several times trying to contact them, I did receive an email about a “printing error” which sounds completely different from what they told you. I ordered the Super Deluxe A3 Edition 100 copies back on July 19th, 2025. My credit card was charged immediately which caused me suspicion then. I would think it would be charge upon shipping. In any event I’m happy to see you are getting involved. My name: Donald Arpin Jr Address: 113 Key Island Dr Savannah, GA 31410 Order #: 38574 Thanks for your anticipated help, Donnie Arpin

 

IH: This I kind of awkward as some people are saying they’re getting them now – by the time I answer this, hopefully it will have turned up. I’ve got your info, let me know if you still don’t have it in the next HM.

 

 

 

 

Lee Ann: I love The Pointer Sisters version of “who do you love” , what are your favorite covers of your songs? Not just the ones that made the most $ 😉

 

IH: The Struts did a great version of ‘Irene Wilde” They changed the title to “Somebody Someday” He sang the hell out of it!

 

 

 

 

Kevin Riddett: Hello Ian, As a songwriter one of your many gifts is that you have always written in the now . Yes there is always the supportive element of reflection but where you are is where you’re at and your songs always remain true to yourself . This is something that you share with Dylan and I believe you follow the way of tomorrows . Life is lived forwards , so when you pick up either a pen or a guitar you conjure up something that didn’t exist before . As for a question , do you believe the searching is the journey ?

 

IH: Could be. Life is a one way street (good title!).

 

 

 

 

Mark: Rufus – my experience (actually my wife’s) was good. She ordered in summer of 2025 for Christmas. By October she was following up. She is relentless in a good way. They promised her it would arrive before Christmas and it did. No slip case but they said they would send later which we received in late spring or early summer. They seem like good people from my experience. The book is tremendous and it’s time to take another tour of it.

 

IH: I guess the slip case was the actual problem?  Still, some are still waiting, I don’t get it.

 

 

 

 

Lucas Hannon: Hello sir. I really like your last two albums and hope for more. But I have two questions about your song Once Bitten, Twice Shy. I was wondering what/who was the inspiration for it and what do you think of Great White’s version? Thanks for all the great music.

 

IH: A little old drum box – waltz – quickstep – rumba – salsa – I pressed all the buttons and this weird little groove came through. I was in Ronno’s living room; he was cooking in the kitchen…. Who’s version is better is bettter?  Depends on the individual.

 

 

 

 

Ken Grady: Hi Ian, Thanks for looking into the Rufus situation for us all. I ordered the standard edition of the book in July 2025 ( Order ID: 38510). I have doggedly sent emails to them every couple of weeks since last Christmas. I get an occasional reply fobbing me off with vague statements like they will ‘ possibly release some details on some titles’ soon – but they never follow through! Hopefully, with a push from your team, they will remember what the concept of good business practice actually means! Cheers, Ken Grady, Australia

 

IH:  This is all backwards and forwards. You can tell from this HM and the Fan Page. Why would you not want to get it out there by now?

 

 

 

 

Dan: Dear Ian, I am big fan of yours and also of the Canadian band, The Tragically Hip. After coming across the lyric in Defiance, “Got an F for being tragic and hip” , I wondered if this was in part a name check of another great artist. Are you a fan of the Tragically Hip? Thanks for everything!!! Dan

 

IH: I don’t listen much. I just do what I do, so I’m not qualified to talk about other bands – with the exception of bands I knew back in the day.
Tragically Hip” had, and still have a great reputation – but no, sorry, it ain’t a rain check!

 

 

 

 

Dean Prescott: Hi Ian, I hope you are well. Have there been any thoughts about remixing “Overnight Angels”? I adore it the way it is. What do you think? Thanks much, Ian. Dean

 

IH: I would have liked Gary Lyons to remix it. Roy mixed for transistor radios (as did Bowie) because that’s what people were listening to at the time. That album sounded huge – you could see through some of the 2 inch tape. This isn’t a knock on Roy (or David), but I heard it a lot bigger.

 

 

 

 

Chris Birchall: Hi Ian, I was born in 83 so I missed a big chunk of your early career. My dad had a mix tape recorded from your various Mott the Hoople and solo albums. Listening to it as a kid, it felt like being transported to a different world. I’ve never had that feeling with any other music since, I was obsessed with that tape growing up. Marionette, boy and shallow crystals were the stand out tracks for me on the tape. My dad also used to always play the album overnight angels and I loved it so much. I was pretty stunned when I saw an article saying that you thought it was a “mistake” and you disliked it. I wish my mistakes were as good as yours! I was wondering if your thoughts on it might have changed over time and if knowing that it means so much to someone can make you feel proud of it, even if you don’t think it’s your best work. I hope it does. Thanks for being the soundtrack to my childhood and beyond!

 

IH: You’re very Welcome!

 

 

 

 

Dave Grant: Hi, Ian Well, your intervention sure pays dividends quickly! Three days after the last Horse’s Mouth column was published I got an email from Rufus Publications telling me that my book had been dispatched, and two days later it was in my hands. Thank you so much for getting involved and getting things sorted out so speedily. It’s true what they say: Not all superheroes wear capes. (Although after this I think you ought to consider getting measured up for one…) I’m exceedingly grateful for all your help in resolving this issue. You rock, sir! All the best to you and Trudi! Dave Grant

 

IH: Glad you got yours!!

 

 

 

 

Mark: Hi Ian The first time I discovered your music is when you opened for Heart at the Cape Cod Coliseum maybe around 1980. You and the band blew Heart away and I became a fan for life. The only downside was I dated a beautiful blonde who told me before the show she was going back to her old boyfriend. In any case I met the ONE and just celebrated our 40th anniversary. Thanks for everything!!!

 

IH:  Nice one! We’re going on 54!

 

 

 

 

Graeme Rintoul: Hi Ian. Have you ever considered handing the reigns over to Jesse and we would have The Rant band featuring Jesse Hunter, assisted by Tracey Hunter. We need to keep the legacy going. Best of health to you and Trudie. Graeme

 

IH: Tracie’s got here own successful business in the U.K. and Jess & Leigh have a one year old – both with pretty heavy jobs in NYC. So sorry, this is where it stops – although my brother Bob is pretty good!! How about it, Bob! Get the shades on!!

 

 

 

 

Tony S: Hi Ian, I hope you are both well. Any thought on frank beard? R.I.P. Mott toured with ZZ back in the day.

 

IH: Too far back – good feeling though. Obviously, sorry to hear of his passing, but we’re all getting up there. Shit happens, unfortunately. I often wondered what it would be like….and here it is….

 

 

 

 

Michael Fonnesbek: Dear Ian Hunter My first fan letter of a long life should of course go your way. Ever since I heard Roll Away the Stone blasting out of a transistor radio on a warm summer day on a lawn in Copenhagen in 1974 and realized that this was cool, something different and something right for me, you have been the soundtrack to my life. A defining day in my life. And to such an extent that at my more than mature age I am considering which of your songs should be played at my funeral – whenever it will take place. You never know… Dead Man Walking (Eastenders) is my best bet at the moment – it is extremely beautiful. But there are a multitude of your songs to choose from. And really, I just want to say thank you for your significant contribution to rock history, the great concerts I have seen in both Copenhagen and London, your unique voice and the great humanity you radiate. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

 

IH: ‘Dead Man Walkin’” a bit on the sad side – I’d do something a bit more ‘up’?

 

 

 

 

Dave Cooper: Hi Ian, was the spoken lyrics on ATYD rehearsed or did they just come out spontaneously? Often wondered about this. Keep up the good work, Dave, Hounslow, West London.

 

IH:  David was sitting in a corner – despondent. “One of the Boys” is the single. What!!! -we all exploded. He said that the chorus was just going round, and round, and round, and it was boring. We panicked because it sounded fine to us as it was. We’d done a gig at the Rainbow a few nights before where I’d “had a few words” with a recalcitrant audience member – ultimately drowning him in light ale (fortunately he took it in good stride). I got on the mike and started that conversation over again on top of the hooks in “Dudes” and David said, “That’s it!!. The rest is history. It was all spontaneous. First rap ever!!!

 

 

 

 

Scott: Well, you have the power!!! Rufus Publications came through and I couldn’t be happier with the book except for my sore back carrying it. It’s huge!!! Many thanks for moving things along!!

 

IH: Another one arrrived!!!

 

 

 

 

Mark F: Let Trudi know there is lots of interest in old live recordings, maybe no commercial potential, but us diehard fans would love to purchase as a download perhaps? Any Trudi songs on D3?

 

I’m sure you have tried everything for tinnitus, but I just saw a commercial for Lipo Flavonoid. Have you tried that?

 

IH: Get mine at Costco!

 

 

 

 

Doug: How did you learn that Mick was leaving MTH for Bad Company? Did you talk with him about the decision at the time?

 

IH: Mick didn’t want to leave, but he did want to leave. The four of them had been mates forever. The trouble was he was writing great songs, but neither of us were much good at singing them. At least my songs – I could sing. So, it was extremely frustrating for him. We saw more of him after he left that when he was in the band (at the end). Time went by and years later he came back with Mott and again with the Ranters. It was just the songs – and face it – Paul Rogers is right up there with the greatest vocally – and Mick’s songs became huge. It all makes sense in retrospect.

 

 

 

 

James “Tripp” Pair: I recieved an image of Jim presenting you with a framed and autographed print from Mott Fest! So happy it got to you after so many months. The weight was upon my shoulders to deliver because of so many fans that signed the photo. Andrew and many others held this image high for what they saw that it meant. What’s your opinion or appreciation of the photo. I’ve always felt an image should always tell a story . To me this photo says a lot to me. You. The fans. It’s what I know best of MTH through all the years. For the Fans. By the way . You’re as old as you feel. A belated Happy Birthday! Love you Ian!

 

IH: It’s in the basement vault – with all the other memorabilia we’ve accumulated over the years (as is your fine painting). It’s in good company!! Thank you, and all involved – feels good!!!

 

 

 

 

Gary: Hi Ian, i have been trying to find details of the unreleased session(s) that took place in the late 70’s with yourself, John Cale, Mick and Corky Laing. What i have found so far is the recording took place in first week of June ’78 at the Power Station in New York with Bob Clearmountain as engineer. It’s often mentioned the sessions took place in Woodstock, can you remember if it was actually @ Power Station studio where you later recorded “Bastard” also with Cale? best wishes

 

IH: It wasn’t at the Power Station with Bob, and it wasn’t in Woodstock. It was in NY City at a studio I’d never been to before – a studio John worked at. All I remember is the word “Black”. Whether that was the studio’s name – or the engineer’s name – I don’t know. However, John and the engineer must have been pretty close, because John slapped him at one point!!!

 

 

 

 

Bob Boyle: Did You See The current GUITAR WORLD Magazine issue? Bowie in his one eye patch regalia on cover has Mick Ronson and Bowie as features plus Bowie berlin era the Mick Ronson article was fascinating, was outlined by Suzi Ronson talked about how both you and Ronson got involved with The Bob Dylan tour Their relationship with RCA and MainMain Productions and how Bowie should have pushed for Ronson to get publishing credits for his contribution on the CHANGES album which he didnt get any just some arrangement and production annedotes the symphonic bits were all Ronson’s arrangements the Ronson.Bowie era is a hodgepodge of (Who Owns What) that continues to this very day, by 1977 Bowie had enough financial clout to own all of the publishing rights to all his albums that came out afterwards before 1977 he was sharing those publishing rights with others that magazine article is a good source for researching what the ownership status is now for Bowie’s recording output between 1969 and 1976 Go pick up a copy at your local newsstand

 

IH: Mick got 40 quid a week with Bowie – a dodgy contract. That was it – he told me.

 

 

 

 

Stonely: Hi Ian, i’ve mentioned before how much I enjoy “Words” off of “Shrunken Heads”- “Grammatical Bacteria” is something I repeat to others when they call me out on something derogatory I might have said. I guess I should carry around aa little cartoon sign that reads: © Ian Hunter. You must smile your ass off when you come up with something as cherry as that! I sat down to the keyboard the other day to learn what is basically this two chord song (*those almost always turn out to be my favs.) Do you remember if it was Andy York that played the Wurlitzer on that track? Being a keyboard player, I love the simplicity that is used to great effect to emphasize that perfect fourth. Between the keyboard part, your choice lyrics, and your ever expressive vocals, I almost drive myself off of the road as “Words” comes up on shuffle and I “air-wurlltzer” that keyboard part with a giant grin on my face. And happily…so it goes!

 

IH: But that was then and this is now! Sometimes a struggle, – sometimes – 5 minutes, who knows…….

 

 

 

 

Bob Boyle: “Dolly Parton has left the building” I ‘m going to miss that ole gal I shed a few tears when i got the news not ashamed to admit it it just never seems to get any easier going to flip thru the radio station dials next few days want to hear Dolly Parton sing over the radio waves, listen in my kitchen probably will never get a chance to hear her songs like that again there’s been some talk about congress voting to start dismantling FM Radio Signal Transmissions to automobile antennas Is This True?? Nothing the bastards do surprises me anymore

 

IH: “Squeeze – squeeze – squeeze – they got us on our knees.”

 

 

 

 

Dave: Back in the glory days of my youth, some buddies and I talked about how multi-talented guys like you (their favourites were Dylan and Bowie of all people) were. That is, we said that you guys were skilled in: singing song writing – lyrics song writing – music musician arranging/producing songs business/marketing/posing, etc stage presence perseverance There were probably more, but I can’t remember. Anyway, assuming this list is somewhat correct in terms of skills you guys have, how do you assess these skills/attributes in terms of what you are best at, down to what isn’t a strength? Blessings Dave

 

IH :I don’t know how to answer this. Sorry

 

 

 

 

Lauren Moitrot: Hi Ian. The French guy here. As I was working on a new song for my next record (hopefully also produced by James Mastro as the previous one was) it occured to me that it needed keyboards . A “Hammond” on the chorus and … some “Ian Hunter Style” piano on the verses. I grabbed my keyboard and painstakingly recorded the tracks. Happy with the result I ran downstairs and said to the wife “hey honey ! listen to this new one !”. After she did her only comment was “I don’t like the ding-ding” talking about the “IH Style” piano. Imagine how miserable I felt. A couple of weeks later I showed to her a very nice review of my new single. She looked at me as if she didn’t care and said “what’s that ? What are they talking about ?” to what I answered almost in tears “my new single”. “Ah that ?” she said. So here’s my question : how does things happen with your wife and family ? Are they your biggest fans or do they go “oh he’s at it again ?” PS : after listening to the demo James said “I like the ding-ding”. Good man he is. I felt better.

 

IH: It’s just what Dad does. Trudi does her bit (she is a fan of my stuff) and I do mine. Trouble is – it’s what Grandad does!!

 

 

 

 

Ralf Shulz: Hi Ian, I’m one of the poor sods still waiting for the book since May 2025. Thank you very much trying to give it a push. Invoice no. Paypal order 7352 Ralf Schulz Theodor-Storm-Strasse 7 22941 Bargteheide Germany Keep on rockin and looking forward for your next record. Cheers

 

IH: I though we were happening, but sadly we’re not. Let me know if you get it in the next HM.

 

 

 

 

Apelsin May: Forgive me, Your Majesty Ian Hunter, but nowhere on the internet does it say how tall Mick Ronson was. Would you happen to know how tall Mick Ronson was?

 

IH: Mick was 5’ 9”.

 

 

 

 

Jim K: Have you heard or seen the high art and musical dexterity of Angine de Poitrine?

 

IH: Performance ART – a bit of show biz – I wanna join!!!  Could be huge!

 

 

 

 

Hopefully, by the next edition, everyone will have gotten their books.

 

IH

The Horse’s Mouth