Ian Hunter | September 2026 | Horse’s Mouth

 

Well Hello there!

 

 

Dru: When Dave played Mott Dudes did he play it on a 12 string?

 

IH: Dunno, coulda been – long time ago. It was accoustic.

 

 

 

 

Peter Jordan: Hi Ian hope all is well with you and yours and that Defiance pt3 is progressing? After decades of answering dozens of questions from me for which Im very grateful I thought I’d answer one of yours! Q. What’s normal anyway? A. Not much of an ambition! I was fond of that but recently a second answer “It’s a brilliant disguise” popped into my head! Which do you prefer? Oops I’ve asked another question!

 

IH: One of many.

 

 

 

 

Richie Cornacchio: Hello Mr. H I’ve been on a Mott/Hunter solo binge the last couple of weeks. Lots of memories, laughter and tears. I first saw you at the Fillmore East in the early 70s. I was wondering if you and Trudy still have the Cheyenne Arapaho sweaters I gave you in NYC years back. I gave you sage and sweetgrass as well but never had the chance to explain their significance to the Cheyenne. Let me know if you need more. I’d be happy to send you some. Thanks for all of the great songs and concerts. I’ve seen you a few dozen times over the years and was never disappointed. I still say Mick Ronson’s finest playing can be heard on your first solo album. You brought out the best in him. Gave him the spotlight that Bowie never did. The Uris theater shows with Queen singing background on Dudes will always be classic. You helped and influenced a lot of musicians. What a legacy.

 

IH: I think David and Mick were business mates more than just mates. We were just mates.

 

 

 

 

Dru: Did you enjoy working with Don Alias?

 

IH: I’m sure I did.

 

 

 

 

Matt Nojonen: Dear Mr. Hunter, in “Rain” you sing “…playing I Go Ape…”, are you referring to the Neil Sedaka song? Thanks, Matt

 

IH: Yup,

 

 

 

 

Nathan Moore: Hi Ian: hope you’re well. Hello from Alejandro Escovedo and I as he debuts new material live at Austin’s Saxon Pub (9/11). Sounding up to his usual standard–and that’s a good thing. We can’t help but be interested; are you (doing) good?

 

IH: Limited, but good! Say hello to Al for me.

 

 

 

 

Scott: Nice to see David Werner getting some love with the Regal Sweet covering Whizz Kid and a new compilation CD out….always thought the industry missed it with David!!

 

IH: That’s way back.

 

 

 

 

Bill Coughlin: Hey Ian, Back in the early 2000s you headlined at a festival in Hoboken, NJ. I was at a bar after the show and a friend told me you were in the back room. I saw you and interrupted a conversation you were having with another fan. You were not happy and I blathered on and you didn’t say anything. I want to apologize for my rudeness . I have been sober now for 14 years and was often selfish and self centered in my drinking days. Thanks for all the great music through the years from Mott through Defiance. Again, sincere apologies.

 

IH: No problem, Bill. All is forgiven!

 

 

 

 

Roy Dawson: Hi Ian/Trudy. Having not been able to come up with an interesting question that hasn’t already been answered, my wife Pat suggested this one. “Ask him if he sings in the shower and if he does, does he sing his own songs or someone else’s” Thanks for being the soundtrack to our lives Ian. Best regards Roy n Pat

 

IH: I’m always in the bath (and no – I don’t).

 

 

 

 

Pat Beirne: Hi Ian As an artist with an almost cult following which songwriter or bands do you feel should have been huge in the mainstream. Also when you were growing up radio or the old fashioned turntable was the medium to listen to music. What music did your parents like .

 

IH: No stereo in the house – we just listened to a small family radio. Then a TV turned up in 1950! My family were not into music.

 

 

 

 

George Saadi: Ian, When I heard Cheetah Chrome passed, was a bit of a knife through my heart. Grew up in Youngstown, Ohio and the Dead Boys always had a looming presence. Reminded me of a funny story with you. Cheetah told me many moons ago he met your daughter in Max’s Kansas City and they liked each other, but you immediately put a stop to it. Knowing Cheetah was funny, I presumed the story was fabricated or exaggerated at best. Many years later, I got to have lunch with you during the Ringo Starr tour, and mentioned Youngstown or Stiv Bators to you, and you told me the story of Cheetah at Max’s from your side, which i couldn’t believe. You recalled you had the rock ‘n roll presence–big hair, sunglasses, crazy clothes, high heels–but when they came to the table, you clicked into Dad mode and shut it down. I remember you were laughing at yourself that your were simultaneously a rock God, while trying to parent your child with a warning about punk! Thanks for giving me an amusing memory in my moment of sadness. (Hope I retold the story accurately…) George Saadi

 

IH: You got it!

 

 

 

 

Ulf Akermo: Hello Ian. Me and my daughter went to one of the gigs at the wonderful re-union concert with Mott The Hoople at Hammersmith in 2009. It was marvellous! So, are there any tours planned in the future for you and your band? With love from Sweden!

 

IH: I may be done as far as live work…..but still making records. One comes next spring and it’s great.

 

 

 

 

Richard Mills: Just to say my boxed and signed (thanks!) copy of the latest book finally arrived. It’s fabulous but throughout Rufus Publishing were awful (in terms of customer focus). Sixteen months between order (and their taking the dosh) and the eventual delivery, without so much as a word by way of progress report, apology for the wait or reply to my many enquiries. But the book is fabulous. How does it feel going through it all yourself? I can’t prove this but I believe I am the punter shown in the photos at the Our Price record store Schizophrenic album signing. I know I was there and I’d be amazed if that’s not me, but there’s not quite enough of me to know for certain. If in doubt, claim it?

 

IH: Ta-da!! Glad you like it. It’s great. Seen some of them before but most of it’s new to me. Claim it indeed….

 

 

 

 

James Takahashi: Hello Sir Ian (get that lazy queen to make it official) At one of your shows during the Rant tour, you introduced Andy York as someone who had “saved you.” That’s a lot of years ago and you may not remember what you meant by the comment, but I wonder if you were suggesting he rescued you from being a dead man walking? Would love to hear your thoughts/recollections.

 

IH: Actually, there’s a ‘king’ now. Yeah – I‘ve always needed that one special guy to do the stuff I wasn’t good at doing. Andy’s great at all the arranging – right down to album minutia. He has to get it right. I’m lucky to have him and James Frazzee on board.

 

 

 

 

Jerry Marr: Lifelong fan here! Thank you for persistence and artistry. It is so inspiring! Can’t wait for Defiance Pt. 3 next year. Quick question: to what extent did the fire at The Station impact your royalties? I recall radio stations putting Great White on pause for a while after that tragedy.

 

IH: Haven’t a clue.

 

 

 

 

James Takahashi: ‘ello ‘ello ‘ello ‘ello For a long time, I felt bad that Dudes is your signature song when you have so many great ones that you wrote yourself. More recently, I came to realize that despite it being penned by Bowie, you made the song yours — there is no Bowie performance of Dudes that’s comparable to yours — and that made me feel a lot better. I’ve always felt that the brilliance of the post-Dudes album, Mott, had a bit of “F you, rock critics… I don’t need no stinking Bowie, and here’s the proof” to it. Do you ever have any negative feelings about rock history saying that Bowie saved Mott by giving Dudes to you?

 

IH: (2) No, I think they’re right. We didn’t know the ‘level’ until David and ‘Dudes’. Before, we were struggling to find ourselves and that was kind of attractive in a way- but it wasn’t getting us any further. We were great live and sold out all the time, but we needed something beyond Guy to figure out the studio side of things. Bowie genuinely liked MTH and he worked his ass off for us.

 

 

 

 

Bob Boyle: Did you ever come across the LongIsland NY band CRACK THE SKY ? John Palumbo retired the group last year after their 50th annv Palumbo was putting out albums w them the entire time but those albums are hard to come by in record stores CTS were a rarity/ sense they were prog but could present themselves as a hard rock band at the same time I’ll bet the MOTT band w Nigel Benjamin came across them alot back in 1975

 

IH: Sorry.

 

 

 

 

Tim Hewtson: You mentioned in the last HM that you were there when ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ was being mixed. What was your immediate reaction? Did Queen offer to give it to you if the record company had put its foot down? Funnily enough, I think you could have sung it and I’m sure Ronno could have played it.

 

IH: Buff and I were wedged on a bench upstairs in Trident – about two feet away from 4 loud (very load) speakers. They’d been up for days and the level was soooo loud!!!  They played it full length and Fred said, “What do you think?” We didn’t think anything! It was long – it was loud, and then Fred said something about a note (one note!) halfway through the second part – “Is that right?” The thing was enormous – huge (Gobsmacked comes to mind). And so it was; and couldn’t have happened to nicer chaps!

 

 

 

 

Ralf Schulz:   Hi Ian, As I read in your last “Horse’s mouth” (August version from 14.09) some people got hold of their books now. BUT NOT ME as you asked me to let you know by the next “horse’s mouth”. And I didn’t even got a reaction by mail. By the way I’ve ordered the Edition which includes a unique litograph signed by Depp,Halfin and you. In March (10.03.26) they wrote to one of my inquiries that they got problems with the calmshell cases cause of the lithograph but it looks to have been resolved. The two month later (14.05.26) to another inquirery of me I’ve got told that it should be shipped in about a weeks time (by a Mark). After that no further reactions to any of my inquiries nor to any phone calls (never got answered). So my hard earned money still gone for nothing. So here are my order number and adress once again. Paypal order 7352. Adress: Ralf Schulz, Theodor-Storm-Strasse 7, 22941 Bargtheheide,Germany. Nevertheless thank you for your help anyway. Very kind by you!! Ralf

 

Hi Ian As I just wrote to you today about my “Rufus”-problem on Horse’s mouth I send out another inquirery to Rufus as well…… and I got a reaction!! They asked me for my adress (?) and mentioned that the book will be send out today. So fingers crossed! (another great album of you by the way) Will let you know as soon as it really reach me over here in Germany. Cheers and thank you once again for your help. Ralf

 

Hello hello hello hello, Unbelievable day ….. I really got hold of the fantastic book tody. Rufus really send it out three weeks ago and it reached me here in Germany….. So Ian I have to say a big THANK YOU for your support!!!!!! I believe that without your help I would still wait for the book. Was it worth the wait of more then a year …. YES it was, but no good for my nerves. Hope that all the others got hold of their books as well so that you have time for your next record. Looking forward to it Cheers Ralf

 

IH: FINALLY!!

 

 

 

 

Malcolm lay: Just been listening to MOTT the remastered version and the vocals on Hymn for the Dudes are top drawer. I wondered how the THunderthighs came about on that album and also Roll away the Stone as on both counts they make a big difference. Did you know them or was it just an idea from one of the band. Are you in touch with them I wonder??

 

IH: We just knew them from the music scene at that time. Great girls – lots of fun. They worked with Jerry Lee Lewis – that was it for me!

 

 

 

 

Ken Grady: Wonder of wonders! Rufus finally got my copy of the book down here to Australia! Thanks for your part in putting a little pressure on them for us all. The book is huge! And it must be said that on the evidence presented in this tome you have consistently been one extremely photogenic dude! The problem now is I have to buy a shelf that’s big enough to hold this book alongside the We’ve Got A Great Future Behind Us monster and your Stranded In Reality box set! I’ll need to reinforce the floor too! Cheers, Ken Adelaide, Australia

 

IH: Yes, another Rufus arrival!!!!

 

 

 

 

Kenny Mac: Hi Ian , One thing I’ve noticed from Mott the Hoople and onwards through your solo career your Drummers have all been incredible. One once bitten twice shy for instance ,how the drum groove totally changes before you say” that’s all “ is incredible. You always seemed to get that drum sound up there in the recordings sounding crisp and clear. Was this something you strived for during the recording process? Also on another subject,strings attached,you must be proud of that video and recording,it just worked so brilliantly.

 

IH: Drummers, really, are the most important thing. If the track’s not moving – no chance. The drums on my net album are more pronounced – I love groove!! Re: ‘Strings Attached’ – I’d single out Kjetil Bjerkestrand for the Oslo gig. He did most of the work on that one. Bjorn and Andy, too.

 

 

 

 

Iain Dandy: Hello Ian I hope you are keeping well. I was listening to the breakfast programme on Radio Caroline recently. The presenter, said that a blue plaque is being fixed to the house where you lived in Oswestry. I am sure you are aware of this, but good to hear this on the radio . Thank you for all the brilliant music and wonderful gigs that you have given us over the years, you are an amazing man. Best wishes to you and your family. Iain D

 

IH: Cheers, Iain.

 

 

 

 

Dru: 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.). Dru: My man!

 

IH: Exactly.

 

 

 

 

Rick Graves: Hi Ian! Hope all is well your way. I believe you once said you thought, “Dead Man Walkin’ (EastEnders)” was perhaps the best song you had written. Do you think in the time since you’ve written it that you have surpassed that song? In my opinion, I think songs like, “When I’m President” “Morpheus” and “Bed of Roses” among others, are right up there with your best. Looking forward to Defiance Pt. 3! Take care, Rick

 

IH: Check out the next one!! Actually, it’s all a bit silly, songs are of their time.

 

 

 

 

Thomas Greco: Hi Ian! I just discovered a band called the Soho Dukes and their album Nighthawks, Acrobats & Everything Under the Moon. Just curious if you have heard them. They sound like Mott ’74 circa 2026! Secondly, are you fond of Southside Johnny & the Asbury Jukes? Music just isn’t the same with you and him off the road…Hope you’re feeling well.

 

IH: Good luck to them. I’ve had a good run, and it isn’t over yet!

 

 

 

 

Gary: Hi again, returning to your answer last month on the 1978 sessions with John Cale (Mick & Corky Laing) you mentioned the word “Black”. Can i suggest the engineer was Bob Blank and the studio Blank Tape Studio. So Blank not Black. Do you think i’ve solved the puzzle? Cheers for your time.

 

IH: That sounds exactly right!! Solved!! Thank you, Sir.

 

 

 

 

Gary: Do you ever or have you ever wished to change the words slightly or significantly of a song you wrote many years ago? If so which & why? PS I have seen you with MtH, Mick & Rant (& Queen) many times but my favourites were in the late 1999’s & early 2000’s at the Astoria (now no more sadly) at Tottenham Court Road – thank you!

 

IH: Not that I can remember. I’m actually doing it with one now. It keeps teasing and avoiding and I don’t want to wear it out.

 

 

 

 

Pat: Hey Ian, Thank you for still putting out great music. You are my favorite singer/ songwriter and an inspiration. Since playing The Hoople on 8 track at 14 as my Mom drove me to guitar lessons. My best friend and I would imitate your British accent and say “It’s all a game….a grown up game “ when the situation called for it. Anyway, don’t you think Marionette begot Bohemian Rhapsody? Can’t wait for new album. Best, Pat

 

IH: It has been said that ‘Marionette’ triggered Fred. We were touring together around that time and Fred and Brian watched us every night. Fred probably thought, “Well if that chap can do a bit of opera – I certainly can!”  Who knows!

 

 

 

 

Tom: Hi Ian, I hope you are well! Couple of questions! 1. I am intrigued by the multiple intertwined links you have had at times with Meatloaf’s world (Ellen/ EStreet etc). Did you ever have much contact with the man himself? 2! While I cross my fingers for an Ian Hunter gig(!) I’m off to see Nott The Hoople do a show in October when they are touring the UK! Is there a Mott song you think is maybe under appreciated that you think is most deserving of a cover!? Cheers for the music! Tom

 

IH: Sure. Meat was fun; I liked Jim Steinman too.  Meat wanted to give me this huge chandelier (it was in his garage and he wanted rid of it!).  With regard to ‘Not the Hoople’ – don’t confuse us!

 

 

 

 

Model X: Hello Ian Hunter . What do you think about “Defiance 16: Barker Street Bus Station” in the future? After “Defiance 15: Resurrection”.

 

Was Ronson on the final version of the song ‘Wake Up Call’ (1986)?

 

IH: 1) Barker Street bus station is no longer. 2) Like it.  3) Don’t know.

 

 

 

 

ian K: Just started learning to play the piano, definitely absolutely a beginner, is there anywhere to buy an extensive collection of piano scores for your work with both Mott and without Mott

 

IH: Don’t know, but I don’t read music. That turns you into a tradesman. A keyboard’s a landscape and the fun is in discovery.

 

 

 

 

Betty Claire Butler: Ian, just had to put it out to you that I officially became an anglophile around 1970. Much of that had to do with Mott the Hoople. I continue to listen to your music old [mostly] and new as I do many other artists of the early days. It has given me much joy I’ve held onto all these years and NEVER tire of it. Thanks to you for sharing your talents.

 

IH: Blush!

 

 

 

 

Dru: Did you see Delaney & Bonnie & Friends live?

 

IH: We opened for them at the Fillmore East – 1971ish.

 

 

 

 

Dil Jones: I am sitting in Capel Hebron in Oswestry waiting for your video message following the long overdue unveiling of your plaque on York street- damn it looks fine. You have over the years been a big presence in my life the soundtrack to my youth and I have always tried to get to your concerts up north. You gave me your set list in Wrexham a couple of decades ago and I saw you in the Butter market in Shrewsbury last. You are about to appear on the screen here so won’t bore you further suffice to say thank you and congratulations you have been somebody (significant).

 

IH: I like the little red bit at the top. Cheers, Jamie!

 

 

 

 

Gavin Black: Hi Ian, first of all congratulations on the unveiling of the Blue Plaque in Oswestry. I’ve followed you since’72 and been a big fan ever since. Last time I saw you live was on the Mott 74 tour at Gateshead Sage in 2019 just before your 80th birthday! Thank you for all the music and live performances over the years. My question is looking back over your long and distinguished musical journey, what would be the highlight for you? As a big Bowie fan as welI, I think back to the Freddie Mercury tribute concert and seeing you, Bowie and Ronno on stage for Dudes would possibly be up there? Looking forward to Defiance 3 next year. All the best Ian.

 

IH: I can go along with that. That was a great week.

 

 

 

 

Luke aka Honaluchie Junior: Hi I just wanted to message to reach out to Ian and some people who me and my Dad met over the years at Ian Hunter and Mott the Hoople gigs. My Dad was Barry aka Honaluchie boogie (Barry) and I was Honaluchie Junior. Over the years we would go and see Ian (mainly in London) and met some real good people- Willie no wheels , Ricka from Boston and so many others (I’ve forgotten some names, sorry but your faces and words are still so clear to me) The Music, people, gallons of pints and the good feeling will never be forgotten. The secret Mott gig in Monmouth and Ian’s gigs back at the Astoria will always be some of my favourites. We made so many good friends. I wanted to let anyone who may remember my Dad that sadly he passed away about 5 years ago. He would have wanted me to wish everyone we met over the years well and goodbye, and also Ian who’s Music meant so much to him over his life. He got me to pick up a copy of Ian’s biography a week before he passed and was looking forward to reading it. Writing this now, I have tears in my eyes because I don’t think I really got to grieve Dad as a week before his funeral, just after I got off the phone to the priest, organising his funeral my wife told me she was pregnant . We have my beautiful 4 yr old daughter Maya who is the light of my life, who sadly my Dad never got to meet. The saddest moment of my life was quickly replaced with the happiest- she was a gift from God herself and life got very busy. It’s nice to take some time to write this and to hopefully reach out to some old faces- I’ve gone on a bit and even if this isn’t read by anyone, it has felt sad but good to write all this. I hope if anyone who reads this and remembers me and my Dad never that you are well and I know he thought a lot of you and of course Ian too. All the best and god bless Luke

 

IH:  Lovely man – just lovely.

 

 

 

 

Reginald Playken: Hello, Ian Hunter. Regarding your song Purgatory. Is it true that your vocals were recorded through an empty metal bucket, like you sang into it, which is why your vocals have that kind of reverb? And why is your answer no?

 

IH: Because it isn’t.

 

 

 

 

Matt Nojonen: Dear Mr. Hunter, are you familiar with Glass Harp?

 

IH: I’ve heard of them – Ohio?

 

 

 

 

Jackie: Ever meet Keith Richards? Always thought the stories about him were true–until I read his book and the stories weren’t true–they were even better! What about you??

 

IH: When I met Keef he was in no fit state to me met!

 

 

 

 

Dave Griffiths MBE: Hi Ian, hope you are keeping well. I was flicking through YouTube and came across Roger Hodgson performing “The Logical Song” with the Ringo Starr all star band. You were “humming and a strumming” alongside Roger. How was that playing with so many different musicians? Are you still in touch with Ringo and the rest of them? What a shame some of the great performances by MTH were not captured on film! All the best, and looking forward to Defiance 3 Dave

 

IH: I didn’t. think it would work, but it did. These guys were all great across the board – aside from their specialties’. Plus – it was Ringo! – who played on Defiance1.

 

 

 

 

Dan Hartmann: I read that Bowie had a terrible contract with DeFries. DeFries got 50%, and Bowie had to pay all operating expenses from his 50%. You have said that you didn’t trust him and didn’t return Mott’s contracts. How was Mott’s cut determined without signed contracts? Second question — was the Chrysalis contract a three record deal and did they attempt to re-sign you after Short Back & Sides?

 

IH: True – but Tony said, “if David wants an elephant outside of Harrods tomorrow morning – it’ll be there.” Tony was doing a Col. Tom Parker/Elvis. I didn’t trust him. All the band’s contracts were in my piano stool at home in Wembley; Trudi may have had a hand in that. I can’t remember how it worked. Probably Stan got us a weekly wage? Don’t remember what happened with Chrysalis.

 

 

 

 

Dru: I heard a DJ say Kid Leo was responsible for breaking Mott in the States. Any truth to that?

 

IH: We got on great with Kid Leo – he was a big supporter for us in Cleveland. Really love the band.

 

 

 

 

Jeff Cross: Ian, as always’ thank you for a lifetime of cherished music. Too many songs to mention but Read em’ and Weep always brings a tear. My question is, a few years ago I picked up Spike’s CD “100 percent Frankie Miller” which you played on a couple songs. Great Rock n Roll piano on Cheap Hotel and it seems like one other. I met Spike and he signed my copy. Any memories of those sessions or songs? Fantastic work. All the best. Jeff

 

IH:  That was probably through Darryl Bath (R.I.P.) – the Quireboys memory’s vague.

 

 

 

Anyway, glad ‘Rufus’ finally came through.

 

Cheers!

IH

The Horse’s Mouth……..to be continued…….