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Issue #47, Part 2 - October 17, 2004
Liverpool at Fulham are just starting on Fox World. Arsenal amazing, it has to be said. Man U. experimenting with what could be lethal. Chelsea, like Tottenham, have a problem changing vibe. Anyway…..
Brian Lee (Australia) asks if I get frustrated when people seem to want the older MTH rather than my later works. Not at all, MTH were great and allowed me to write for them which got me going and obviously, more people followed them. It was a different time when music meant more. People have grown older and have nostalgic for that period. I know when I write well and when I don't. I don't really look to outsiders as to their opinions. You have to be individual about it. Sometimes it works; sometimes it doesn't, but all you've got different is yourself. Reading Dylan's chronicles - individual to the max. Great book - get it.
Joe on the merits of MTH reforming: He loves them, but says no. Does it bother me that fans want Mick and I to tour as MTH? It's not the fans that want it - it's the businessmen. I'm fine as I am. It won't happen. Mick and I will still have fun now and again, but that's it.
Gaynor: 'Why are you still a sexy devil?' What a lovely thing to say to a gentleman of a certain age. I guess I'm a retard!
David Fowler: Thank you, David.
Jay doesn't like the idea of me doing an album of cover songs. He thinks an artist is washed up if he's doing that. Although I have no plans to do this, I disagree. It's fun to put your own slant/smell on songs you've loved. As long as you genuinely love the material I think it's OK, but don't hold your breath for me.
Andrew Deutsch: As you can see, I just got this email and I've already done Cleveland. Happy Belated Birthday Brigite!!!!
Rich Becker: MTH 30th is great (was at the URIS).
Peter Jordan 'was reading a book 'Britain in Revolution 1625 - 1660 (a bloke can't survive on H.M. alone). Came across an obscure sect called Ranters (that's us H.M.) who were extreme levellers (should that be revelers? H.M.) who thought they'd discovered the God head within themselves liberating themselves from all conventional morality - nice if you believe it! Will try and find out more - is there any link?' Not that I know of.
Liverpool scored again - 2 - 2.
Katie: What's the link between Earl Slick and P.J. Proby? There are none, are there? Both got great names.
John Merlini: 'Boy' was about an amalgam of people in my life at that time - including me.
P. Neff: Ahhh - we're getting up to date. 'What a show at Maxwell's! Thanks a million. Absolutely worth the four-hour drive from R.I. All these young bands should take a lessons from the real king.' Blush blush…..
Kellianne: 'Great night at Maxwell's - see you at B.B. Kings!'
John V: 'Maxwell's - it keeps getting better. Jack the Mechanic - amazing. Any new recordings in the works?' It's in its infancy.
Robert Roe: 'If you could put a band together who would you choose.' My guys are fine with me.
Steve D: Blown away at Maxwell's. 'Now you're doing Sinatra, will you be using a teleprompter?' Not yet.
Russell Burns (any relation?) Any chance of a meeting with the Tartan Army's Generals when next in Scotland? Get hold of Stan or Trudi and if it's possible they will help sort it out. 'Lang may your lum reek' Excellent! Says support is swelling.
Jim Hostetler: It was in anyway Jim, but I'm glad it worked out.
Kevin (Belfast) YUI Orta. The Three Stooges.
Bummer - gratified we got nothing nicked in Youngstown!
Debbie (Rock 'n' Roll Queen): 'Do more U.K.' May - 2005. Watch this site for details.
Bonnie: 'On the 'Rant' album you sound hoarse. Did you have a sore throat?' No, Bonnie - that is it. I've always been a bit froggy.
Tim Brown: 'Cellar amazing! Best live performance I've ever experienced.' What did I think? I remember the venue, but we did six in a row so it's hard to differentiate. I enjoyed them all as did the band.
Ivan Scerri was coming to Palatine from Florida, but the cat's seriously ill. C'mon Bolt, we're all rooting for you.
Mark wanted Mott stuff at Palatine. We did some.
David: (Beachland Ballroom) 'Congrats on the Proclamation - show was great. Could have stayed all night.' Nice one.
Jim Zembu - front row for Struthers and Cleveland. Me and the Rant Band - 'UNBELIEVABLE!'
Tim Hozdik: Beachland Ballroom Great!! Enjoyed my 'new' song at the beginning of Memphis. Actually, I hit the wrong notes and heard something else. The show was being taped, so I continued with it. I'll be having a listen to it soon.
Hope Campbell: Says she yelled, 'Lucky Bitch' at the woman (who actually runs the place and gave me the proclamation). Says she danced when she got home. It was a fun night. Glad you enjoyed.
John Pottage: Audiences help a lot, there's no doubt about it. I was pretty drained in Edinburgh because of the reaction the night before in Glasgow. But you have to give your best and only your best in Scotland - or they hit you!
Andrew Martin says quality of the remastered live recording is 'sublime'.
Brian Bonhomme: Struthers 'Wonderful'; 'Great band'. The girls on 'Roll Away the Stone' were called 'Thunderthighs'. Never seen us before but will be coming again.
Colin Blades: Come to Ireland.
Linda Campbell: Glad we helped out!
Ed drove five hours and it was worth it (Ft. Wayne). 'That was my wife's hand you were holding in 'Nightingale'! Whoops!
Alex Falk: Glad you thought of words driving home. That's a compliment! Regards to Ian Alexander. Good luck.
Mark Wegner: 'Last night in Palatine you stopped and pointed at me and said something about the way I was clapping or something…Was I doing something to upset you?' Haven't got a clue, honestly. It's all ad lib. Can't have been anything bad or I'd remember it. Who knows! Anyway - forget it!
Bill Sanders enjoyed the Beachland. Hold on the other thing.
Fred Segovich: Illinois greaaaat! First time and 'hopefully not the last. Made his week. Who played? Andy Burton (keyboards); James Mastro (guitar mandolin); Steve Holley (drums) Graham Maby (bass) and Jack the Mechanic (guitar). They all sing - ain't that great! 'Twisted Steel's on 'Strings Attached' and 'Michael Picasso' is on 'The Artful Dodger'.
Ken Hottman: Great show in Detroit. Set list cool. Got 'Waterlow' even though somebody said I would never do it.
Pee jay: 'Rumour has it you're penciled in for the Astoria on Friday the 27th of May 2005- yes? Emma Banks at Helter Skelter is working on it now so anything is possible but we've not had any confirmations. 'How about BB King tickets as Trivia Prizes?' Can't afford it!!! 'Oh, and a couple of return tickets to Heathrow?' Oh, sure! 'Got MTH live - that time still gives me the shivers.
Steve Baratta: Thanks for the mugs (we won't wash them). You can't really see that much when you're up there. The old shades steam up. Glad you enjoyed it.
Matt Nojonen: 'Great - great show at Beachland.'
Jack Ripple: 'Fort Wayne - outstanding; best show in years.' Wow. And - he bought 'Rant'.
C.J. Moules: 'You ass. I've been a fan before you were you. Bush is a murderer and I think you only care about the money you made. F.U. Ian Hunter - no longer a fan.' I thought I'd put this in not only because it makes a change, but also because I haven't a clue what this guy's talking about. My feeling on Bush and corporations are pretty well known, so I can only assume you've got the wrong end of the stick.
Mark Bradford: Have I heard 'World of Leather' featuring Gus and Cuddles? I think Cuds played me one a while back and it did seem a bit Mottish. Naughty boys!
Brucifer: Great Chicago show. Apparently a lot of people there discussing a MTH reunion. News to me, pal!
Pirates fan: 'Incredible at Struthers.' Met her old boyfriend at the show. 'Please come back anywhere in the tri-state!' We'll try.
Patrick Bernard: Seen 150 shows. Puts Youngstown in the top five. 'How do you like Rainsong guitars?' Love them. Have two medium sized ones in England at Tracie's and I use two Jumbos over here.
Alexander Falk Jr. is thinking of doing an acoustic CD of my more obscure stuff. Go for it.
Stve Baratta: Thanks again, we love them. The thing that looks like an upside down heart is probably '2004'.
Bill - Atlanta? That's up to Atlanta promoters.
Dave Feezko: 13th Anniversary at Palatine. Congrats.
Barry says 'You really like us in Chicago and we love you.' It's funny. We didn't get on much in the old days, but it's gotten better over the last few years.
Bobby C: It's just C, then I take one finger off somewhere - then it's A min. and finishes up in F.
Richard Denham: If I did a covers album what five come to mind? 1) Every blade of sand (Bob Dylan); 2) Whole of the Moon (Waterboys); 3) Somewhere (the Proby version/arrangement); 4)Moon River; 5) I think it's Gonna Rain Today (or) Bird on the Wire (or) Biloxi. 'Any chance of Honaloochie live?' It's possible; we've done it before.
Scott Mallender got stuck on the bridge (Windsor), but loved Detroit (less 15 minutes). Whole family into it. Regards to all.
Dennis Romano: Your wife was right - this time. I was with my lawyer. Sometimes it's OK - sometimes there's something going on - now there's a song!
Diane Kemp and Hubby came in from San Francisco. Says it was similar to San Rafael in 1989! 'We missed some of the band, but we really enjoyed the new band. Well worth the trip.' Thanks for coming. It was a bit of a schlepp, right?
Kent Engstrom: I collaborated with Eric (the Oyster!) only once and that was on 'Goin' Thru The Motions'. I see Joe Bouchard once in a while.
Gregory Marincic: Palantine great - balls to the walls. Played all the songs he was hoping to hear.
Luis Fernandez: Come to Phoenix. You never know.
John Knight: Loves 'Nightingale'. How about a covers album? Not that there's anything wrong with your stuff' (he hastens to add). How about 'Common People' - the pulp track for one? Not familiar with it.
Jeffrey Stanke: Happy Birthday. Love the Fall (autumn). Best time of the year.
Bob: West Coast promoters get it all and it's taking a while. I can't physically force them. I'm only asking for what I get on the East Coast. I have a feeling it will come to pass at some point, but until then all I can say is I'm sorry and we'll continue to pursue dates there.
White Rose: Yes, I do know and we'll see what happens. Sheffield was on the long list last year but I had to take a day off at some point. Sorry.
F Emile Lorio: Maxwell's a blast!
Phillip T. Baker: As you know there's always a certain amount of craziness that goes on at these gigs, but I'm sure if you tell Kirk our sound tech or Chris, the band tech they can help.
Kevin Aasgard: Minneapolis (First Avenue) Nice gig. Tell him to ring Paradise Artists (ask for Michael Rand). It's up to him to make the right offer - not us.
Rick Whalen: Still whaling on 'Rant'. Do we ever do 'Rip Off'? We did it in England on one tour when 'Rant' first came out.
Andrew Field: 1) How come we didn't get on with Chris Blackwell? He was always very civil to us but we were really Guy Stevens' baby. If it hadn't been for Guy I think he would have dropped us. Chris never understood our kind of music. Chris once said to me (having just come back from Nashville) that musicians should play 9 to 5. I don't know why, but I was in tears. 2) How come MTH Ltd. has the other four founder members as directors, plus Purnell and not you? I followed my solicitors' advice. 3) 'What became of Elton John's manager's interest in managing you after the Freddie Mercury gig? Well, I think it was Simple Minds' management who at that time was in partnership with Elton's management. They wanted to hear songs and I didn't have any at the time. 4) Who manages you now? I have not had a manager since 1989. James Mastro helps out extremely efficiently in the U.S., and I'm very happy with him. Trudi more or less shares the load with James. Tru does the financials/accounting side of things. 5) How many managers have you had? Three or four. 6) Did you see Guy on the Clash DVD? Yes. Typical! He would call me in a panic and I'd settle him down. 7) How come you don't play any of 'Dirty Laundry' live? No reason; no reason at all. I pick what comes into my head at the time. If a D.L. comes in - we'll do it. 8) Do you still smoke? Yes, but less. Phew.
Bob Rynerson: Says it was an honor to see us at Palatine. Well thank you sir!
Phil Shrago: Another Palatine enjoyee.
Daniel Halferty: Come to Kansas City!! Actually, I remember doing a club there with Ronno years ago and it was great. The people were great as well. Anybody remember this gig? They stood on tables.
Rick Graves did a great picture of me which I duly signed. Do people often immortalize I.H. on canvas? Now and again. Used to be a lot when I was younger - hair shades etc. Enjoyed Chicago and Detroit. Says the sound was incredible. Hopes James keeps me at it!
Rich Manson: The lady is Cindy Barber who runs the place and gave me the proclamation. I embarrassed the hell out of her!
Jason Rubin: 'Mad Shadows is my favourite Mott album. Can you describe your state of mind when you wrote, 'No Wheels to Ride' and 'When My Mind's Gone'? I was a bit messed up, actually.
Edward: 'Have you ever played with Chuck Berry? If so - where? Was he a pain in the ass?' Played with Chuck in LA and Canada and I've seen him a few times. The stories are legendary and yes, Chuck is a giant pain in the ass. Who else would put a band on the rider?! The thing is - he's a great pain in the ass and I think there's a method to his peskiness. He was definitely messed with in the early days and I think he's still bitter. He's also a very intelligent man - not to be trifled with.
Bob Dwyer: Just asked Trudi to check on that.
Wes Raving about Luther's performance on MTH Live. I agree.
Greg Becker: The song was called 'Knees of My Heart' from the 'Rant' CD.
Marty G has found memories of the Rock Pile in Long Island in 1971. Apparently, I hit him in the face with a guitar during 'Long Red' and Stan tried to steal his girl friend. Aaaah. Those were the days … Coming to B.B.'s. Any chance of the orchestra thing? I just did a gig with the orchestra in their hometown (no hotels to pay!). It's just too expensive.
Hope Campbell: 1) Yup 2) You're alright!
Chris Daykin: Florida - if people ask! 'Any chance of re-releasing 'Rant' live tracks? No. Never thought of that. Isn't it a bit soon?
Steven Anderson Miller (my best mate's name is Miller Anderson): 'Hoboken brilliant. Looking forward to the Stone Pony. How can we top Hoboken?' That's for me to worry about, and you to see!
Mark Sherman: Band marvelous (Chicago). Still have the Maltese Cross? No - somebody in England has it.
Rick Goward: Dream band to work with. I kind of like the pool of musicians I have now. It's a question of commitment.
Done and dusted! Don't know where the Yankees went so I'll have a look round. Feel bad for Boston - would be great if they won. Getting dark earlier. Thanks to all of you for coming and supporting us. We had a blast. To those I missed; try again. Back to the stable.
IH
The Horse's Mouth
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