Stano: 'Alice best record ever heard …'

Ian: 'All of the Good Ones Are Taken' is the title of an album which came out on Sony in the mid 80's. There's also two versions of the song on it. Try e-Bay.

Mat Walker loves 'Rant' 'What does YUI Orta mean? Why You I Oughta - Stooges. Australia? Who knows.

Ray Harper says I was fab on Jools. 'BBC Web site voted most popular artist - read the reviews! 'I have a DVD of Mott in '71 playing in France. Only 20 minutes long but great nevertheless. Do you know if the complete recording exists?' I've not idea what that is Ray. Might be Olympia - we were there a couple of times. Would like to see it.

Edward Shirley: I've just met a girl who lives in Avon, Connecticut - is that near you? Not really.

Bluesdoggie says it's been a while but site's still great. 1) 'Not trying to start trouble here, but I think Buffin was an integral part of the band I wouldn't change anything, but did his drumming sometimes drive you crazy? I hear a style that's original, but strange - something like falling downstairs and landing on your feet. Right or wrong - know what I mean?' Listen, you're talking a long, long time ago and neither of us knew much about anything except making the band happen - any way we knew how. And that's what we did. 2) 'I've heard articles in books saying Radio City was a disaster - was it? Yup, an unmitigated howl of a monster disaster just when we didn't need it. We played with one side of the PA out and the other side distorting. It was one of the cruelest things that ever happened to us - and it wasn't our fault. We played great even though we knew it was a nightmare. We laughed it off afterwards. I remember Pete finding an old wheelbarrow and wheeling me back on for an encore, but it was bloody awful and I'm so glad you were in no condition to notice!!! P.S. Come to Florida - Ringo was just a tease! And bring Ralpher!!

Robert Small loves 'Rant' as does his 18 year old son. 'It's cool we can get in the car together and actually listen to something we both enjoy.' Timeless is the word Robert - timeless. If you can unite a timeless song that's not stuck in the year it was written like a pair of loved trousers - you're onto something. We all strive for timeless.

Francis L.: 'Sorry, Ian - I have misspoke. Live 8 Philadelphia stage is wonderful!

Melanie: 'Where could I buy a copy of Kitty Lester's performance for the PBS special where she stood up and sang 'Love Letters Straight From My Heart'?' I think the set of videos was called Graffiti Gold. I don't know, Melanie, but I saw that and it brought me to tears then, and again now. Only other song that affects me like this is Lorraine Ellison's magnificent 'Stay With Me Baby'. If you do find it - let me know.

Jeffrey - Sweating like a pig here. Must stagger to my feet and get to the AC!!!

Andrew Field says comparisons with last year's York and Ralpher being made to this year's Bosch and Mastro are basically drivel, and as usual, Andrew's right, but people do like to have a chat about it and that's what makes the world go round. This band does this - this band does that. Some people don't think I know what I'm doing and try to help!!

Robert Clayton: 'Seen you several times in the past year or so since you started promoting 'Rant' (Still think it's Grammy rock album of the decade). Even if I slip it on by mistake - I can't turn it off. At Maxwells in Hoboken my son and I stood right in front of your son- it was obvious he was getting annoyed by people asking him questions, but I spoke to him briefly and asked him about his own band. Has VH1 Storytellers ever approached you?' Nope. 'Do another studio album.'

Robbie D: 'Strings' great - when's 'Just Another Night' coming out? It will come out, but God knows when. You know what these people are like. Remember when albums came out everywhere on the same day? Kinda makes sense to me.

Elliott: 'Come to Toronto!' I'll be there if not this year - next.

Doug Hastings: Sorry Doug, can't argue with your health.

Doug Smith: 'With regard to your not touring Australia, I wish to lodge a protest on behalf of the other venomous/dangerous creatures of Australia such as snakes (Taipan in particular), jellyfish, crocodiles, blue ringed octopi, dingos and the koalas who when they cuddle you stain your shirt when they pee! P.S. We do get frost and snow down here and its not always that hot.' Well I guess in your roundabout way, Doug, you're accusing me of pansiness or something akin. The real reason I don't come is because promoters don't ask me to. I got fed up saying that so I blamed it on the sharks.

Uncle Harry's in on the Aussie thing too. It's not my fault, chaps.

Brian Livie: 'Aberdeen was great - please come back - ever play with Badfinger? No, but that's a pretty nifty cover the Leps are doing right now. Joe nails the vocal and the band play great. 'Did Badfinger get the recognition they deserved?' No, but stuff happens. Just because you're good doesn't mean you'll connect with millions. People en masse are a strange and frightening species. Great band; one of Trudi's favourites.

Joe S.: 'Is the customer always right?' Probably half the time to be fair. Joe can't believe some of you moaned about this and that . He loves the element of the unknown - or he may as well stay home and listen to DVDs and CDs. Joe's in LA and missed AAAB, so he's moaning now as well. Did England like AAAB? Everybody seemed to get off but who am I to ask? Did we do the sax solo live? No, but it didn't matter.

Larry Woodside says watch 'Hit Me Baby One More Time' he's been helping the producers track down old acts.

Steve Baratta: Well, I would have been meeting the Zombies, but I guess I won't be now. Hope they're great.

Glenn is still waiting from Providence or Boston!!

Radio Dave remembers seeing me having a drink with Steve Forbert. Were we friends or passing acquaintances? The latter.

Rick Graves: 'You've produced - why would you produce and why would you not produce?' Well, I did it for a while and found I didn't like doing it at all. I'm too bossy. I always want it my way - which doesn't make a good producer. I liked doing the Foley album though because I was co-producing with Mick and Ellen had great chops and was fun to be with as well.

Ginger says, 'Need more stuff in the web store (please).' Noted.

Adrian McMinn: 'I have fought armies for you in the conflicts of the past.' (Brittania to Jack) - is it meant to be as part of an assumed poetic identity or are you (or have you ever been) a war gamer - I'm guess the latter.' The former, actually.

Willie fi Glasgi: Hey it was our pleasure, Willie. Glad you enjoyed it. Yeez were nae bother!

Renee writes regarding the London bombings (Twisted Steel all over again). Thankfully, everybody we know is safe.

Phil Lewry: Australia again! Actually, Sony in London are working on a MTH DVD - more of that later - but it is in the works.

Dave Hancox: Would I have played a full show opening for Steve Miller? Well, I can't obviously do the show now, but it was to have been a one-hour set.

Glenn the Rock says 'Pomegranates are the thing for anti-aging! Do I take vitamins?' I take whatever the wife puts in front of me.

Richyrich: Crewe and Bilston were awesome, have you heard from Pete Watts? I haven't talked to Pete in a while. He does these long, long walks these days, so I never know where he is. Lovely man; true English eccentric.

Rich B says a lot of fans out this way - do the Mohegan Sun and they'll move the gear for free.' How sweet!

Trevor Berry: The esteemed TB! The safest driver on the planet. It was the back of that effin' Mercedes that did my back in!! We'll need a lorry next time. Take care.

Mike Costanzo: Do I read a lot to pass the time on tour? Nah, not really. Read the papers and play cards. They played a lot of chess, but I couldn't be bothered. Does Hunter Towers have a library? Well, I suppose it does. There a room lined with shelves all round full of books of all types, sizes, shapes and information. Not too keen on fiction though. Roddy Doyle saw me through early days of back pain. Now on John Adams bio, and Running the World (David Rothkopf). Don't have a vast CD collection. Actually, more books than CDs.

Randall says Genya Raven was great at the Cutting Room in NYC. Always was.

Keith I: I'd love to come to San Diego, Keith. Unfortunately, no promoter has approached Paradise from that town. I believe we'll be in LA next spring.

Paul Field: '2004 Manchester was recorded - I've seen no release date yet - any news?' Some of the recording equipment failed and it could not be used.

Randy Carter: 'Don't you think Joe Walsh and Mick Ronson both have exceptional feel for melody in their music?' Yup. I think Ian Hunter, Joe Walsh collaboration would produce exceptional music. Haven't seen Joe in a zillion years and he's as fantastic as ever. Of course, I'd love to play with him.

Mary Shefferman writes a lovely email which cheers me up on this stormy, dark, grey day waiting for the back to come back. Pretty in depth analysis. I've never really thought about my stuff that seriously. If it comes, it comes. When it comes, it comes over the air so I can't really claim any personal achievement other than my head thinking - what's that? That's a little odd - I'll keep that. I expect they'll find out why this happens one day, when we're all chemically balanced - eternally happy, dull and fettered. A little misery never hurt me!! Thank you, Mary.

Steve K had a meeting at 17 St. Annes Court, Soho. - Trident Studios. 'In the entrance they have copies of all the famous albums recorded there. ATYD is on the wall with a little write up under the cover. Nice one.'

Johnny Stieferman: 'Do you ever see Buff, Overend or Morgan Fisher? Nope. Haven't seen Morgan since Ronno's tribute concert as he lives in Tokyo. 'Come to North Carolina!'

Brian Wright: Thanks for Scotland. Garage best so far - play at the T in the Park Festival next year. Imagine 70,000 all fi Glasgow! I can't! Too frightening!

Kevin: Is 'Boy' autobiographical?' Partly. Boy painted a few faces.

Paul Kennett: 'Do a Calendar?' Good idea; I'll pass it on.

Pandora: Will we be coming to San Francisco in 2005? Doubt it - be nice in the spring of '06 though.

Ron: Will Astoria DVD be released as an all region NTSC for North America? Eventually.

Linda: PLEASE PLAY 'STANDING IN MY LIGHT' FOR ME - JUST DID!

Frank Cino: 'Come to Philly - couldn't get in last one - sold out. Odd place, anyway. Also thinking of moving to London, but lyrics on 'Rant' don't like much the way things are over there. But we're so sick of the States. Any advice?' Yeah, stay put.

Kathy: Is it possible to get a list of all the songs Ian wrote? I have a bet going about a certain song, but I have to confirm before I get my expensive dinner paid for?' So I'm supposed to dredge up every song of my entire life so you can get a free dinner? Check out one of the fan site that are linked to www.ianhunter.com

Jim McConnel says there's a new hall opening in Perth - come! It's up to them. Re: photo of Bob Dylan and me in Campbell Devine's MTH bio.' It was taken at the Whitney Museum in NYC where Bob was being honored by Columbia. Everybody there was legit. Bob looked slightly scared and hit the bar. Trudi asked him if it was OK for me to have a chat and picture and he said it was OK. Can't remember what I said, but he was nice and I got out while the going was good!!! He had a bit of a rep in those days.

Ha ha ha, as Ralphs used to say when short of something to say. That's yer lot.

Hope I was as erudite as usual but probably wasn't owing to prone position. Should be back on my feet (vertical) by next time round. Please no dire predictions on backs and please, please no complaints on missing gigs. I feel bad enough as it is. So glad it didn't happen in the middle of Europe or England. That would have been a total mess. Apologies to those who've bought tickets - it can't be helped and I'll be out again next year. It was just one of those things …

Be healthy,

IH

P.S. yes, I'm doing exercises!