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Issue #60, Part 1 - January 19, 2006

Hey Kids,

So - I'm sitting in a plane at Newark on my way to a private party in Indianapolis. James Mastro in front and Mr. York astern. We'll play an hour at a certain birthday party. Horrible weather - see what we do for art. So all of your queries will be aeronautically answered.

Stano: 'Saturday Gigs' on par with Dylan's 'Like a Rolling Stone' - keep up the good work legend.' Well, that's a good start.

Matt N.: expounding the virtues of Sumo wrestling. Apparently it's quite cool once you actually understand the rules etc……….NAH

Fiona's son's had his eighth birthday - HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

Peter Jordan: 'What's the time table for new tracks?' We're on it. Going into the studio in a couple of weeks' time. Won't really know what we've got until we come out the other end. The vibe (as they say) is good. Hey Gail, don't panic - it won't be out until the autumn! Get well!

Alexander Falk: Come to Chicago! We will.

Janet: 'Schlep on! It's worth it.' I like that.

Andy: 'Name the guitarists that appeared on 'Once Bitten Twice Shy' video. I'm not sure what you mean. It's Mick Ronson and Tommy Morrongiello on the original video; and Mick Ralphs and Andy York in the recent Astoria DVD.

Lee Harvey: 'Excellent job on 'Truth' DVD. Is it the same people as 'Rant'? Andy York is at the helm, who saw through the whole of 'Rant'

Jeff Pavlock:'Where's Ronson's 'Bowing Out' from his 76 tour?' Don't know. I'll mention it to Susie (who's just cut my flowing locks).

Rick V: Happy Xmas etc. from Birmingham. Thank you.

Bill Golembeski write a book, 'The English Setter Dance'. Wants to send me a copy. Thanks, Bill. You can send it to: Jesse John Music, P.O. Box 245, Bridgewater, CT 06752.

Paul Tyke can't find a guitar tab anywhere on the web for 'Rip Off'. Try the open G tuning - it'll make more sense. G-B-G-D-G-D.

Peejay listening to 'All the Way From Memphis' - sax at end is wicked - who played it (sounds like Roxy Music). It was.

Colin Powell: 'Newcastle are on a run at the moment.' Well, Owen's not running much! They don't look right, Colin. A bit of work here and there?

Garrett Lee saw us at Manchester Academy and immediately formed a band, 'Best of British'.

Bill C.: playing 'Marionette' going 80 mph on the Garden State at 4 AM. Passed a trooper who must have been snoozing. Wonders if he can sue me for making him do it. No - not possible! Happy (belated) Xmas to you, too.

Paul Coombs 'Listening to 'American Idiot' by Green Day. What an album! Best I've heard since Artful Dodger (which was two songs off a classic). Album reminds me of 'The Hoople'. Both themed and rock opera are forecasting changes socially and politically. Warmly recommended with the DVD Bullet in a Bible.'

Ed: (Belated) Merry Xmas.

Snake Robertson: 'Somebody asked if 'Mott' was a common name in the U.S. It's not common - but not really rare either. It's my middle name. There was /is a prominent old NYC family of Motts. Mott Street in Little Italy/Chinatown was named after them. One member was Dr. Valentine Mott - a famous 19th century physician. My great grandfather student medicine under Dr. Mott in the 1840's/50's. In those days there were no formal medical schools, but rather, aspiring doctors went to college for a couple of years and then studied under practicing physicians. Motts apple juice! Valentine Mott became the first dean of NYU medical school (we're taking off now). Norman Mott, in the Willard Manus novel, was Jewish, but I never met a real Jewish Mott. Now the important stuff - come to Baltimore and/or Nashville.' We'll try; after that lot it's the least we can do!

John: 'The new stuff you're working on - is it political - in a broad sense? Yep.

Al Trombetta: 'Did Trudi ever appear in a video?' Can't remember. I don't think so. Three show offs are enough in one family. (Al, you are right - Trudi)

(we're up in the air now and I can't see a bloody thing.)

Jay Lynn: 'I was at the Uris Theatre for MTH. What a show!! I was 14. Who chose Queen and did you think they'd become superstars?' Queen and their management chose us to approach and I'm glad they did because they were terrific lads - and a terrific band. We knew they would be OK. I don't think I thought they'd be a big as they became. Fred did though - and that was all that mattered!

Jo: 'There's someone on your message board whose art is inspired by your music; another who published a novel - what do you think of tributes like this?' When you start seeing yourself in books - you're old! Seriously, though, I think it's great.

Fiona: Belated, Happy Xmas.

Jim S.: 'What is Ralpher up to these days?' Well, I know he was putting some stuff down at one of his friends houses near him - haven't heard it yet.

Roland: 1) Was 'Rest in Peace' written with anybody in mind? Yes, but he didn't rest in peace so I'm not telling. 2) What happened to the Maltese Cross? Someone in England has it.

Mikey: Oh this one's nice. Mikey says he had a problem and he mentioned it on the message board - and he was swamped with replies and advice from people he'd never met. One of the members, ArrogantU2Fan, said it's a tribute to IH that this site attracts caring, loving people. Isn't that something! Well done, chaps!

Phil Taylor: Happy Xmas etc. Come to the UK. We will.

Bucks Burnett says, 'call the album, Science Faction!' Nope. Do I know where Chris and Tina from Talking Heads live? No, but I do now! I know other people in that town. They are very nice people - I've met them.

(I just got a power sweet trails mix - a couple of packets of Carrs crackers, Rondele cheese spread and some beef salami (sliced!). Things are looking up. Andy said we'd get jack. Hang on, I've got to put a sandwich together here. Not bad. Hardly veggie, but not bad.)

Kelly: Happy Xmas etc. How are you doing, Kelly?

Willie fie Glas - 'Happy Xmas Big man' Same to you, you wee skunner.

Honaloochie B: Do I have tattoos? Nah, at my age they'd be a bit droopy. I tried to stop Jesse, but he did it anyway, silly sod.

Rick McKenna says I'm a R/R God - do I get tired of it? Nah (after much thought.)

Mike Robertson: Merry Xmas - how's your back? (Well enough to fly!) Come to Cleveland. We will, for certain.

Ralf Leismann: 'Happy Xmas. Redo, Henry and the H. Bomb!' I haven't got a lyric. Jeff Tweedy does it great.

Sophie: No problem.

Kelly Wallace (a guy from L.I.) says my response to an email is better than Xmas morning. Got it!

John Senker: Will you play the New York area in 2006? Yes.

Susan Martin: 'Thanks so much for the link with Tracie's band. I intend to order CDs. You must be proud.' And so we are.

S.B. Happy Holidays.

Bill Miller: 'Does Mick Ralphs get paid when he works with you? Of course he does.

Jeremy Wise: 'I love Tracie's music! How long's she had the band? Can't wait for next CD. It's been quite a while - especially with Neil and Mel (brothers). The new stuff's good - just hope they get it through the process.

Yugen: Come to Germany!! We'll see.

Hope Campbell: Should be double time, right? Xmas and all that?

Tod Denison: Any stories about Sweet? Not that I can repeat.

Shugster E/K: Merry Xmas from Peacock Cross! Thank you!

Kelly Wallace: Yep, Tracie was in for Xmas and a good time was had by all.

Graham Knowles: Because in the old days people sold them for more. I just got into the habit. Hey - you got a signature for two pound fifty!

Harold Graham: Sorry, not possible, but thanks for your support.

Pete Denham says there's a new venue in Newcastle called the Carling. What's it like?

Marty G. asks if I think Mott would have been bigger if MTV would have been around in the old days? No, not really - bit too dark for the masses.

Dave Donner: Maybe - maybe!!

Mike Riley: 'Sea Diver is a favourite so the whole family were subjected to constant repetition on the drive home from a Christmas gathering in the Interstate.' I sometimes wonder what I've done.

Stewart Moffat: Your favourite electric and acoustic guitars? Les Paul Juniors (the older the better) and Rainsong acoustics (which they really aren't, strictly speaking.) Says he saw Dylan at Glasgow SECC, 'he wasn't a patch on you.' Well, I am older.

Steve Council got 'Just Another Night' and 'MTH Live 30 for Xmas'. 'I just can't give you up.' Well, good!

Eric J.: It was a Steinberger - sold it to Earl Slick. The carbon guitars are Rainsong.

Patrik Hanson: 'Why hasn't Mott been up for re-mastering? I think that one is in the works. Congrats on the new arrival.

Stay tuned for Part 2 ...