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Issue #64, Part 1 - May 18, 2006

Unrelenting rain at Hunter Towers - very English weather - might as well tackle the H. M.!

Josch Graul is looking for lyrics for 'Once Bitten Twice Shy'. Try Adrian Perkins fan site - www.hunter-mott.com.

John H: Come to Detroit.

Jason Robins says the video of 'All Of The Good Ones Are Taken' is available from iTunes music store. Did I do other videos? Yes, I remember doing one with Ellen Foley. It was a three song video for the live album we did in LA. Who was the girl in 'AOTGOAT' video? I don't remember.

Campin Patty: Rather good, actually.

Fred Prellberg: Bit busy at the moment, Fred.

Bart: Imus or Howard Stern? There's a nice side to Howard - and he likes me!

Chris N: 'Thanks for the great music.' Thank you for taking the time to fin it.

Michelle Rumplesbum is listening to her parent's record collection (she's 25). Loves my stuff (blush). What's my secret? I'm not telling. Why do I always look the same? Because I'm always me. 'Youthful' How lovely, but I'm pretty much camouflaged. 'What diet?' Salads at the moment - I'm a bit fat.

Steve McGough says Ellen Foley's 'Nightout' album just got a DVD release (Mick Ronson and I produced it). Steve says he's not sure which label, but you can get it on Amazon. Thanks, Steve.

James Ball: Favourite albums - First one, Schizo, Rant and the new one. Not too keen on my mid 80's stuff. Can't win 'em all.

Rob Roe: 'In a perfect world how many gigs would you want to play each year?' Maybe 25/30. I'm not really a road hog. 'What size venue?' I've always loved clubs - preferably clean ones - or small theaters. You can see who you're with. 'Play Arizona.' We'll try.

Simon Sorensen met Frode Alnes (who played on Artful Dodger). 'He runs a festival in Kristiansund, Norway and he would love to have you.' It would be great if we could work it out. Say hi.

Ian Crawford: 'Will the new one be stereo or 5.1?' Don't know yet.

George Braithwaite: Coming to New York in October. Am I gigging at that time? Don't know as of yet. Mott played the Uris Theatre, but I think it's now called something else. Sammy Davis played the week before us.

Michelle Lynn: 'I think it was MTH Live that had a photo of Freddie Mercury on the sleeve sipping a drink. For some reason that photo propelled me to buy my first Queen LP. Wonder how many other folk did the same? Play the Turning Point in Piermont!'

Dave Hall: 'Who do I have to pay to get Jeff Tweedy and you together on a song. Any chance?' How much will you give us?

Geoff Hands: 'Do you expect the Shrews to make the playoffs?' Well - they didn't and that's OK. Big improvement over last year - and Northampton went up!

Jimmy Ashurst emailing from the tour bus! Yes, I knew about c. They deserve each other! My stuff's done, but thanks. Keep rocking.

Jeffrey: It's peeing!

Pat: 'I'm assuming song selection for Mott albums were a group decision as far as picking the strongest material. Did you ever get any static from the other about your songs or any particular song? Did you play a demo or did you play it live? Were they blown away by certain songs?' It was great in MTH in that respect. Mick Ralphs and I were the main songwriters and we used to play around at rehearsals. If I had an idea I wouldn't present it - I'd just play it - and usually Pete or Buff would say - 'What's that?' and we'd take it from there. If nobody picked up on it - I'd discard it or rework it and try it on them again later. We never had a problem with material as far as I can remember; we were all pretty much on the same wavelength.

Jeremy's in a band called 'We Are The Fury' Got a CD coming out on Warners East West indie label. Featured on MTV and on the warped tour this summer. I don't know if I'm working this summer, but I don't think so. Anyway, all the luck in the world chaps. Keep me posted.

Jim McCabe is an artist/illustrator who is soon to have a show in Norwalk CT. Wants me to go. We'll see.

Laurent Corsyn: 'What is the style of 'Shrunken Heads'?' I dunno. Me in 2006, I suppose. 'Is there a title track?' Yes. 'Did you play piano on some of it?' Yep.

Roger in CT: 'Now that you're doing Atlantic City, is there any possibility of Mohegan Sun or Foxwoods?' Well, that was just a one off gig I took in order to pay some of 'Shrunken Heads' studio bills. I'm not adverse. Let's see what happens.

Andy Lazar found out Def Leppard have done 'Golden Age of Rock 'n' Roll' on their next album, 'YEAH'. This is true, and it's excellent!

Jim Scully: I think Queen listened to a few tracks and they picked what they wanted to do. It was all very casual.

Paul: Do I remember Wishbone Ash? Of course. Orange amps, mate!

Graham Knowles: 'Tickets for the fantasy'

Wyatt: 'Come back to Ohio' (Sounds like a song title to me.)

Patty Woltz met a couple of the guys from the Fab Faux. Rich Pagano and Jack (the mechanic.) 'Band was fantastic.' Great chaps. Jack works with me when he can and Rich did 'Rant' with Andy and me. Talented circle.

Randy Carter: 'I have to do this once in a while - thanks for the style, honesty and naked emotion.' Ahhh

Pat' 'Sixteen year old niece loves Mott's 'Born Late' and 'Whizz Kid'.' She also loves the fact that no other kid in her class has even heard of MTH. She feels cool and special.' She is.

Chris Hludzik: Assistant engineer at a North Western PA recording studio. 'Favourite studios?' Favourite engineers?' I've worked in great studios with great engineers. The faster - the better. There's nothing worse than labouring an album. I've been through that a few times. Bob Clearmountain, Bill Price and Pete Moshey all are fast and 'get it'. If they don't 'get it' - it's a waste of time. To me, it's the engineer. The studio can only do what the engineer wants and is composed of what the engineer buys - or suggests the owner should buy. A good engineer will not impose his 'latest sound' on you. He will listen and find yours. I didn't know Ian Astbury cited me as an influence. I'm not totally familiar with them, but the stuff I've heard is good. You can tell they're good - very good.

Andrew Ian Ross wants to know the chords and lyrics to 'Bastard'. Anyone?

Greg Wheeler: yes, there's a single, but we have to see if people agree with me - so I can't say yet. We'll get to California. Like I say, I'm in limbo until we get 'Shrunken Heads' placed.

Tony Jay 'Saw 60's revival show in Weston Super Mare last night. The star was P.J. Proby.' 'Maria' and 'There's A Place for Us' will stick with me forever (as opposed to Dave Dee, Dozy, Becky's version of 'Stairway to Heaven'). PJ was on top form and certainly did not F---it up.' That guy to me was bigger than Elvis. (He actually sang on Presley's demos). Wished I'd have been there. Him and Terry Reid, man. Great singers.

David Phillips. Noted, David. Andy did mention it.

Mark Silverstone: ' Wildlife was so different from anything else MTH ever did. What's your view on it - favourite tracks.' I think Wildlife was a bit of a rebellion against Guy Stevens. We all wanted to do a musical album instead of hurtling head long through the Guy wind tunnel. Mick was a big Steven Stills and Neil Young fan so he wanted to have a look in that area. I just wrote quiet songs and slowly the album took shape. I don't think of it as a MTH album really. It was more of a breather from the craziness of Mad Shadows.

SB 'Were there any concerts done with Ronno in the Hoople where you thought it might work out?' The music wasn't the problem. We were in a tricky (management) situation and certain people made it impossible to continue.

Joe S: My youngest son, Jesse, has a band called Lunch Box (recently formed). 'Are interviewers respectful and knowledgeable?' Some are, some aren't. You get some airhead who hasn't a clue and then you get guys who know more about you than you do. I can usually chop them up if they're not up to scratch!

Daniel Halferty: 'Come back to Kansas City and send passes (all access!) for my daughter and me. We promise to behave and would love to say hi to the band. Miss you sorely - Daniel.' Hey!

Steve from Tulsa loves 'Through the Looking Glass' from the Hoople. You and Joe Elliott. Joe surprised me one night in Leeds - he learned the song on piano - (I've forgotten it). Can't remember much about the original recording of it. Ever heard of Jimmy Lynn Williams? He died recently but he wrote great songs. You got something in the air in Tulsa. Leon territory.

Stuart Goldie: Loved Sheffield. When do I do England? I really don't' know at the moment.

Alan Keinch says I was on stage with Pete and Buff (after the demise of MTH) and the date was 23/12/77 at Friars Aylesbury.

Kerri Osterholm went to the BAMMY awards in San Francisco around '82 and after the show went to a party. Apparently, Mick Ronson and I did a show there she's never forgotten. Found 'Standing in My Light' particularly happening. Do I remember it? Nope, but I'm glad you do.

Chris Brown: I said I wouldn't do old stuff anymore? I don't think I did, did I? I don't think I'd ever close that option.

Fred: 'How about doing Stephen's Talkhouse on Long Island now the Downtown has closed.' It's up to them when the time comes.

Al Maddox: 'Come to Gloucester/Cheltenham!

Mutten Stew: 'I always considered Buffin a great drummer. Good chops that made MTH MTH. Did you ever have input on what he played or did? Or did everyone enjoy creative freedom and personal input into what they played?' Nobody told anybody what to play. That's what a band is. You can suggest, but that's about it. The band is the sum of its components. You just hope you have the right combination - the X factor if you like. Mott the Hoople had that.

Gerard: 'Last summer my girlfriend then 21 and I, then 45 plugged in my old turntable after the one in her house broke. She was bummed out for weeks not being able to fire up her collection of 60's garage rock and punk. As soon as I'd rigged it up, she asked me to DJ all the good stuff she missed being born in '83 and about five albums later I fired up 'Ian Hunter' and told her it was one great record, but it didn't catch on. By the time side one finished she was pale and looking like she was about to cry. 'This should have been huge' she said following up with 'My generation sucks, they couldn't make music that comes close to this.' I unfortunately concur. She chastised me that my generation had missed the boat on this one. I explained that none of my friends like it - I tried, but I couldn't explain it either. I felt like I had to apologize for a lot of them. A week later, I mentioned the event to our friend, Dominic, a charming Brit who works at Rockit Scientist Records on St. Marks Place in NY. He informed me a lot of people love - so much that it is selling now - then he sold me a 30th Anniversary edition. What a relief. We love it. It sounds timeless and amazingly modern. Play NYC soon. Gerard + Gina.' Hey, sometimes it takes a little while for people to catch on - look at the Republicans!

Willie raving about Tracie's gig. New music better than her last, 'Race'.

Phil Judge: 'I've often wondered what you thought of Pete's song 'Shout it All Out.' A pleasant little ditty which BL recorded on B side of 'Monte Carlo'. Apparently the song was about late night phone calls Pete received when you were in the U.S. telling him how well things were going for you (sorry - this ain't me). Many people thought Pete was having a bit of a dig, but I reckon there was a lot of love for you in that song.' (I love Pete - always have - always will.) Are you aware of any other songs that have been written about you?' (No - if indeed this was about me.) Play 'Rose'. Mmmmm.

Alan from Santa Fe: While on the subject of Pete. The legend is he knocked someone's teeth out with his Thunderbird. He did. I saw him do it. Pete said, 'Are you all right?' (brilliant) and the bloke screamed, 'Play! Play!'. His mouth was a mess, but he was cool!

Kelly Wallace offering condolences to Ronno's family and all who loved him. It's that time of the year. (I did Picasso in AC.)

Jane: 'How can I talk to Mick's daughters?' He's only got one, Lisa. I can't give you her number- you must appreciate that.

Brian Bonhomme: Did bands ever play live on TOTP. Some, I think did. Some would sing to a backing track. Eventually it was all synced. Yes, I'll be in Ohio.

Tim Chapple: 'Welcome to the Club has to be one of the great live albums - what do you think made the magic or was it just one of those performances when you know you'd done a good one?' It wasn't one performance - it was taken from five consecutive live shows at the Roxy in LA. We just picked the best takes of each song. 'Play Cornwall!' No! Too far!

Randy Romig: 'When you play the Indian's ballpark in August will you wear a Yankees cap, an Indian's cap, or is it the usual Rock Star thing!!! This gig is by no means certain at this moment. Somebody in Cleveland jumped the gun. How about a METS cap?

Ray: 'Are you doing the Astoria this year (2006)? The Essex Boys.' It might happen in the autumn, but it's not looking likely - depends on the album release.

Bryan: 'Hi Ian, hope your back is OK. I lived in Half Moon Bay, California for 8 years - which is were Neil Young has a ranch. Did you ever meet him?' Nope. Our paths have never crossed.

Stano: 'Would MTH be massive today?' No, but they would be in 2036.

Nick: Don't know 'em.

Edward Marks: Very gratifying - very gratifying.

Rob: 'Come to the Bay area!' I will when there's a decent gig.

Sony: What the history of 'Heard it From the Horse's Mouth?' Dunno - Mr. Ed?

Mick Mckenzie: Football stuff

Rico Blues: 'Please reschedule Buffalo.' We'll see.

Fiona hopes life is treating me nice - it is!

Ed O'neill wanted 'Alice' at Atlantic City - now if I'd known…….

Jim Stotts just heard '23A' on deep tracks XM radio.

Mike Lagdon: A fan.

Sandra tell Brad Sinsel it was me. And yes, I do rock!

Jim Frauel: Why did I open for Dave Mason? Well - it was Dave's gig - I was added later - and it just fell into place. I thought they were really good. Were as 'Rant' politicized the UK a bit - 'Shrunken Heads' is a bit fed up with U.S. politicians. We really must get better ones in the West. These people are not up to it. They're not stupid (as the left maintain) they're just not clever enough - and these are dodgy old times. Downsize corporations. They're too big and they're wrecking the world and they don't give a f--- about you. Sorry, off I went …

Stay tuned for Part 2 ...