Want to hear it straight from the Horse's Mouth? Ask your question here.

Issue #73, Part 1 - March 20, 2007

Sorry this is a bit late - just got back from the West Coast last night.

Andrew Gardner: Looking forward to King Tut's (Glasgow).

Rick Lake: Going to Anaheim - Hope you enjoyed it!

Eddie H: 'Memphis - Little Rock?' Up to the promoters down there.

Marius H. Johannessen: Looking forward to Norway. Who's in the Rant Band? Steve Holley, Paul Page (new), James Mastro, MC Bosch and AB (Andy Burton).

Ian: The main UK tour will be in October. These first gigs (plus Paris) are acoustic.

Robert Clayton: 'Sweet Jane' was Bowie's idea. We had the same manager, and David was producing us. Glad you noticed that neither Ralphs nor Ronson were 'speed merchants'. Can't stand show offs.

Joe S.: Well, Andy did play with us in Healdsburg - I don't know if I signed your autograph. Enjoyable gig.

Paul Callow: Orlando? Up to local promoters.

Dominic Roche: No further London dates until October.

Bjoern: Promoter's decision. I'm sad too. Sometimes it's the money. Sometimes it's the routing. I know I have a following in Bergen and I wish I was playing there.

Alison Smith: Is it ten years? Mick Brown will contact you.

Willie: We'll see; we'll see (Nae Wheels to Ride - as usual).

Mike Mitchell: 'Play 'No Wheels to Ride' slowly and clearly so Willie can comprehend the lyric which he's forgotten due to old age and addled brain.'

Kelly: Congratulations…. No more gigs until October, unfortunately. Time flies.

Will: Who was the big guy in the 'All of the Good Ones' video? Don't remember his name. I know he owns a pet shop in Manhattan. Been a character actor for years. [Webmaster's note: That was the late Captain Haggerty, of Captain Haggerty's School For Dogs in Manhattan. He was a character actor, a world renowned dog trainer, and portrayed Mr. Clean in TV commercials. He was the inspiration for Martin Briley's song 'School For Dogs'.]

Susan: Be my guest!

Dominic Magnolo: I obviously didn't get this until after I got back, so I'm afraid I missed the boat. Anything like this need more notice. I hope you got to the gig and I hope your brother's hanging in. Wish him well for me.

Susan: Am I an Alice Cooper fan? No, but he's good and intelligent. Nice guy, but different neck of the woods.

Steve K. says they used Mott's version of 'Sweet Jane' in 'Life on Mars' - 30 seconds worth!

Andy Allison: 'Why not record the British acoustic gigs?' Hadn't thought of that. Why not, indeed?

Dave Bennett: 'What instruments etc. for acoustic gigs? Don't know yet. Bit early.

Tom Semioli: 'Artists such as Patti Smith and Lou Reed are performing entire albums in concert. Would you consider doing the same? Brain Capers? AAAB? Doesn't really appeal at the moment. Prefer new stuff.

Dan DeBoer: How many mates does Willie have? Willie, stop it!! I'm going to drop by Tracie's gig after Glasgow; she's virtually next door. Can't stay long though as Birmingham is the next day and we have an early start.

Paul Lheureux: Too much like hard work, mate.

Steveabs: I've no idea what I'm gonna do yet. I'm sure it'll be fine.

Edward Shirley: I'm firmly convinced nobody knows.

Al Maddox: Thanks, Al.

Bucks Burnett: 'Congratulations on YEPROC and DANNY GOLDBERG signings. With artists like Robin Hitchcock, Nick Lowe etc., Yep Roc is clearly the best indie label on the planet. Goldberg never made a wrong move in his life. Fabulous.'

Dave Griffiths: 'Life on Mars' again.

Jim K: 'Massachusetts? Working on it.

Brad Ehlert: 'Listening to 'Modern Times' (good title that!) Buy five cases of wine, get the boys in the studio, and create Mott the Hoople / All the Old Dudes'. What a fabulous idea.

Janey Todd: Never really gave it much thought not being a lady! To me everything is equal. People are assholes or they're not - regardless of race, colour, religion ad nauseum.

Andy C.: The full band tour England in October '07.

Doug Moss: 'On a recent trip to visit my old mum I lent my mp3 player to my 9 year old, Freya, to pass the time. Expecting her to head for her favourites - Lost Prophets, Fall Out Boy etc. I asked her what she was listening to. Imagine my delight when she said, Ian Hunter - Once Bitten Twice Shy - the Rockers disc. 'Why are you listening to that?' I asked. 'Because his voice is cool and I like his hair and glasses!'' I keep telling people I'm a six symbol, but nobody believes me.

Rooster: 'U.S. dates?' Yes, we are working on it as we speak. Got an album to sell.

Rolf: Rolf's in Haugesund, Norway and usually travels. This time we are traveling to him. Glad to oblige.

Craig: 'What happened to bonus tracks for American Beat reissue of 'All of the Good Ones'? Instead of single mixes mentioned on your web site, it includes the b-side/Traitor/Already released on a Once Bitten compilation. Curious and a little disappointed.' In all honesty, I haven't a clue who American Beat is or that they released 'All of the Good Ones'. I'm guessing that it was sub-licensed by Sony and any info on our website was furnished by them. Ring 'em up and scream. It's out of my hands. Glad you enjoyed Austin.

Jack Mack: Philly? We'll be there. Keep practicing on the keyboard.

Rick G: 'Since your California dates precede 'Shrunken Heads' will you return to the West Coast after the release?' So far we've penciled in: June 14 - Las Vegas; June 15 - Agora Hills; June 16 - San Juan Capistrano, Coach House; June 17 - LA Key Club.

Matt Gorham: Working on it.

Reid Winfrey: Went to SF and wanted the gig list. Too late now. How was it?

Tracy: It's a good one. Enjoy.

Snorre: Will we be selling merch at the gigs? We'll try.

Garrett Lee: Not until October.

Trond Throndsen: No Bergen, but going to Haugesund. 'Bergen will miss you.' Hey, I will miss Bergen it's a drag.

Jon White: 'Do you still get nervy when you release a new album?' Well, you never know what's in the future so it is interesting. 'Is the best one always the latest one?' No, the best one is always the next one. 'Thanks for writing the sound track to my life for 35 years.' Scary.

Tom McGarry: Holley, Mastro and me, more than likely.

Bill Bishop: Come to Toronto!

Peter Jorden: Read into it what you will, Peter. That's what it's for.

Eric Hemphill corrects me on the Hott Motts. I thought they were all ladies, but apparently there were guys too. Eric was one of 'em. Just turned 40. Happy Birthday, Eric!

Jeff: Looking forward to 'Shrunken Heads'. Apparently, if you go to the Yep Roc web site they're airing 30 second snippets of the CD. Response, so far, has been good. I think they'll be doing it in the UK soon as well.

Jake Almond: 'Traveling from Haydock to Glasgow for acoustic show.' My Dad took me to Haydock Park races once. Lost his shirt and sulked all the way home!

Carl Todaro asks to whom was I referring in 'Scars'? Can't remember, but probably me. 'The Other Man' was just a made up song that I like very much. 'Red Letter Day' was made up as well. One of Trudi's favourites. She's still trying to get it covered again.

Bruce: Fully recovered. Thanks for asking.

Francis L: 'How do you feel about all this interest in MTH after 30 years? Satisfied. 'Do you think we're all daft?' No. 'What's it like being a R 'n' R hero and somewhat legendary among your fellow musicians - as well as us diehards who love and respect your talent and intellect as a writer?' Fun. 'Good luck with 'Shrunken Heads''. Thank you, Francis.

Beth Khoury: Things were a bit hectic. I didn't even know there was a meet and greet. How you and your friends enjoyed.

Mark Watson wants Boulder. Talk to your local chap.

Glenn The Rock: Likes my sense of humour. Does the same with kids in PE classes (1500 kids every two weeks). Humour is good; there should be more of it. The right kind, that is.

David Pike: 'Any chance of an Arts Centre gig or the Wyvern in Swindon?' I was thinking of the Wyvern. I enjoyed that gig, but it's not up to me.

Gerry/Glasgow: I've played with Nazareth in Norway, not long back. Gerry swears he saw Tracey at a pub in Glasgow. You probably did. She's up there recording now and again.

Rolle: 'Don't forget Malmo.' Ah - but maybe the Malmo promoters have forgotten me?

Jeff Dickinson - Burnley? No problem with Burnley at all. It either come up - or it doesn't. Say hi to Megan for me (Megan's 7.) Jeff says they do a mean 'Wash Us Away' duet.

Richard Banks: 'When are you coming to Canada? Saw you in London, Ontario, Ronno seemed pretty f___ed up. Half way through he shook it off - show was fantastic.' We'll see.

Neil Bates: Will acoustic shows be recorded for fans who missed out? Don't know yet.

Ron Frankl: 'Congrats on Yep Roc. They seem to do a great job for their artists. What and when is the first release? 'Shrunken Heads' - May 2007. 'Also, will they license your back catalog?' We haven't gotten into that.

Matt Nojonen: Great, as usual. And to think they glorify this - TV channels devoted to war. You've captured it. Good man!

Erron Geer: 'If you covered a Beatle's song what would it be?' Probably, 'Let It Be'.

Trevor Berry was actually in Nott the Hoople. Trev - I'm not doing it if you don't. I miss you!

Joyce: Hey!! California was fun.

Kelly Wallace: I'm not sick of the sport; I'm sick of Chelsea winning.

Mojono: 'NYC?' Tryin' to tie it in with the other gigs.

Stay tuned for Part 2 ...