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Issue #83, Feb 2008

The weather hasn't been too bad, Mr. Stanke. Saving it up for when we make a move, no doubt.

Alex Armsworth: I forget the name of the show I did. I did it with another guy - I believe he was a soul/pop singer - very nice guy. It was fun, although I believe there were a number of complaints. I don't know if it was taped. It's a pretty popular show apparently.

Charlie Lofgren: 'Do a bio DVD along the lines of 'Running Down a Dream.' I thought four hours would be too long for Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, but I found it fascinating viewing. I like Tom's music more and more. Great band. I was in LA at the Village recording and the guitarist and the organist (Mike and Benmont) said they'd like to do something. At he time I had nothing to record (Mick Ronson and I were there producing somebody), but I've always wished we could have done something.

Ian Kemp would love to see the original 'Hoople' together again. 'Any chance you would change your mind?' It would have to be silly money; we're only getting semi-silly offers!

Bob Mootz: My immediate plans are an acoustic tour of the UK and then I want to buckle down for the next record. I really need some songwriting time. Stuff keeps getting in the way.

David Fowler: Thank you, David.

Dan Baker: 'For David Werner fans, I saw a site on the internet where Werner has opened his own studio. He has been producing - his greatest success being 'Swing Out Sister'. I've lost the link but will keep looking.' Good to know David's alive and kicking.

Steve McGivern: 'Looking on Amazon for 'Diary of A R+R Star' - one is going for 35 GBP and another for 67 GBP - what's going on? Is this a work of art?' It may well be, judging by today's standards! [webmaster's note - these are private sellers gambling looking for a big profit. Contact me if you are still stuck for a copy.]

Colum Thornton: 'Any chance of Ireland - Temple Bar?' We had a look at Ireland for the acoustic tour - it would seem the powers that be would prefer to reintroduce in Ireland with the full band, so we'll see.

Bobby Balloch: 'How do you feel about fans taking videos of you at your gigs?' It was kinda funny in LA. I go on - periscopes up! It's like looking at a sea of periscopes. Not a lot you can do about it really. It's when someone tries to cash in that annoys.

Ian Hollinghurst: 'Is Stan on the acoustic tour?' No, not this time around.

Pam: 'My new favourite - 'Irene Wilde''.

Doug Moss: Doug's going to the Dartford gig with daughter, Freya. By the way, that one is now sold out. Doug says it's the site of Mick Jagger's Grammar school - hence the name. If we record at Dartford Doug suggests the title be, 'One from the Old School.' Bravo, Doug!

A.J.Cramdall: 'You must come to Portland. Lots of fans. I review shows for KINK.FM. Go to www.kink.fm under/'music news/' for past reviews. Well, I don't know when I'll be there, but thanks for the support.

Phil Huband: Phil says Ronno's 'Slaughter on 10th Avenue' made the Guardian's recent list of 1000 albums to hear before you die. Nice One.

Phyl: Nope - heard nuthin' from Jules lately. Trouble is with that show they more or less force you into doing old hits. Amy sat next to me and stuff kept falling out of her handbag - in her own world and not a particularly pretty one. She sang ok, but I didn't believe her. Barry's no longer with us. I saw quite a bit of him a year or so before he died. He and his wife, Maureen came over. Same to you and yours.

Hope Campbell: I should think so too.

Neil Bates: Happy New Year.

Jeffrey Crisp: 'What situations usually trigger inspiration?' I've genuinely have no idea.

Edward Marks says 'check out www.colesmithey.com and click on Film Blog Articles and you'll be happy.

John Raddatz: 'Very interesting crowd at Shepherds Bush. Met Paul from Bedford who'd seen MTH 42 times! Fairfield Hall CD blows me away (that's actually the nearest anybody came to capturing the sound at the time). Picked up Campbell Devine's book the next day; a great read. Take a punt to OZ.' One day, one day.

Pat: 'Saw John Prine at Carnegie Hall on Saturday (great show). Great quote on America, 'I love America - I just don't know how to get there anymore.' (I feel the same about England.)

Brian recently heard, 'Memphis' on the Craig Ferguson Show. 'Gotta say, your voice sounded pretty frayed round the edges. Hope it was a sore throat.' I went straight from the studio to Cedars-Saini Medical Center. I had a problem which was throat related. Fixed now.

Mike Logan loved the Key Club and the Canyon Club. 'Any plans to return?' Not until I've done the next album.

Dan Hartmann: 'What is Lisa Ronson's opinion of 'Lisa Likes Rock 'n' Roll''? She thinks it's cute.

Bucks Burnett: Glad your sister (and her bloke) enjoyed it.

Paul Cavani: If the chance arises, it'll be OK

Scott: You don't need to ask. Once it's out there, anybody can get a mechanical license. There will be no definite set list; it will change most nights. We'll do something like 14 or 15 songs out of 30. Well, sort of!

Hal is on about 'Juno'. Up for an Oscar and all that. Apparently, 'Dudes' is quite integral within the story. Still haven't seen it - nearly went yesterday! 'Do an acoustic set in Westchester County.' Not all up to me.

Donna: Indeed, I will.

Scott McClymont: Left the fold for a few albums but 'World Was Round' has retrieved him from the desert.

Brad Laidman: What a lovely story! I remember going to see (and getting up with John Brion at Largo's. What an amazing musician he is. Love to do an acoustic show with him sometime. I said to him after the show - you don't watch too much TV! He told me he watched religiously. God knows how he found the time to come up with all that stuff. Brilliant.

Mike Riley: 'Finally picked up 1974 version of MTH live (I know - what was I waiting for). Listened to it a couple of times at work today - Wow - I.H. - YOU ROCK!! So now you find out!

Michael Cox: You were just down the road then. One of my ancestors (according to my Mum) built that bridge.

Augusto Bottacin: Disgusted that we didn't make Uncut's top fifty albums of the year. Well, we came in 5th in Classic Rock - so it's just people's opinions, people's taste. Can't don anything about that so why worry. I see you live in Venice. I've spent time there with my wife. Unforgettable experience. No, I never did met Nick Drake - at least I didn't remember doing so. We were on the same small label (Island) so I may have.

David Kreiger: I'm a big Mott the Hoople fan. I am 20. I think kids my age are starting to discover them as well. Music today is awful. We have gone back to when music mattered and have heard your work and appreciate it. My question is, will MTH ever do a U.S. tour. I think a lot of older people - and people my age would come to see it.' I can't tell you if MTH will ever reform. Sometimes it's better to leave things. But I'll tell you this, your letter makes it a little more tempting.

Ron Anger: 'My wife and I saw you at the Coach House in Orange County. We still talk about the show; we were totally stoked. You and the band were fantastic. My wife never really listened to your music before she and I got together. (It's cos I never looked like David Cassidy!) Now I think she appreciates you more than I do (good woman). I'm a punk musician. I was sitting around listening to 'Shrunken Heads' and I really wanted to write and thank you! I really love your music and your approach to writing. 'Mott' is one of my all time favourite albums. My 13 year old daughter loves that record too. We really dig you in our house and look forward to seeing you play live again soon. Thank you for your honesty and Rock 'n' Roll. Thanks for all the great songs.' You can believe it or believe it not, but I get a lot of letters like this and I don't put them in because it feels like self congratulation. I just put this in because it comes of so heartfelt. Thank you for that. Heavy blushing.

Piet: 'When are you coming to Holland and Belgium? It's been a long time.' The short one to that is I don't know at the moment.

Irina: 'Have you thought about playing a couple of gig in Russia?' Actually, we came pretty close a couple of times. Haven't quite got there yet, but we probably will. I'd like to.

Leslie: 'Songs you wrote officially with Mick Ronson - Mick wrote the music? Or was it just his influence on arrangements?' Mick never actually wrote anything with me. In the case of 'Boy' it was actually longer than the finished article - Mick edited it and did such a beautiful job on the arrangement I felt obligated to share the song with him. 'Just Another Night' for example was a trade off. When I wrote that I was slightly out of it and forgot it. Mick remembered it exactly. He had a great memory. He also had a title I wanted so we made a trade. 'Truth' I wrote specifically as a vehicle for his incredible playing.

Doug Moss: The guy that owned the Agora knows he's sitting on a gold mine. I see him now and again - he always talks about putting them out. Guess he's waiting for the right offer.

John Wyllie: Still got the scarf and I watch the results and I'm dead chuffed with the 'Accies'. Looks like a certainty at the moment.

Billy Innes: My earlier stuff was Euro-complex (slightly before ELO). I guess it was finding out runs on the piano, but I've always aimed for simplicity too. Even more so as I get older. It's the ones that sound the easiest that are the most difficult to write (and vice versa). Sure you could string up 'Shrunken Heads', but not yet. Maybe down the road a piece.

Brian Maloney: Consider her thanked.

Pat: 'Did you always write?' I mention it in 23A. The first decent poem I wrote I took to school and showed it to the English Master (Mr. Dunn). He went bright red in the face and accused me of stealing it. I couldn't have written it. I was too young (eleven). The next hint I had was when I was 15 I was sitting on the back of a truck in Germany (I was in the school cadets on an exchange) and I heard a song - with an orchestra - in the wind. I asked my mates if they could hear it - none of them could, but it was loud and clear to me. In my 20's Freddie Fingers Lee encouraged my song writing and finally Mott (well, Pete) said, 'You write with Ralpher.' Always had an old 30 bob piano and a guitar, but Mott was the first serious attempt at writing. Now it tells me off if I don't do it.

Trey, Rotherham: 'In the last HM you said Verden and Mick can join in whenever they want. Is the same invite open to Overend, Buff, Morgan and Bender? Yes - if Bender behaves himself!!

John Hawk: 'Buffalo or Cleveland?' I'm sure - but not until I do the next record.

Colin Powell: 'Any chance of coming to Thailand to play for the ex-pats?' Not really, Colin. Too far and I'm up to my ears.

Scott Distad: 'Since Milwaukee sold out so fast, any chance of seeing you come back?' We'll be back, but not until the next record.

Chris Kelly: 'Saw Miller Anderson last night with Maggie Bell. Blew me away. What an axeman. I had no idea! Well, Miller's very un-show biz and doesn't put himself forward - prefers to hang back. That's always been his way. He's absolutely brilliant at his instrument - whether acoustic or electric. And check out his voice. Consummate musician with a great heart.

Bill Kershaw is flying from Philly to see Leeds and Manchester. Hope the weather holds.

Drew Hosey: It wasn't smoke. It was 'obstructing an officer in the course of his duty.' I didn't notice any sense of duty.

Alan Keinch: When you look back do you ever feel you owe some of it to Pete? Have you ever tried to get him on one of your gigs? Will MTH reform (they'll never 'reform' they're too naughty). Pete was 1/5 of Mott the Hoople. I owe 'em all. If it hadn't been for the band I'd probably be retiring from the factory about now. I've said to Pete - come to a gig - but he won't. He likes hiking. I love Pete. He's good fun and great to talk with. If you can get a word in edgewise!

Julie: There is no sheet music. The song, however, is very simple. It's in the key of C but the band were detuned a semi-tone, so that puts it in B. It should take the teacher no time at all to score as it is very simple. If he can't figure this one out then he shouldn't be teaching!

Fiona: We try to split 'em up. This place one time that place another.

George: 'The Last Rock 'n' Roll Band' are playing the Camden Barfly on March 29th. Casino Steel and Honest John Plain (from Dirty Laundry) are in the band.' Great stuff!

Patrick Bernard says I look like Jimmy Bullard (Fulham midfielder). Hope we don't get relegated.

Lou D: 'Shrunken Heads' ab. Fab. Play EGG in Albany.'

Mike Riley: Fun to hear the ads for 'Juno'. Brightens my day.

Lisa wants LA again.

Rictus: I don't remember this at all. We may have discussed a band name but probably couldn't come up with one we both liked. I really think though, that the two names were the selling points at that time.

Randy Romig: Saw Todd and Todd's rocking again, with possibly, the finest show I've ever seen. Will you and Todd hook up again?' We'll have to see. We get on great. He's good fun and a great musician. I can't answer the second part of your question.

Jay Lynn: 'The Juno' people have to obtain a sync license to use the track. So the answer is yes.

Doc Lehman: 'Back in '74 I did a report on MTH for an English class and got an A+. Just want you to know the first of our four grandsons is named Hunter, after you.' Bloody hell - it used to be babies - now its grand babies! Congrats!

Rockin Rob: All this Mott reunion stuff rising up again. Why now? 'What amount of money would it take to get MTH together?' A sh- - load!!

Scott Mallender: 'Windsor Star, January 24th CD Round up. Finally! Ian Hunter/Shrunken Heads (four out of five). We've had a few of these this year, both here and abroad. I saw it in the NY Daily News. It was Yep Roc's top voted CD by Yep Roc buyers. Nice one! Buy them 50!

K.J.: 'Every song I write is like an outline to a novel - beginning - middle -end. How do you look at it?' I don't. I shut my eyes and hope for the best. Actually, I do find my third verses usually end up first.

Ray: 'Starland Ballroom, Sayreville?' I liked that gig. I wouldn't be adverse.

Paul Callow: 'Got D.O.A.R. Star. Loved the Elvis bit. Come to Orlando. I've tried and tried at the Hard Rock, but they seem to be a bunch of tossers.' They usually are nowadays.

Dave Hall: 'With the 'Juno' soundtrack sitting in the top 10, will you see any substantial revenue?' Well, I didn't write the song, but the band will get performance mechanicals as usual.

Catherine Burke: In case I forget (which I probably will) tell David he could have picked an easier record than AAAB to cop the bass off. That's Jaco he's trying to beat. Modesty becomes bass players. You should be thankful you didn't marry a front man (go maniacs) or a guitarist (even worse)! Give him my best and glad you enjoyed 'Read 'em 'n' Weep'. Happy Birthday, David!

Dan DeBoer: (Talking about Dennis Elliott.) We've got one or two things. He's brilliant, isn't he?

Craig Russell: Once a song is out there anyone can obtain a mechanical license. If a song is not yet published, you need to get the express permission of the writer. Sync licenses are another matter.

Okey, Dokey kids. I'll be late next time because I'm out of the building. Sorry to those I've missed. Keep 'em comin'.

IH
The Horse's Mouth