David Maile: There's a lot here; I like this bit: 'Awaiting postal delivery of 'M.O.' as it wasn't among the Simon Cowell garbage at the local record store (which bodes well for the continuation of your career).'

Steveabs: We've done Disney a couple of times. Robbie Alter lives down that way as does Dennis Elliott.

Mark Romeo: 'Come to Pittsburgh'. We want to, believe me, we want to.

Mark F: 'When do rehearsals begin?' They've already started. 'How long do you normally rehearse before a tour?' The Rant Band can take as little as a couple of days. We did two days before the City Winery. Do your homework and it works better and quicker. 'Any comments about the passing of Les Paul?' Les had a wonderful life and that's all you can ask for.

Sue Wells: Stan will be there - I'll tell him.

Stale: Thanks for the heads up. Still think about Torstein - great player.

Joanne Rishton: Lovely review from her blog. Thank you, Joanne.

Dave Pike: 'Just purchased MO from HMV in Swindon. If it's of any use, I personally think it's the best thing you've done in a while; plenty of warmth. Particularly like the title track (Swindon Power Cut Crew).' Thanks, Dave.

John McMillan: 'Love the new CD. A bit disturbed today. A mostly right winger myself, but it's gone overboard judging our new president when he hasn't been in there a year.' Your new president will be remembered throughout history as one of the greats. We are so bloody lucky and most don't even know it. I lean towards Republicanism myself, but the Republican party and its supporters in America are bad, hammy actors. You need to get some decent people representing you. These clowns on Fox and Limbaugh radio aren't fooling anyone. We have a revolution for decency going on here. That's what's confusing everybody. We're so used to 'the deal' and phony patriotic and phony familyonics and phony reality. Me - I'm all for a bit of common sense and decency. Obama's the man. If he'd have been Republican, I'd still have supported him. The guy's special and I'm amazed you can't see it. I shoulda bin in A&R!

Greg Becker: 'Another fine album.'

John Wood: 'Surely it would be worthwhile MTH adding a few dates at major cities outside of London while you're at it?' Yes, but then we'd be breaking the terms of the deal. It's all in the small print.

Arney R: I dunno, Arney - Bruce writes a lot of his own stuff. As regards the radio, obviously, I need all the help I can get!

Torsten: 'Bin a fan for many years - seen you tour twice (your shows are excellent). To be honest - I was dismally disappointed with 'Shrunken Heads' (I can't get myself to play it). But 'Man Overboard' is a great return to your inimitable style. Great new disc. Congratulations.'

Dave the Rave Hearn: Great new album.

Mathew: 'Love the new album - been listening since 'Mad Shadows'. I honestly think the last three are the best you've done!! Was there a conscious attempt to program it like an album? That's how I was brought up.

Malcolm Parker: The record is a re-issue so the best bet is to contact the record company that is putting it out.

Gerard Wezenberg: 'When will you come to Holland?' I get a lot of this. It's not down to me. It's down to your promoters in Holland.

Bucks Burnett: 'I have to say, I find 'Rant' more previous than 'Shrunken Heads', while 'Man Overboard' is absolutely more recent than either. But he, that's just my opinion.' And you're entitled to it, Bucks.

Leslie: 'New album terrific - enjoy going back catalog. Lucky to find 'Long Odd 'n' Out Takes' bonus to SBNS. Who played piano on 'You Stepped Into My Dreams?' Dunno. I think I wrote it, so it was probably me - maybe Tommy Mandel - not sure.

Dwayne S.: 'Flying from Montreal to see MTH in Monmouth - very excited (please play 'The Journey') - why a show in Monmouth?' It's kind of local to the rest of them, therefore convenient.

Michael Pecucci: 'After digging intently on your wonderful new album, I think my fave is, 'Girl from the Office'. What inspired it?' A girl from the office.

Mark: Love the song 'Flowers'. Where can I buy chords and music? Well, the lyrics are on the CD and the chords are pretty easy, but I don't know where you can buy them.

Merwyn: 'Ian, I got your CD. If I was your manager I'd sleep at the end of your bed and catch your songs as you wake up. Also, (you know I love you), but do you realize how lucky you are to gave fallen in with Andy - and before that Ronno - and to have a life long mate in Ralpher?' Well - yeah - but none of these guys would play with me if they didn't like what I was doing. Course I know I've been blessed. They've all known, in their times with me, how appreciative I am of their abilities - but it is a two way street.

Verne: I don't listen - that's my problem.

John Hess: 'Didn't you have a guitar in the shape of an 'H'?' Do you still play it?' I did have two 'H' guitars. One was home made by a mate of Pete Watts and Pete said I smashed it somewhere - he remembers where - I've forgotten. The other 'H' is an Ibanez which is in the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame (along with the piano on which I wrote 'Cleveland Rocks') - although I believe they have been loaned out at the moment.

Patrik Hanson: Jerry Lee Lewis (Whole Lotta Shakin'). We thought he was Jerry Lewis - the comedian - at first. Then, Elvis Presley - what the hell kind of a name is that? Luxenbourg, Little Richard, Butlins, Juke boxes, snooker, beer, girls - fights - those were the days!!!

John Semineno: You know, it gets more and more difficult to sign anything. You can thank eBay and the scammers for that.

Staale Einarson: 'Are you the lead singer on 'Trudi's Song'? Yup. 'Congratulations on the new album! These last three albums - all wonderful, but quite different. Where in the process do they get their nature - already before songwriting? - during songwriting? - in the arrangement process? or in the production? What is the role of the band?' Start with the songs. When I write I won't present anything to Andy York until I'm at least half way through. I then lay them on him to get his reaction. It's usually favorable, but he's already thinking from a different perspective - how's he is going to develop the arrangement, what instrumentation etc. Encouraged by his (and sometimes James) reaction to the initial five songs, I will then carry on until I've got 8 or 9. The process is then repeated. If these pass muster, we then start figuring out a studio date. My guys are very busy so we have to set a window for the recording. Once that's sorted, we split up again and I start finishing the rest of the songs. At some point Andy and I will decide what songs are keepers and Andy will start recording me roughly, so that he's got the basics at home. There is a point where the rhythm section will then come up. AB will come up for a computer/keyboard day separately. James will get a day - maybe along with Jack - so they don't tread on each other. M.C. Bosch we do separately. We know exactly what we want from each person. A few days of proper rehearsal and in we go. If everybody's done their homework (and my guys are absolutely brilliant at homework) - we're up 'n' running in no time at all. The personality of the record is a combination of Andy, The Band, Peter Moshay, the songs, and me at that time. Fortunately, we get on really well, so if you're getting a good feeling from 'Man Overboard' - it's genuine. NO egos. The only arguments are - how do we get it better? It really is a privilege working with the chaps. So that's that.

Tony: ' I hope MTH do all the singles.'

Greg Hopper: 'Picked up 'Man Overboard' on a whim - enjoyed it tremendously. Will you tour? Seattle?' Who knows? The economy being what it is - we all want to and are looking at November/December.

Martin: No - that won't be possible.

Jason Bishop: Doesn't ring any bells with me.

Thomas Hostetler: Gone and forgotten. I was a nasty sod wasn't I.

Hal: Not a bod idea at all. Hard work though - all those words. ' 'M.O'. gets better each time I listen.' All it takes is a little patience (which I don't have - glad you do).

Eugene McGovern: ' 'Rant;' 'SH;' and 'Man Overboard' must be one of the best trio of consecutive releases by any pop artist in the last 30 years.'

Bobby Balloch: 'How the hell do you do it - brilliant!' I get good help.

Chris Campbell: 'Monsterous 21st Century run. A question from the way back machine - when you 'n' Ronno did a cover (FBI - Day Tripper) - how did you pick the tunes and arrangements? Your idea? His idea? Joint effort?' In the case of 'FBI' and 'Day Tripper' - they were both Mick's ideas. He developed 'FBI' on his own, but I was there for the birth of his version of 'Day Tripper'. We'd been working on something else in my flat in NYÇ and suddenly, just for a break, he started playing a riff. I loved the speed and immediately started singing the song - and we just kept at it. He got a middle bit and I was very excited. I think we toured the song - we never studioed it.

Mike Costanzo: ' 'Man Overboard' another fine record. Glad to see good reviews. Happy to see you splash a bit of colour on the cover this time. Where was it taken? On page 38 of the September issue of 'Rolling Stone' it mentions the passing of film wizard John Hughes. In the article - Hughes admits the film 'Pretty in Pink' as being written to the music of the Psychedelic Furs, Lour Reed and Mott the Hoople.' Thanks, Mike. Loved Molly Ringwald in that picture.

Mark MacKave: Sorry, I can't do this at the moment.

Ed: 'Did you ever meet Tommy Bolin or Paul Kossoff? Any quick anecdotes?' I can't remember meeting Bolin but I may well have done. I knew Paul Kossoff from our Island Record days. He was a lovely man. His Dad was the brilliant actor, David Kossoff - who disapproved of Paul's lifestyle. Paul was a master of sustain. I still love 'Catch A Train.'

Sky Daniels: I honestly have no idea.

Gordon Maitland: Enjoy!

Tony: 'Who was 'It Ain't Easy When You Fall' written about?' I'm not telling.

Brian Baur: Sorry, Bri but 'Never Trust a Blonde' was written by Darryl Bath - not me. Wish I had though - great song.

Ian Duffin asks me to say hello to Brendan Kennedy in Coventry. Now get your butts down there!

Peter James: 'Love the new CD. See you in London on October 3rd. I married the 'Girl From the Office'.'

Neal Ludeke: Say hello to Todd. We're not done yet. Glad you like the record. The answer to the second part is negative.

Oor Wullie: 'New album tremendous - especially title track, 'River of Tears'. You have a hit with 'Girl from the Office'. Hope you tour it - but we have a small matter of September /October first - looking forward to it.!!!' Ye arse will be aff the bucket.

Dan: 'What are the chances of 'The Moon Upstairs' in Monmouth?' You'll have to wait and see.

Ellie: This is for Alan: We're all rooting for you and wishing you well. Come on Alan - up and at 'em. - Ian and the Mott chaps XXXX

Caroline May: Keep 'em short, girl. Thanks for getting the word out.

Seth Purrin: I'm tired of this talk about my age, too. It's this kind of western culture stupidity that clouds ones vision.

Tina Earl: Ain't been out lately. I would have to say no.

Aldo: 'Thank you very much for another album with songs that one by one sneak into the heart and become familiar from the first note until the last. Really great. I would honestly give up half my record collection for 'Man Overboard'! Good idea - the rope between the guitar and the amp on the cover. What a picture. One question - do you think you can top it?' I think I can make another record, at some other time, when it's ready.

Simon Sarin: I saw this picture, Simon, and I don't know who's it is. Kind of reminds me of a Mick Rock work.

Alan Crabbe: Don't even know how that goes anymore.

Carol Nicholas: I'll mention it to Bob, but to be honest, he's snowed under. Keep an eye open. You never know. Amy's got her own baby now.

D: Lovely story - a little bit long for here, but 'D' talks to a sparrow on a regular basis. The sparrow's lost his mate and D substitutes. They converse regularly and the sparrow panics if D's not there. The sparrow's name is Hunter.

Ray Waters: 'Thank you for an album that has me singing along as soon as it starts.

Rich Whalen: 'Well - I love the M.O. disc.'

Paul: 'The new album is terrific.'

Dave Griffiths MBE: 'M.O. Brilliant.'

Graham Stark: Please!!! Let it lie; let it lie.

John Jepson: 'I can't believe it's gonna happen.'

Hot Tub Mike: 'Following you on twitter - where's the tweets?' Giving it a miss.

Jane Holmes: 'Followed you since '72 (I was very young). Just want you to know the joy you bring me.' Blush.

Wynand Van Emmerik: Nope - those lines just came and that was it.

Rich Manson: ' 'Great Escape' autobiographical?' Yup.

Rockin' Rob: I wouldn't have one on me.

Bruce: 'Enjoying new CD. 'Great Escape' my favourite.'

So - you guys seem to like the new CD. It's always nice when you get a response like this. Radio's the problem. Anyway, there won't be a Horse's Mouth next month as I'm busy. So sit back, relax and enjoy a beautiful Autumn. I walked this morning - perfect weather. Keep your pecker up, Alan!!!

IH
The Horse's Mouth