I'd like to start off by apologizing to all my American friends for BBC America. If you don't like spotty chefs or stupid car tricks - there's only the news. Sunday night's big special? Ancient James Bond films. I don't know who programs the Beeb over here - and I'm sure they'll bleat 'lack of funds', but they do have a monster archive and they do run commercials (crap ones) - so there's really no excuse - just another U.K. RIP OFF. And so to work!

Marko Helisto: Guy Stevens found 'In Your Own Backyard' and made a strong case for us to record it. Enjoy Helsinki.

Rosa Lichter: 'Add another Winery date.' We did!

Pertti Finland: 'Welcome to Finland - you sold out half the place in four hours.' Hello Tiia and Tuija.

Peter Jordan: Yeah, Mick was a restless soul - he liked to keep busy and he like traveling. Life was definitely an adventure for him.

Anna: It's up to promoters.

Mike: 'I'm thinking about going to the Sellersville show.' (It's sold out.) 'What can I expect from an I.H. show today? Does he play his old hits with his new stuff?' (Yes) 'Is it electric or acoustic?' (Both)

Dirk: Nope.

Alessandro is going to the Milan show with his friends. His dream is to play with me at the sound check. My dream is to avoid sound checks!

Elliott Dworkin: The Rant Band - Steve, James M.C., Paul and A.B.

Peejay: The wife does all that stuff.

Dave Ramshaw: Noted.

Dave Crisfield: Nope.

Hot tub Mike: The Winery's a great place for music. They shove the swag up a corner so you'll have to look for it - but it's there.

Gordon Crowley-Sweet: Sorry, Gordon - that one's gone, but Buff and I did live around there, so I'm sure you're right. Be well. P.S. - still drive a mini.

Terry Moon: I've met Lemmy and Roger. Just saying hello...

Joejo is going all three nights to the Winery. Thinks my set should be concentrated on the last three albums with a twist of the classics. Well, I haven't got that far yet, but I'll bear it in mind. Autographs are kind of opportunistic!

Greg: 'Is there any chance Ian or MTH would play the Ryman in Nashville? K.C? .or STL? There's always a chance...you never know.

Oeyvind Kristoffersen: ''Central Park 'n' West' became new born in NYC - please put it in the set list.' We'll see.

Marina Haugsrud Hille: I'm sorry, but we don't do this on the web site. Tell Erling to have a great 50th from me.

Debbie M: Another request from Cleveland. Cleveland's not the problem - to go and play Cleveland I need another three or four gigs around it to make it viable. Not easy in this climate.

Tom Yosten is very fond of the 30th Anniversary Schizophrenic re-release.

Geoff Bryant: 'Just got my ticket for the Barbican and I thought I'd let you know the dressing rooms are definitely better than Hammersmith's. Looking forward to hearing 'Flowers' for the first time - and what about 'Dancing On the Moon'?' Actually, I've been thinking about 'Dancing On the Moon' - May be it'll make it in there. The Barbican looks like a beautiful venue. Looking forward to it.

Mark F: I played with Sheila E., Howard Jones, Greg Lake, Roger Hoskins and Mark Riviera (who was the MD).

Keith: They want to release it, but we haven't agreed on the business side of things. I think it's sad - the second half of your email.

John Huffman: 'Please - please - play LA.' Well, you'd think with New West stationed in LA something could be arranged - as it was with 'Rant' and 'Shrunken Heads'. Apparently not. I've never had a problem selling there, so it's all rather old fashioned and silly.

Ian Dick: Story of my life!

Kevin P Morrissey: I think they had their time and they were great. Thoughtful guitarist; very, very good.

Matt Nojonen: Noted.

David Clymer: 'In the March '04 Horse's Mouth, I suggested you play the Sellersville Theater. Glad you finally took my advice - I'll be in the front row!' I think it was the promoter who took your advice. I just okayed it.

Danny Roth: 'First concert '78 Agora - I was 14 - sister snuck me in. First trip overseas - MTH reunion - three shows. You have the greatest 'effin fans. Yep - I know.

S.B.: 'Did Mick Ronson have a guitar collection or did he find one and stick with it?' He had a few guitars, but he really wasn't into collecting stuff.

Jari from Finland - Welcoming us to Finland. Thanks you!

Patrick Warpinski: I read it and had a couple of emails from the author over the years.

Mark Hecnar: 'Were you and Mick influenced by The Shadows growing up?' Mick was I definitely wasn't.

G. Mick Smith: 'If asked - would you be open to someone writing a book length musical biography about you?' Don't know. Never gave any thought.

Shugster: Line up's the same as the last Glasgow show.

Tony Days: I can't remember it. No sweat.

Paul Cavani: Glad somebody's coming! Well, you never know over there do you? I'm only going because I've been there before. Lovely city. Pity it's only one night.

Anna Kannokko: Sorry, Anna - we don't do that.

Paul Bennethrum: I haven't actually, and if I did - they wouldn't know.

Steve: 'Do you think you'll be coming to Manchester?' Yes, I am thinking about it - but not this trip.

Seth Purrin: '54 days till opening day - where will you be opening day?' Probably gigging.

Jeffrey: Hey Jeff...

Paul Kennett: I'm looking at October, but nothing's settled yet.

Ritchie Cornacchio: Tell her I'm not particularly into Dr. Who, but if I was - David Tennant would be my choice too.

John (Indiana) has become a fan of Alejandro Escovedo through this site (good-oh!). 'Have you considered collaborating with him either to tour or do a joint CD?' I'm actually sitting on a track of Al's that's going on his next CD. He wants me to sing on it. I was going in to record it yesterday, but there was a tragedy that centered round the studio - so I'm waiting to hear when. I guess I'll do it later this week. Glad you like Al - he's for real.

Laurent: There's always a possibility, but really it's pot luck.

Scott: 'Do the Park West in Chicago!' Nice club - played there before. It's up to them.

Scott S.: 'I live in IL and go to a pub right across from Resurrection Cemetery. They leave a bloody Mary for Mary at the edge of the bar. I love your tune about her. The pub's called the Chet's Melody Lounge. Have you ever been to Resurrection Cemetery?' Actually, the last time I was in Chicago, I was in this car and all of a sudden we're driving along side this long, long wall - it was Resurrection Cemetery.

C. Mathews: 'Is there a live version of 'All American Alien Boy?'' Dunno.

Jeffrey is talking about the bloody weather. Actually, today (March 1st) it's pretty nice out. I even felt a smidgen of warmth in the air. Pretty nippy when the clouds spread their wings though.

Seth Purvin: 'With Spring just around the corner, I just wanted to know if you have a proper English garden at the Hunter Compound. Also - coffee or tea?' Actually, it's your average American garden (owing to the deer eating everything in sight). We do have a pool and stone work. Coffee AND tea. We love Dunkin' Donuts coffee and English Breakfast tea.

Stay tuned for Part 2 ...