John N: 'Just ordered your new CD.' (Better late than never) 'Did you see the Super Bowl - did you have a favourite?' Yes, I did see the Super Bowl - but I've forgotten all about it owing to the fact that Rick and Steff plied me with drinks (which I reluctantly accepted in the spirit of the moment).

Hayley Hughes: No, I don't remember 49 Abbey, but it sure is possible. I was in Lodgings in several places at that time.

Bart: 'Why no studio version of 'Give Me Back My Wings?' I bet a studio version would be great.' In as much as I've played with some great guitarists in my time - I'd have to say the demos of 'Wings' and 'Loner' rank as two of my all time favourite solos - and both were created by Robbie Altar.

Mark Romeo: 'Next studio album?' Not for a while. I'm in gig mode. Glad you like the last three.

Peejay: 'Can't you warm up in Manchester or Leeds? Where's Leicester, anyway?' Not my department - I just play 'em.

George T. Ross: 'Any surprises to look forward to with this tour?' Hey - I'm full 'o' them.

Ed: 'What do you think of heavy metal music?' Mott had a crunch to their live sound - especially with Ariel - that came close at times.' MTH was (and is) a steamroller of a Rock 'n' Roll band.

Ole: 'Norway this year?' Keep watching this site. I think there may be something after Helsinki being worked on.

Dawn: It's just a question of getting in my face.

Kevin Shannon: 'Detroit?' We're trying.

Gust Van de Wouwer: I knew the Tough Darts pretty well for a while there. Good band. Got them a good drummer. They must have liked me - hence the name check.

Marty G: Well, Guy 'managed' us as well as produced us. We were signed to Island through Guy (who was their A&R man). Yes, he was crazy in the studio. He did it to create an atmosphere away from reality. Tried to take you out of yourselves. Sometimes it worked - sometimes it was annoying. Yes, there was a fire. I can't remember who set it, but it wasn't me. Crazy times.

Jane Adams: It was OK.

Dawn: 'Will I be able to purchase the MTH CD at Sellersville?' Don't think so.

Bill C: Don't have the time.

Ralph Miranda: Thanks you for asking, but it is impossible to do. That doesn't mean I don't appreciate such outstanding people following my music. My hat's off to him. He's obviously led a very rewarding life and is surrounded by love and respect and that's all you can wish for. Do give him my regards. Here's to you, Mark Ridley - wish there were more like you.

Lee Ann: 'Any chance of you joining Ralpher at the Rock 'n' Roll Fantasy Camp this year?' Nah - we just did one.

Scott Weatherup: 'Canada?' Don't know yet.

Sakari Lehtonen: 'Does Irene Wilde travel with you to Helsinki in April?' She might show up - you never know.

Adam Hammond: That's for you to say - I couldn't possibly comment (and neither could Mick).

Rick Graves: To me Gospel is one of the greatest forms of music there has ever been. I love the Gospel approach to piano playing. Ever been to a Gospel festival? One I went to in Washington - never saw a face - noting but throats.

Valery Shampoo: 1) I don't know the situation at the club and 2) If you see me - I'll probably sign it. It's just a question of luck.

Jeff Scott: 'Did you or MTH ever hang out at the Gramercy Park Hotel in the 70's?' We stayed there when we did the week on Broadway. It was OK - a bit funky at the time.

Al Johnson: Brunette.

Steve Baratta: Glad you enjoyed it.

Mr. Beer N. Hockey: 'I took to heart the D.H. Lawrence quote, 'It's Life and Life only' that your old band put on a record sleeve many years ago. Have you another quote to pass along.' Saving them for the next record.

Tom Crolly: 'Saw you at the Winery the last time you played there. What a f------ killer show! Those 'Man Overboard' songs- are so much better live. Will you play the same song list?' Dunno - can't remember exactly what we played last time. I remember it was mostly 'Man Overboard' based and that's what I'm promoting at the moment. 'Will Andy York be there?' We may do a couple of songs with Andy - if he's in town. 'Sellerville, PA sold out, but I may go down anyway. Maybe scalp - some places hold a few for the night of the show. See you soon. God bless and Good luck.' Nice one.

Ernst: What's it like - any good? Jesse John Music, P.O. Box 245, Bridgewater, CT 06752.

David Bremner: 'Do Angel of Eighth Avenue' in Edinburgh.' They might hit me!

Hannan: Noted with thanks.

Colin Armitt: Wouldn't mind one of them.

John Dachik: 'You've been in the U.S. for a while now - but what were your emotions, impressions the first time you came here?' Huge last - the Manhattan Skyline - this is it. Just like in the movies. What took me so long?

Bart: Tour America! (There's a lot more)

Stevek: 'You (MTH) got a mention of Radio 2 last night. Do you remember playing the Weeley Festival in the early 70's? Apparently you played at 5 in the morning!' They'd just be getting up to milk the cows then.

Dimitris: 'Greece!' I don't think you can afford it at the moment.

Gineen: Again - it's pot luck.

Paul Prizer: Lovely email - but again - it's pot luck. I don't do the standing in the foyer bit. I'm sorry, but I'm not good at that at all.

Dave Ramshaw: The usual.

Daniel Barrientes: 'Fort Worth'- It's up to Texan promoters.

Manuel Prats: 'Is it true you're opening for Jethro Tull in Miami!! Yes, we're doing two dates with Tull. Not too keen on opening, but they're a great bunch of chaps and the promoter's were very keen. Keep in mind it's 45 minutes - not the usual 81/2 hours! But at least it gets us down south - which is difficult these days. 'Please, please - do 'Dead Man Walkin'. ' Well, there's half the set gone right there!

Penny Milne: You never know with that lot.

Lentz: Wife converted! (Man Overboard)

Rob Horan: Hey Rob. Rolling along here. Haven't bought much lately - a lot of it's cheap, but its suspicious.

Al Moore: There's talk of Manchester in late October, but not at the venue you mention. Just in the realms of possibility.

Tom Semioli: Dunno - probably Pete.

Staale Einarsen: I think I wrote the song for me, but then I gave it to Ellen Foley - so it would have gone on the Schitzo album. I had enough other ballads for that album, so Ellen got 'Don't Let Go'. I later performed it with the orchestra in Oslo.

John Caswell: 'Boston?' Doesn't want to pay me enough.

Terry: 'Do you know where Canada is man? I guess it's too much o ask for a show here?' Course I know where Canada is. Been there a fair few times, but it costs money to bring a full band up there - something your promoters aren't willing to take a chance on. Blame them- not us.

Alan in Kent, WA: 'When after mixdown and you're dithering down to the particular formats such as CD and MP3, do you reduce from 16 bit 44.1k to MP3, or on your recent stuff, or do you reduce from your original mixing resolution to MP3? I am saying that the intermediate (24 or 32 bit, 96 or 192k to CD) is better to cut down artifacts in the preparation of mp3, but if I'm wrong let me know.' I just go downstairs and have a beer with Andy and let Pete Moshe get on with it. People should do what they're good at and delegate what they're not good at to someone who is good at it!

So says IH
The Horse's Mouth