Evening all.

Liz K: Pre'cis Girl - Pre'cis!

Michael Lurvey: Tune down a semi-capo on two - 'Flowers' in G (starts in E min).

Curt Fredrikson: False.

Chris Lewis: It is a rather large production, but we muddle through. Actually, it's nice being not managed. My people care more.

Jim (Chicago): Grow up.

Overnight Angel: Nope. Grey/green!

Fiiona: Looking forward to it.

Harrison Sill: Havana was cancelled due to flooding and has been rescheduled to November 18th. Can't say I remember your cousin. It's a long time ago.

Bryan McGowan: Not familiar with M.L. Leibler (Bryan says he's remarkable).

Hope Campbell: You know how it goes. If we bump into each other - we'll chat.

Steve Baratta: Got the t's and totes. Everybody got some - big thanks.

Shugster: Back in business - yes!!! Bowie did offer us 'Suffragette' before 'Dudes' and we did turn it down. We never recorded it. The talk of me and the Rand Band doing covers album is not true.

Joe McGrath: 'When can I make a record with you?'' Dunno.

Don Slotnik: I remember David. Give him my regards.

Mark Eaton wants a set list for Chicago. Why? Doesn't that destroy the fun?

Jay Tashjian: Bring them to Boston.

Pat: 'Continental Airlines in flight music - 'Honaloochie Boogie' '. We were on Continental last week and all we got were colds - walked on healthy - walked off ill.

Matt Parish: Thanks, Matt

Kevin Hahn: 'Would you just have government continue to spend money it does not have, or should it just print up more?' A little less polarization would come in handy. Bush didn't seem to think it mattered.

Bob aRonson: Back in the fold after seeing 2004 performance of 'R.R.Queen' (London, Astoria). Goodho!

Nick Orlando: 'Why don't you ever play 'Sweet Jane' - one of the best rocks songs of all time?' Keep up lad - keep up.

Chuck: Go to a gig and find out!

Peter Jordan: 'Kurt Vonnegut/Slaughterhouse 5 - albums worth of inspiration.'

Mike Channon: I used to got ballroom dancing there. Well - I never danced - but I used to go,

Steve/Aysel: I could - I could!

Kip Rudge: 'The current 'regimes' going nowhere.' What have you got? If any of the current opposition actually got in, I'd have to seriously think about it. I would remind you I started with zero and still think independently. If that includes disagreeing with you - so be it.

Jim Scully: Enjoyed opening night at the Winery (a lot).

Scott Weatherup: Cleveland is with the fabulous Rant Band.

Steve Engyel: Nobody asked.

Ian Barnes: Brighton + London - October 2012 (as far as I know at the moment).

Ken Lucas: You will be where?

Julian: Nah.

Carol: Good luck to him!

Pat: 'Great show at the Winery - 'Isolation' (an Andy York idea) a wonderful surprise. Great arrangements and segues.' Actually I'm into segues lately - bit less chat - but more segue.

Mitch Mitchell: 'I hear you drive a mini - which one?' I don't know - I think it's the small one.

Jack Faup: 'Audience great - band tight and terrific - can't remember the set.' Have a look on the website's message board.

Audra Driscoll: 'Thank you for 'Twisted Steel' and the whole theme of the evening.' (Audra is a NYC police officer). Pleasure.

Tom: 'Release 'Silver Needles' with more power chords - the time is right.' I'm not going to do that, but it's a good idea.

Bill C likes A.A. A. B.

SB: 'Ever thought of Tony Visconti as a producer?' No.

Julian: 'What's your view of MTH ever happening again?' Dim.

Ned: 'How do you feel about a MTH reunion show? Would you ever consider doing another one - in the U.S. perhaps?' As far as I'm concerned - it's over.

Kerri Fraser; 'Incredible performance last week. The band was tight - Bosch on fire.' Thanks.

Steve Robertson: 'Come to Canada!'

Rich: ' 'Moon Upstairs' in Cleveland?' Dunno. It's in the big picture - we change nightly.

Jim McCabe: How nice of you!

Tracy: 'Son is coming - nicks CDs; crashes the car.' That's what they do!!!

Matt: Can't be helped; stuff happens. Hope all is better. I don't think we'll be around NYC for a while. We sold out four shows at the Winery - you can over do it. May be time to get out of town! (Matt didn't make it and missed 'Office').

Greg Barry listened to AAAB when he was 16 - listened to it at 50. 'There's no difference.'

Steve Baratta: I was fine with a medium thank you very much.

Andy B: They play great!

Jeffrey: 'Irene' was fine - I wish her goodnight on every gig.

Richie Cornacchio: Thanks for the stuff. Glad your enjoying.

Alan in Kent, WA: I'm OK with either, but usually record dry. It it's good dry - it can only get better.

Patrik Hanson: 'Those people are wrong! 'Girl From the Office' is a gem - beautiful melody and great arrangement. The closest to a pop song you've recorded in years.' Actually, we just do it to piss people off!

Dave Drew: 'City Winery heavenly - do you write on tour?' Can't write on tour - it's always been a problem. 'Do you have stuff in the works?' Indeed I do.

Mick McKenzie: 'I agree with republicanism - I'm just having a hard time agreeing with republicans.' 'Great way to put it. Over here Tony and the Labor party had 'decent' ideas. But when they get to power the top brass go for the not so decent ideas. Which is why PVT Fraser said on Dad's Army, 'we're doomed!'' That's probably because they don't get the true picture until they're in. I'm sure it must come as a major shock - what is actually going on - as opposed to what outsiders 'think' is going on.

Lee Martin: Now you tell me!

Armand: 'Bay area?' We'll be there.

Paul Palladino: 'Saw you at the Winery - met Tommy Mandel, Trudi and Tracie and had a few words - they were very gracious. Thanks for 'AAAB' and 'Alice' - they were a real treat. See you next time.' Nice one, Paul.

Andrea: 'Please play 'Irene Wilde' for Suzy at the Colonial.' Just got your message, so I guess I didn't. Sorry.

Howard Chapman: ' September 16th at the City Winery - the best show I've ever seen from you!! See you in Tarrytown (October 15th) - you'll love the theater.'

Jeff Williams: 'Loved those last three records - now on the next one get off your arse and ROCK already!!' Well - it's not as easy as that. Fast songs area always harder to channel for me. They just don't grow on my particular tree. I know I've written a few but they don't come easy. Having said that - I've been lucky lately.

Alan Keinch wants me to play Aylesbury Arts Center - as Mr. Ralphs played there recently with 'Son Maxwell Blues Band'. If Mick can play there, would you consider it?' The problem being that Mick lives 'round the corner' and I live 3,000 miles away. There are airfares, hotels and all that stuff to take into consideration. Lovely to see Mick out there - I love working with Mick.

John: 'Nobody plays rock 'n' roll better than Mott the Hoople - the greatest rock 'n' roll band in the world. Mick Ralphs probably the greatest guitar player ever - send my regards to Pete Watts - one thing about MTH - they never ripped their fans off - thanks for the memories.'

Howard Chapman: 'Are set lists the same for this tour - just hoping for other things in Tarrytown.' It changes slightly all the time, but give me a break. There are only so many lyrics I can digest - and I refuse to use an idiot box.

Julie wants 'Half Moon Bay' in Cleveland.

Jim Scully: 'I wrote last week after 9/8 City Winery show and told you how great it was and thought it was your best ever. I would be hard to top last Thursday, but last night was completely amazing. Your band's the greatest and perfect for you. Where did you find M.C. Bosch? He's becoming one of my favourite guitar players - thank you for a fantastic night.' I was James Mastro who recommended Boschie.

Theresa: 'Enjoyed Phoenixville so very much. Thank you for your energy, great set list, and your connection to us. 'It Ain't Easy When You Fall' - such a gift to see live. That song got me through my teens. My question - when you craft a set list, is it strictly by mood or based on what you want us to consider at the moment? What I feel like doing just comes to the foreground as we get nearer the dates. I guess it's a bit of both, plus I'm always looking for oddities. Glad you liked it.

Steve (Tulsa): 'Just a note to say we're blessed to be 'Travelers' again after two gigs at the Winery. Missed saying hi. Gigs powerful. 'Alice' a highlight. Well done! After all these years - why do we travel? The joy from the gift that keeps on giving; our support is the best way we can thank you.' Where would I be without you chaps!!

Pat: 'Ended up going to three shows. Friday, 'Waterlow' was so powerful. Loved the segue from 'Alice'. You fill the void left by Lennon (well, I wouldn't go that far). I took a friend - he only knew 'Dudes' and 'Sweet Jane' and I asked him what he thought. He said, 'He's Lennon's replacement.' - true story.' He's probably latched on to 'Stand By Me' and 'Isolation'. Thank him!!

Michael Maccarrone: 'We met on Long Island - gave you some pics for Trudi. Saw pic's from the New York show - you looked tired. You OK? (I'm OK, but I am old!!) Going to Salt Lake City for New Year's Eve - why don't you come too?' Same reason. Be well.

Pete from Oz 'Will you ever tour Australia?' Sure, if the offers make sense.

Pat: 'Thanks for a great show in Phoenixville! Ever coming to Tennessee?' Who knows.

Matt Parish: 'Phenomenal - just brilliant every bit of it, but 'Alice' and 'Waterlow' were just crushing for me. Sorry for the back boor ambush.' No problem.

Dennis Lockard: 'Phoenixville was great.'

Dean Higgins: 'Just want to thank you and the band for a couple of great shows at the Winery. Thanks for signing the sheet music for OBTS. Safely back home and looking forward to UK tour next year - when is it?' We think it's October.

Huck DeMilo: No idea! Poetic license?

Mike Bunyard: 'See you live in San Francisco, London, Oslo, New York and a few other places in between. I brought my 18 year old daughter and 21 year old son from Texas to the Winery. I consider myself lucky you have continued to put out great new music and are still going strong after all these years.' Blush, blush!! Thank YOU!

Doug Pole: 'Phoenixville (from Toronto) - loved it. Any chance of Toronto?' It's up to the promoters.

Gary Shaffer: 'Great set t the Winery - loved it! Your song selection seemed to have a loose 9/11 theme - or am I imagining things?' Sub consciously - probably had something to do with it.

Tom L: 'Thanks for Phoenixville. Great show - always wanted to hear 'AAAB' = and to get it as an opener. See you in Pittsburg.

Birney K Brown: You're forgiven.

Nigel: 'Any chance of another New York areas show around Christmas? Not that I know of.

John McMillan: 'You've always let your dislike of the business known. What would you have record management do to make you happier?' Believe.

Any T: 'City Winery - 15th - Unbelievable'. Cheers.

Terry McGaffic: 'Ever thought of covering a Springsteen song?' No, I haven't. I'm not averse - it just hasn't come up.

Greg Boggs: 'Love to see your show again, but you booked in Detroit as S>R>O? and I'm too old to deal with four hours of standing. Please book a venue with seats. I only ask for a descent venue.' They were the only ones that came in with an offer and I did want to do Detroit. Come late!!

Paul B: 'Are any early Hunter/Ronson live shows likely to be released commercially?' Working on it.

Charlie Bell: 'Great show in Phoenixville. Love the title track from Man Overboard. Keep it in the set, [please. Any chance of Maryland?' Don't know - nothing in Maryland as far as I know.

Denise Lee: No, I've got it now Denise!

Tom McGarry: If they're interested they'll contact Craig at the Mean Fiddler.

Pete Squires: 'Just returned to the U.K. from Libya with a Libyan wife - she's a big fan! Travelled from Tripoli to London to catch a couple of Mott shows; an ambition since you cancelled in '75. Hope to see you in the UK soon.' Best of luck to the both of you.

Tom Apathy: Hey - you never know!

Don Hadfield: I don't listen.

Kelly F: Time flies - especially with little ones growing up. She'll be up there with me before you know it!

Dave Bergeron: Actually Seattle/Portland never was strong for me or MTH.

Doug Monka: I'd practiced till my fingers bled. Desire conquers all.

Robin T-J: Ideally, the new record would be out in the spring and we'll tour England in the autumn. That's the plan - but Murphy's law always plays a part.

Lee Martin: Many thanks to you, the band, the crew and your management (what management!). Thoroughly kicked ass. We'll do it again in a heartbeat. Really wonderful show with many surprises. Come back soon.

Shari Lee: Ian, thanks for the fantastic show in Milwaukee. You always save me when I'm drowning. Lennon tribute a cool surprise - wanted to join you in 'Stand By Me' (a couple sat in front of me when the audience applauded the beginning 'Dudes' - they looked at each other and said 'What's this song?' I wanted to smack them! What are you doing at an I.H. show! Nevermind - I'm thrilled to have seen you - thanks for coming.' Thanks for having us.

Carmelo: 'Just saw the acoustic show in Milwaukee. What's the difference between the acoustic set and the other set?' The electric set adds additional keyboard (A.B.) and it's a more up tempo set. Actually, what you saw was neither acoustic or electric - it was in between.

John Dalton: 'Bypass the labels and sell it yourself.' We're getting information on this very subject. I thought New West were less than supportive.

Mark F: 'Little Star' is on 'Overnight Angels'.

Susie M loved 'Michael Picasso' in Milwaukee.

Mark Williams hopes we included 'Words'. We did.

Keith R. Smith: 'Was Mot ever invited onto 'The Old Grey Whistle Test?' OGWT was a quiet show hosted by 'Whispering Bob'. Nice guy - but not a show we would have been on.

Sarah from London: 'Just returned to London from NY and Phoenixville - gigs were amazing. Don and I are looking forward to Boston and Plymouth, New Hampshire. Are there many gigs planned for the UK in the autumn of 2012?' First - praise be to travelers! We've had a lot of offers for October 2012, but it's early days yet.

Hal Freiman 'Saw 3 of 4 shows at the Winery, and they're probably the best shows I've ever seen. Going to the documentary at Lincoln center in a couple of weeks and to Tarrytown.' Nice one. It was nice meeting you and Rachel. Hopefully it will all work out; I have much faith in Josh. Thanks for the continued support.

Big licks: Glad you're still in the business. Love to Darryl.

Greg: 'Thanks for Wisconsin - drove for six hours from Minnesota to see you and you didn't let us down. Any chance you'll do Minneapolis?' There's always a chance, but it's up to the promoters.

Tom McGarry: I think it was Roger Taylor's band.

Laurie Melius: THIS DIDN'T HAPPEN. They writer got me mixed up with somebody I knew. Scan down below the interview and check the comments. NEVER believe all that you read. Never did get an apology. Comon, Robert!

Tracy: Best of luck with him.

Mike Riley: 'Great show in Milwaukee.' Thanks for coming.

Charlie: Empty a bottle of beer over a heckler's had (back then!).

Ed Foster says we should play the 'Guv' in Adelaide.

Steve Baratta: Yes, that was Trudi. Thanks for coming, my man. Hope all is well.

Jeffry Zazbar loved Milwaukee.

Rick Graves: giving this to Trudi - glad you enjoyed.

Karin: 'Of course I loved the Winery, and it was an extra treat to see Tracie - just sending my best - see you in Tarrytown. The Rant band rules!!!' Indeed they do.

Drew Hosey: 'Is Ellen Foley the same Ellen Foley from 'Night Court'? Yup. 'How did you get on with Pete Townsend?' Very well on the odd occasion we have met.

Roy: 'Come back to Colorado.'

Ted Busch: 'We're long time fans - heading for Tarrytown. Let me know if you want to carpool.' Got room for the gear?

Rick Goward: Dunno.

Leesa Johnson: Public (and very nice, too). Glad you enjoyed the gig.

Vinny C: Good name - best of luck with it. Desire - that's all it is. 'Winery absolutely terrific.'

Odor Wullie: Good idea. No. (How are you?)

Jim S.: I don't eat before a show - I take a bath.

McClenaghan: 'How did you come up with the 'Allo' intro on 'Once Bitten'?' It just came out…..

Ian: I didn't want 'Memphis' released (just goes to show!). I always thought 'Bluebirds' would have been a nice single. Sony never released 'Cleveland Rocks' because it was too 'regional'!!

Bertie McSpadden: The cover was Mick Jones' idea. It's me on the cover wearing Mick's clothes.

Ben: Have to take care of the chops. Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for coming. Loved the venue and the people who ran it were well together.

Greg Becker saw the Saturday show in Chicago. 'That was acoustic?' Well - no, not really, but we thought it was going to be. Hey - we played - quietly!

Pasquale Truglia: 'Hello from sunny Italy - still bathing! Have you ever been on the edge of Vesuvius?' Nah, we've been to the one on Maui. Pretty serious! Great country, but a tad warm.

Bill Hl: 'Did you ever ask Ronno if he wanted to do some of his tunes when you toured together?' Bid Bad Ian wouldn't let Ronno do his songs eh? When it was Hunter/Ronson (and he was supporting his solo stuff) we split the songs. Later, when he worked for me, I'd ask him to pitch in but by then he was off singing because he hated hearing his guitar through monitors, preferring to hang near the amp.

John Hess: If we met - we meet. It's always a crap shoot.

Bill Seyl: 'Saw you Sunday - great show!!! Loved 'Isolation' cover! Thanks for bringing the band.

Jerry Ross: 'Really enjoyed Milwaukee. Thanks for a great gig. Awesome to hear Lennon's 'Isolation' - one of my all time favourites. You blew my mind. What were the two lovely songs you played on the piano after the first encore? Are they yours or what?' I was mixing them up so you heard two of the following - 'Sea Diver'; 'Little Star; or 'Somewhere'.

That's it - done and dusted. I realize some people think this avenue sycophantic, but I can assure you I've left out a lot of the over the top stuff. Otherwise - this is it. If I don't put all these reviews in - there's not much left! The fabulous Rant Band and I do appreciate all of this. You keep us on our toes.

And so on to Tarrytown.

IH
The Horse's Mouth