Jan 27, 2001 - Issue #11

Hello you lot.

Thanks for writing in. It's the 27th of January and I shall now endeavor to plough through the latest email bag.

Marie wants to know if it's the English or American band at Bilston. I have no gig information as of yet on the British tour; the album has had to be put back a month because we finished it three weeks later than scheduled. I don't think I'll be over there until late May as it looks now. More news on this as I find out myself.

Bob says Baltimore - see what I can do.

Chris - Perhaps the most famous recollections I have of Queen supporting us at Hammersmith Odeon was when a riot broke out and they helped stop the safety curtain from cutting us off. I remember nearly fainting in Washington when Brian got hepatitis and we all had to have jabs. I also remember Freddie walking up and down in my suite after a gig in (I think) Denver impatiently saying, "Why don't these silly buggers get it!" Fred thought that the whole world should be given to him immediately (and quite rightly so!). Lovely people.

Bryan wants to hear "The Outsider" in Scotland. Don't know mate - got a lot of new ones now. I like the song though.

Yes, I was out there shoveling snow just like everybody else Ôround here.

Ian - I don't think I'll be doing the Astoria on April 9th. Too soon. I want to do the Astoria later in the spring. Love that gig.

Phil - I don't think I'll be doing Bilston this early. Watch this space for more details.

C.B. East Coast tour not set yet. Working with Todd Rundgren was great. I thought I had loyal fans - his are fanatical.

P.L. (Wales) message received and understood.

A.F. We may post a couple of samples on the web, but now that I'm signed to labels again we have to sort it out with them first. Why do I and Ronnie Van Zant articulate working class. I guess it's because I had 44 working class jobs over the 14 years before I got lucky in the music business. They were my formative years and I still think the same way. The new album, RANT, is full of it!

D.A. - I've taken note of your message.

R.C. - Message taken. To be fair - the American plan is not sorted out yet so Marsha really can't be of help as of yet.Be patient. Thanks.

Will I be playing at Toads? - don't know yet, but I like the gig.

I don't think the Uris has been demolished; I'm sure it's still there. I remember Sammy Davis was on the week before us. I was just down there, but didn't think to look.

J.B. - noted.

M.P. - says "Mott the Hoople" should be in Cleveland's Hall of Fame. I haven't a clue whether they should or should not be. I do notice glaring omissions over here in practically every form of media. VHS seems to have studiously ignored the MTH contribution and as the years go by the memories fade. I guess it would be nice, but I've never really thought about it, and I've certainly never lost a night's sleep over it.

Never played Warrington (Have I?). Would probably draw 2!

I.L. - Thanks for your missive, but at the moment we don't sell, auction or raffle anything on this web site. We may in the future, but we seem to be too busy to opt into that at the moment. Hang in.

I.U. - I don't think there are anymore plans for another Ronno gig. We said it - we did it - and we still think it.

D.J.B. Noted.

Lauren wants to know what it was like touring with the Kinks. The short answer is - not much fun. Ray's an extremely nice guy when he's NOT touring!

C.B. A "mandy" is a mandrax tablet - a sleeping pill.

Frossbyte - You go through phases with guitarists. It was great working with Slick and Steve at those times, but we all move on to pastures new. I have to say it's been an absolute gas working with Andy York on the new one. I've been lucky with guitar players. The good ones don't grow on trees.

A.F. (2) We've had a million hits! I didn't know that. Like you say - if only that converted into sales. I may get into the songs more before the new album is released, but not yet. I'll ask Andy about "Rough Trade". I don't think you have to be poor to be truly creative, but you do have to be motivated. This time I was!

Del - It's not that I won't be gigging in England, it's just that we're undergoing "refurbishment". The April gigs are not on. As I said, I'll let you know as soon as I know. The key was D flat.

I think I've heard Alejandro's version of "Irene Wilde" and "I Wish I Was Your Mother", but it was awhile ago. As I recall - they were good - he did them justice.

Lenny, Yes I am - till I die - yes I am.

S.S. - Says a lot of the music is available (both MTH and me) at the Virgin U.K. store if anyone is interested. Oh, I'll just park and gig outside your work!

P.S. Long Island. Says my music's like "fine wine" - ages well. To to tell you the truth that's been a problem. People don't seem to "get" my music immediately. It seems to take a while and I repent in leisure!

Have no idea where you can get the video of the Cleveland gig for Schizophrenic. Does anyone?

P.G. It's true I'm not fond of "Overnight Angels" and I don't blame anyone but myself. "Broadway" could have been great but I never got the chorus right. "Little Star" is a nice song. No, I never thought of rearranging them. There's too much other stuff to do.

J.G. - Noted.

J.W.Y.- Noted.

A.F. - The way I remember it - during the Mott sessions Buff and Pete came up to me and asked me if this was my first solo album. I was astonished, but Ralpher was already thinking about leaving, and so I can see why they may have thought that way. It was definitely not on my mind because I distinctly remember being surprised and told thme so - and we continued on. "Apathy" is a nice song. Might do it sometime, but there's new material to think of now.

J.K. - Noted.

F.G. - Yes, I did.

K.C . - Noted.

D.R. says "Welcome to the Club" and "Artful Dodger" are available on Cee Dee Mail. Rewind have rereleased "The Hoople" in the UK. I know because my mate, Hugh, just sent me a copy.

R.P. - Any announcement of touring dates was premature. The album was delayed and therefore the gigs. I'll keep you posted. I've had a few requests (S.H.) for "Overnight Angles" - any suggestions? We'll have to have a word with Sony.

R.S. - Noted.

K.F. - Noted. I know somebody who might be interested. If you get a call from Rick, he's OK.

B.P. - Less of the Demi!

B. - The Maltese guitar is owned by a guy in England who brought it to a gig in Folkstone in 1997. It's still alive and kicking. The guy took the pik guard off and there was 5 bucks inside!

D.B. - Watch this site for details of the new release.

A.G. - I believe "Singin' In The Rain" does precede "Rape" on the reissue.

Jason - Noted. Can't say at this point.

M.C. - Noted.

A.T. - Bonjour - don't know yet. By the way, A.T. says my book is on sale at Chapters bookstore in Montreal.

H.L. - Keep the faith and keep wearing them trousers tight. Baggy ones look stupid!

D.K. - I think it was a question of getting as much as possible onto two CDs. Sorry about that. I often think the back end of "Once Bitten" should go on longer live, but I always forget to mention it.

John G. - I think the ratio is about 7 to 4 with 1 funky one. Twelve in all. I wrote them all. I don't know how long it runs, but it's long. The single depends on the labels involved. I know they're thinking of doing a single in England. No, I don't have an Australian promoter.

D.B. says "Welcome to the Club" can be bought from Cee Dee (email: [email protected] or Key Mail Order at (keymailorder.com). I played Kings Lynn Corn Exchange many times in my youth with Freddie Fingers Lee. Jack Barry (who later owned the Marquee Club in London) had a fish and chip shop there. Boz (who later was to be in Bad Company) was the singer with a band called the T. Time 4 in Kings Lynn. How's that for a jog down memory lane!

D.A. Try Emma Banks at helter Skelter.

Kevin - "Michael Picasso" is a song about Mick Ronson. I did play Dublin in Ô98 (I think). Ô97 or 98. Played Belfast in the late 60's with Freddie Fingers Lee.

S.M.C.C. - I don't know if the budget runs to that and I don't know enough about it myself, but noted.

B.E. - I will tour this year and I will play Glasgow.

Loyd - that was a good gig. I think it was a big round sort of place. Yes, the older CD's are still around, but you have to look.

A.F. you again! Course I was choked when "All American Alien Boy" bombed. I knew it was good. Sometimes it takes people time to catch up. They resist change. They want what they want. The trouble is this can be boring and I have to do something different. There you go! You can't buck the system. Well, you can, but you have to be extremely "fly" about it. It's true I have had a hand in producing, or co-producing, my better albums. I co-produced the new one so that bodes well! I do tend to be more involved and less nervous when I have a hand in the production. I don't like being bossed around and the album's sound is more impersonal to me when I'm not involved. This new one's exactly how I wanted it to be. In fact, it's better.

B. conn. Why not see me in the U.S. I'll be doing something somewhere over here this year and it's less of a shlepp.

R.C. - No, Michael Caine and I are not the same person. He's older than me, but, "did you know....."

Alan - So, how am I supposed to do a day gig in Edinburgh? (I don't drink before 8 - well 7.)

D. - Hi, It was good talkin' to ya.

J.T. - No, I don't remember North Stage with the heat off - in a snowstorm. You tend to forget those nights!

J.C. I'll not forget Scotland. You have my word on it.

---- Trudi just stopped me and made me eat fish, spinich and rice with salad. YUK! -----

J.P. M.I.A. is on the New Millennium Communication label in England.

B.J. - Noted.

C.R. - I'd love to see me in Australia too!

W.D.C. - Noted. And thanks for what you say.

F & D - We didn't reject it. Our producer did. I think "Wings" is on a record though. I think it's the BBC live one on Wiindsong. I can't believe how old you guys are!!!

Pixx. - Although I appreciate your honest interest I don't feel I can tell you where Mick is buried.

K. G. - This is a long one! No, you can't get five guys to agree on anything. I've tried it!

Rick (the L.G.)! Barry Sloper - the best guy we ever worked with on the road. Full of knowledge, conscientious and loyal. I would have eventually got that amethyst ring off him if he hadn't lost it. Sparky reigned supreme on lights and salt. Pat Kilbride - brilliant (if a little erratic - and he'd be the first to agree!). Lovely to hear from such a gifted bunch. Happy New Year etc. What are you guys doing these days? What a sax player! Boy, this brings back a few memories!

M. - We will try and make Philly.

K.H. Lately it's been music first and then lyrics. Early on it was lyrics first and then the music (mostly). The best ones are when the music and lyrics come together. And they're usually the ones. At least in my mind.

B.A. Noted. You like "Scars" - thanks. I do too.

J.A.H. Nothings planned as of yet, although I know we're definitely doing quite a bit soon. I hope Norway can be included. I met and played with great people there.

K. - Same as above.

Chris - No, I haven't announced my U.K. Dates yet. There were some tentatively penciled in, but hen the album was delayed which in turn has put these dates back. Sorry about this. Some people just jumped the gun.

S.H. wants "Overnight Angles" on CD or album. He's also looking for "Slaughter on Tenth Avenue" Can anybody help?

T.P. Noted

I.W. - I've never met Irene Wilde since the song was written and I only briefly met he before - hence the song. I have it on pretty reliable information that she did hear the song and liked it - And why not!

Yes, I will come to Detroit when I tour the U.S. I like Detroit a lot. A true rock and roll city. It was, anyway. A "nutter" is someone who's pleasantly mad. A "ted" or "teddy boy" was a guy who roamed the streets of England in the 50's and 60's, wore over long jackets and drainpipes. Most of these guys became rockers and then you had the Mods and Rockers. I don't know where you get the idea I don't like "Weezer"? They are my son, Jesse's favourite band. He travels great distances to see them. Weezer's happening!

R.A. In Brazil looking for M.I.A. can anyone help?

N.M. If I did consume a bottle of burgundy ever afternoon then those days are over! However, feel free to roll (not throw) me one next time. Cheers!

R.G. Yes there was an actor named Ian Hunter who did quite well for himself in character roles way back when. See you soon.

M. "Irene Wilde" is on "All American Alien Boy".

J.R. I wonder if Irene Wilde knows she has a dot com site. Actually she's married now so I guess it's not her name anymore. I heard she had twins. Try Emma Banks at Helter Skelter.

R.M. Sorry mate - Morgan would probably know better than me.

J.F. The song you refer to was "All the Young Dudes."

Del. It's OK with me.

Tony. The drummer was Dennis Elliott. Dennis went on to fame and fortune with "Foreigner" and now lives in Florida with his wife Iona. Great Drummer. He was in "IF" before playing with us. Jazz based drummers are always great in rock bands - look at Charlie Watts. Now he's into creating wall sculptures and fine art out of turned wood. Check out his web site www.denniselliott.com.

P.W. - Another one for Toads. I'll try.

G.A. Noted with thanks.

That's it for now. It's limbo land really. We've just delivered the record to the labels agents and they have to listen to the album and get used to it and decide which avenue is the best for this record. The artwork is underway and everything should start to kick in within the next month. As soon as I know what's going on - I'll let you know. Keep hittin'

IH