Mar 9, 2001 - Issue #12

Hello you lot,

I've been putting it off because I wanted to give you the solid dates for England and I finally can. Here we are then:

June 4th - Cathouse, GLASGOW
June 5th - University, MANCHESTER
June 6th - Opera House, NEWCASTLE
June 7th - Wulfrun Hall, WOLVERHAMPTON
June 8th - Astoria, LONDON June 10th - Concorde, BRIGHTON
June 11th - Roadmenders, NORTHAMPTON
June 12th - Irish Centre, LEEDS
June 13th - Picture Playhouse, BEVERLY
June 14th - Cavern, LIVERPOOL

As far as the U.S. goes, it looks as if my own tour will be in the fall as something else has come up in the summer - which I will tell you about as soon as it is finalized.

I'm told you couldn't get into the Horse's Mouth for a time. Todd, our brilliant webmaster, was refurbishing the site, but we are back online now.

Nancy Lv - I will try, but you know how it is.

CP - Haven't got a clue! M.M. - Noted - thanks.

A.F. (Italy) Do you know the first place Mott the Hoople ever played was the Bat Caverna in, I think, Mama Maritina (or something like that). This was in the North of Italy, not far from Milan on the coast. It was run by a bloke who drove a batmobile and wore a Batman suit. He hated us and we only managed to continue playing there because he offered us either "half money" or "get out". The crowd hated us too. The only people who liked us were the other bands. The Italians liked everything at break neck speed in those days and we were a bit on the slow side. The Once Bitten riff is C.G.D. I do like Brian May's cover of "Memphis". Mott the Hoople won't reform, but thanks for asking! Am I rich? I guess it's the same as any other. There's up times and down times. It's better than the factories. I've done that - it's much better than that; better than any other job I've had. I'm lucky. Neurosurgery it is not, but there's a freedom that you don't find in most jobs.

SKA. T. Noted

Rob - Didn't know that Thunder did "Memphis". I'll have to have a listen.

Bromley B. wants my memories of the Oval gig. The first thing I remember was Pete Townsend and Rod Stewart. They started shaking hands by a huge equipment truck backstage. They kept shaking hands as they climbed up on the engine - then on the roof - then they jumped off the back of the truck still shaking hands. They survived. I remember Guy Stevens turning to me when "Atomic Rooster" were on and saying, "Why? Why?" I think we went on about 5 or 6 AM. I'd been drinking with Rory Gallagher and felt horrible. We played as this sea of sleeping bags started moving. I think we were supposed to have gone on at l AM originally, but those were the days when people overshot their time slots and got away with it. The ivory guitar is owned by a guy in England. What was Bowie really like? Haven't got a clue. Verden was a bigger boy in them days. Thanks for the last sentence.

V. - I do have some of the original artwork given to me and it's stored away. I've lost some stuff having moved about a bit, but Trudi's still got a lot. You're welcome.

CeeDee Mail in the UK (telephone 01449-770139) (email [email protected])

Batch says he has loads of me, Ronno, Ralpher etc.

D. - Me and Chuck in St. Louis. Now that would be a buzz!!

Frenchie suggest I write another book about my travels with Ronno this time. The idea is intriguing. I don't know if I have enough memory cells. I still see members of B.O.C. now and again. Thanks for the last sentence.

BC - Noted. Hope there's a few missions this year.

W.D.C. Noted. Busy, but appreciative. One day!

B.D.B. One here from Kings Lynn. Glad to know it's still there. We played the Corn Exchange one night and went to sleep in our ambulance (converted) after the gig. We were awoken by this humumgous blast the next morning. I looked out of the window. We were the only vehicle in the car park and were surrounded by the British Army and a marching band. Bit of a shock to the old system. Thanks for you good wishes with RANT.

M.P. - We'll try and work "Irene Wilde" in. Vinnie B. - Noted and appreciated.

P.M. - Yeah, I remember recording at "My Father's Place" We kept playing the same songs over and over and it didn't seem to matter, did it? Confusing, really.

R. - I've heard all Ronno's stuff at one time or another and it's always got his stamp of quality - whatever it is. I keep meaning to tell Papillon and Fuel 2000 to put the contents of "RANT" (the new album) up for movies etc. I'll call them tomorrow!

B.R. - We don't know - sorry!

R.G. - I don't know who said, "God bless Rock 'n' Roll and Ian Hunter" I don't know if anybody said it at all, so I can't help. Oh well, see you in California.

B. BATT - See. Now this guy makes me keep going. When I get mail like this - how can I stop. Get "RANT" - it's good!

M.P. - Noted.

J.F. - See you this year somewhere.

S.W. You're going to miss me. England's the first two weeks in June. Not to worry, I'll be about this year.

C.F. I mention Cicero in "Resurrection Mary" on the "Artful Dodger" album, but that is Chicago. I have lived in upstate, New York at times, but nowhere near that far up. How do you like it here?

M.D. wants "Picasso" on the tour again. My feeling is maybe give it a rest for a little while. It upsets people. Any thoughts on this? Your second email hits the nail on the head.

B.F. Re: Nude as the News (http://www.nudeasthenews.com) One of your best writers did take on Mott and did a great job as well. I've not only read it, but sent it to Papillon and Fuel 2000. It somehow illustrates what happened better than I can and it goes someway in explaining why the old career has been a little up and down. I loved this. Check it out: http:www.nudeasthenews.com/obsessions/obs.mott.n.t.m Bit of a mouthful that.

T.K. - Noted. Hope to be around this year. Yeah, I remember J.M. or J.C. as he was then.

Jeff. yes, we have considered releasing the Bowery CD, but as "Rant" is coming out, we don't want to confuse the issue. Allen Steele sent me an autographed copy of "All American Alien Boy" and wrote some nice things as I remember. What's it like when people go to 23A and Barker Street? I think it's OK. Some people like football, some like baseball etc. It's a hobby, isn't it, and rather flattering to boot! No chance of elongating "One Fine Day". It took me thirty years to get it as far as it is!

G.C. - I won't be in the UK in October. If you ever bring Ron to a gig try to find Kris Gray (ponytail and red boots - always red boots) and I'll meet him. If not, Happy 40th Ron.

Del. - "You Really Got Me" was originally an instrumental copy of the "Kinks" song. It would sometimes last twenty five minutes on stage. I can't remember exactly what happened, but Ralpher must have put a vocal on it as an alternative and here it is! How did "Black Scorpio" become "Mamma's little Jewel"? Haven't got a clue - too far back.

C.B. Can. Ralphers on and off with Bad Company; Overend has a shop in Hereford. Buff does sleeve/liner notes; Phally loons around Neath in the old band car. Stan occasionally works at Pete's shop. They all still look good. Morgan Fisher is extremely industrious in Tokyo and I think Luther has his own business in London.

Mal Australia - It's just a question of a good promoter coming along with a legitimate offer. It's as simple as that.

Dr. C Sometime this year. There aren't any small people we're all approximately the same size.

G.R. Aberdeen - We are playing in Glasgow this time round. I enjoyed the gig there though. Fabulous food and hospitality by the promoter at the venue.

K. R. - Wales - It's true we're going with a large agency this time, but Kris Gray will still be with me. Kris knows what I'm trying to do and why I'm doing it and he's perfectly cool and supportive. Let's see what happens. Incidentally, I don't think your promoter contacted us anyway.

F.C. - Keep up the good work, mate.

Pee Jay - I'm not on at the Astoria on April 9th - the now confirmed date is Friday, June 8th. Didn't know tickets were on sale at Queensway Tube Station (I didn't even know they sold tickets at tube stations!). Sorry about the inconvenience. People jump the gun; I told you not to believe ANYTHING until you check with our web site. Another case in point.

John - re: amplifier. I'm putting you onto Trudi. It's OK with me.

Hi Ruth - it's not bigest - its biggest - love Ian.

B.P. - I want to play in Scotland - I'd love to play a theatre - but our agent has had trouble securing a venue!!!! It looks like it's the Cathouse in GLASGOW on June 4th.Thanks for asking. Listen to your Dad. Dad's are always right and perfect! (They're not really - not quite!)

Denise - noted and thanks.

T.T. - It amazes me people listen like they do. I don't. Perhaps it's because I'm in it. Thanks.

K.H. Yes, the idea comes at that moment and you'd better get to a cassette player or a studio as quick as you can. Of course there's been gigs I didn't feel like doing. You have a couple of beers - go on - and the problem solves itself.

I'll tell you what, the format of these emails has gotten a lot better. New and improved - way to go Todd!

Brigitte - Glad to be of service. Yeah, I like "Too Much" but I've got the new songs on "Rant" now. Hope you like them.

Mike Schiltz - I'm giving this over to Trudi. Thanks for the interest.

Mike - Tried to email you but the mail was returned. You can call EMI Publishing at 212-830-5155 and tell them you would like a sync license and they will connect you to the right department. Good luck - Trudi

Perth W.A.J. - yeah, I've had songs in movies. I did it in the 80's when I was musically lost. There were a few. It's fun when you've got nothing to say as the idea is given to you. The biggest problem in writing is getting the idea.

T.G. - Noted. for some reason five times!

M.M. - Sorry about that mate. Blank.

N.B. - Yeah, I like that song too. Thanks

Ian @MC - I'll be in Liverpool (the Cavern Club - June 14th) and in Manchester (University - June 5th).

T.B. - How do I feel about "ATYD" being a Bowie song? I feel bloody great about it. Mott would have folded if it hadn't been for that song. They would never have become successful and we'd all have been back working at Wiggens (as Stan Tippens used to threaten). I probably wouldn't have written all the songs I wrote later on because I probably wouldn't have had a record company. People say they wish Mott hadn't gone the route they did, but the truth is we had to - there was no alternative. Damned if we did - damned if we didn't. But "ATYD" was and is a great song. I'm only glad I was able to sing it and it helped the rest of my life. I'm glad you like my songs so much and I appreciate that, but "ATYD" gave me the chance to develop and avoid the factory. I'm really very grateful,and so are all the chaps in Mott. It would be rude to be otherwise.

S.W. (s.D.) I'm sure I'll be in California this year, although I don't know where or when as of yet. I find it amazing that people your age are into me. It must be your Dad's influence. You know what I say about me - I'm an acquired taste. So if you've got any taste - acquire me. Hope it comes about. Good luck.

F.M. - Again West Coast, you should be seeing me this year. Sorry it took so long. "RANT" is on Fuel 2000, comes out at the end of April and is distributed by Universal.

Kevin (Belfast) - Noted. See You.

T.L. - Noted.

A.M. (Man.) - June 5th - Manchester University.

Jim - I did write a book, "Diary of a Rock'n'Roll Star, and it's done rather well over the years. I believe you can get it through Amazon.com

J.F. - Glad you got it.

A.T. - I can't! - A.T. says a lot of video people are ripping me off. Do you know who?

Well, that's about it for now chaps. For more hair raising adventures of I.H. keep tuning in to the web site. Good stuff's happening, but I can't talk about it yet. It's never certain until papers are signed. This can take weeks, and things can change at anytime. Bear withH us. It's coming together, slowly but surely.

Keep the flag unfurled

IH