Jul 4, 2001 - Issue #15

Sorry about the delay, but I've been off on my travels. Got back from England - did the Howard Stern Show - and left for L.A. Just got back home and I'm off again soon so here's where we catch up. If I miss some of you, don't get angry. There's tons of the stuff here as I've been away longer than usual. Here goes!!

Ian Kenyon: I'll gig the west country when a west country promoter gives me the right offer - it's that simple!

Sharon Kampff: Thanks for the offer. Too late now!

Keri Preston: No problem

Kermit Holiday: Wish you luck - noted.

Stuart Clarke: Somebody showed me a photo of where I was born in Oswestry: typical two up and two down. I don't know the actual address though. Irene Wilde was a girl that went to Shrewsbury High School. I know she married and had twins.

Keith Putney: noted.

Martin: Appreciated.

Mark Smith asks about "Laugh At Me." I never knew Sonny Bono, it was just that I loved the lyric. It applied to me at the time. It as one of the songs at the audition for Mott the Hoople. Sonny got me the gig!

Todd Hine: Try my record company, Fuel 2000, they can possibly help.

Andrew Field: YOU AGAIN! Interrogator two! The English version of RANT sounds better because that's the way it's supposed to be. The American version was "front loaded" to attract radio. I have a lot of ground to make up over here. You say the English cover is not airbrushed - I'm assuming you're saying the U.S. version IS? In fact, I don't believe any of the RANT photos are airbrushed. We just had a photographer who knew how to use light and shade. No, Ralpher did offer to pay me - I told him to forget it. Guy would make a great subject for a movie (what a good idea).

Kate Bwye: Sorry, not this time. Bit of a schlepp.

David Jackson: We did "Saturday Gigs" so you're happy, right?

Joe Droukas: (writer of "Junkman") A pleasure to hear from you. A pleasure to have sung the song with Genya. Great song. Mick loved it too.

V. Hunter: Good luck.

Roger Ellison: So, you saw us!

Gilles: France is on the horizon.

Brent: We'll do our best mate and I wish you all the luck with your health. As far as the gigs go, I'd love to play everywhere, but it's down to the promoters.

Normal Bob: Thanks for your comments, but it's "Soap 'n' Water" not "Salt 'n' Water"

Am Fitzhugh: Johnny Fitzhugh! Tall, skinny guy. Yes, I remember John. Tell your Dad I was with Barry, Jim and Tony at an Indian up Wellinborough Road a couple of weeks ago. He'll know who I'm talking about. We were all nutters!

Guy: I've got a feeling I'll be in Philly October/November time this year.

Steve Green: That's a tricky one. Let us have a think about it and we will come up with a policy for the tour. Remind us if we haven't addressed the issue by autumn.

Chris: The plan is to tour in the summer with Ringo and then go out on my own tour in the fall.

Kit Jones: Contact Fuel 2000, my record company here in the U.S. 323-464-7984.

Paul Pofahl: Charlie Fain was a great promoter - he got me put in jail!! Give him my regards.

Bill Curtis: Boston's in there.

Mark Lane: Noted. Gave it to Trudi.

Matt Thorsen: Get "RANT"

Mark Brandon: Spread the word.

Bernard, Chrissie, Shana & Tessa Levine: Welcome aboard. We'll see what we can do, but don't hold your breath as we're very busy at the moment.

Knut Morten Johansen: Thanks for the invitation to play in Hell. Strangely enough I have been there (Trondheim, Norway). Went through there with Bjorn Nessjo one time. Unfortunately, I'm busy a that time so I'm afraid I can't make it, but I will have some very interesting new for Scandinavian followers in the near future. Very special. Our UK agency is Helter Skelter and our agent is Emma Banks for future enquiries.

Walt: Yes, "Saturday Gigs" does feature in the set these days.

Kage: At this point in time, I am indeed going to be one of the boy on Ringo' tour this summer.

Dave Bennett wants me to play Shrewsbury Music Hall!! Too much echo!!

Marty Petosa: "Live" album. Mmmmm. Maybe, maybe.

Trond Kvernmo: Think January - I can't say more at this time. Cutter: Don't panic; we know. We'll get to it!!! Ian: The Archibald curse is put to rest.

Lauren: Yeah, I'll be with Ringo.

Jason Dimitri: Ain't got the time, mate. Best of British luck though.

Marty Petosa: As far as I can remember, Mick Ralphs and I have never played together since Mott. I'm not adverse to it and neither is he - it's just the occasion never presented itself.

Richard Morris: Saw this too late. Maybe next time.

Dave B asks did I really collapse on stage at the Allen Theater in Cleveland in '74? Strangely enough, I do remember this (or one like it). I think I tripped over a light stand. I was on the floor. It was relaxing - blissful in fact, and the next thing I knew I was in the limo. Felt great. Go figure.

Andrew Field (yet again!) It's a middle class revolution I want - they're the poor buggers who are paying for everybody else. Human - yes. Andy York is truly an amazing chap - on stage and off. Finally, I guess you just stand there and pose! I don't really know.

John Moran: Don't know about Amsterdam at this point.

Brian McKown: If you think that one's good get "RANT"

Ken: I know.

Ron Dugger: What shampoo do I use? Hang on, I'll go and have a look. Charles Worthington - English stuff.

Peejay: message cut off; please e again.

Eric Hisaw: Regards to you and A.E. Austin Rocks!

Oliver Jones: This is one for Papillon, my label in England. Roy Eldridge or Mike Andrews.

Andrew Glickman: I don't know if I'm coming to Florida t this time Andrew, but I pleased to have you on board. We need all the 13 year olds we can get!

Chris Hetherington: "Dead Man Walkin'" won't be in Ringo's set, but I'll do it on my own tour in the fall.

Dana Maniatty: Cheers!

Will Hastings: Detroit should figure in the fall tour.

Lewys Johnston: Actually I did have my hair short once. Not too spectacular. I know it's like your Mum's but it suits me.

David Anderson: Noted.

Ken Grady: It's a bit of a trek. But you never know.

Owen Kelly: I'm not sure I can do this Owen as it's not my gig. I do understand you're genuine, but like I said, it's not my gig.

Scott Hogan: "Overnight Angels" is a difficult one. I don't know myself.

Tommy Green: A lot of people are requesting songs for Ringo's tour. Understand - I only do three and they're supposed to be the best know ones - that's the nature of the tour. It's not my gig - it's Ringo's and he's the boss!!!

Wil De Clercq: noted with thanks D.M.J. Wishing me a Happy Birthday. And it was.

Mick Tooney: Just got back from L.A. Get "RANT" Dave Baldry asks about an official video. How about an official DVD. Watch this space.

Euron Gfiffith: Play "RANT" on your show. We need all the help we can get.

J. Fazz: Elucidate further!

Adrian Mullen: Contact Papillon records in the UK. I'm sure they will help.

Eric Mullens: Noted.

Dave Tyndall: Yes, I know it's a long time since "Whelans" in Dublin. Keep the flag flying.

Tommy Tinman: This may well be on the cards for next year. I've always been a little scared of acoustic sets, but James Maestro and I had a really good time and we're thinking of developing in that particular area. I enjoy it.

Jeu: The song you referring to is "Irene Wilde" off the "All American Alien Boy" album

Glenn: Am I religious. I prefer good to bad. Do I talk to MTH members. I talk to Pete, Stan and Ritchie Anderson (our one and only original roadie) quite a bit. Have I been able to help my kids with their music. Well - I'm me - then there's the gene factor. I showed Jess a few chords - but really Tracie's music is in another era - and Jesse's in another era again so we're all different. I'm just blissful. I've got three great kids and we all get on.

Mike Powell: Once Bitten's in C; get the record and play along!

Jay Dee: We want to do a couple of nights at the Bowery Ballroom (if we can work out a deal) in the middle of October (that's with my own band).

Normal Bob: Sorry to hear about the kidney stones. You should be destoned by now.

Douglas Taylor: I know the chaps in BOC. Still talk to Joey Bouchard and Eric now and then. I can't really remember that particular tour and no - I don't play golf.

Steve Keates: So you got "Pearl and Roy"! It was a bit rusty at first but it got better. Steve Holley learned the words quicker than I did!

Tim H. Yes, I do have trouble putting what I feel in lyrics. Lyrics are a whole different ball game for me nowadays. I usually get the music and I play around with the lyrics for months before I'm happy. I guess it's like anything else. It's a muscle. The more you use it the better it gets. Most of my lyrics written at around 4-5 AM. Pad by the bed stuff. Put your question into your head before you sleep - sometimes the old computer gives the answer when I wake up.

Tom Ross: I'm getting oceans of mail about "RANT" and it's all totally positive. Radio is the problem If they won't play it they won't play it. Where we are getting played we see instant sales so it's just a question of breaking down the radio barriers. Call your local stations and request it!

Vosmo: Be true to yourself. We can't all sell millions of records. Some of us are marginal in our appeal and that's OK with me. If that's what it is - so be it. It' a pisser, but why worry about stuff you can't control.

Chris Palladino: Check out "RANT"

Bart Smith: "Old Records Never Die" was written about Elvis. I recorded the vocal in the Power Station in New York the night that Lennon was shot.

Anders Hjelmtorp: Noted.

Lotta Nilsson: We are looking at playing New York sometime mid to late October.

Adam The McIntyre: There's a lot of great stuff about "RANT", but I don have to say I loved yours.

Kit Jones: You want to contact Fuel 2000, my American label - Len Fico (323-464-7984 )

Bill: Trust me - get "RANT"

Paul Corcelli: Best of luck with "Just Another Night"

Tom Coffin: Thanks. I'm not aware of a DVD for the Mick Ronson Memorial concert but I'll ask Trudi to look into it.

Nicki Wyllie: I opened up my guitar case when I got home and there was an accies scarf. Bliss!

Tom Greco: No, it wasn't painful Not bad at all actually!

Larry Jaffee: Contact Papillon Records - I'm up for it.

Karen & Murray Smail: Didn't play Edinburgh because no promoter really wanted it. Don't ask me - we have a great time there. Email your local club/promoter. It really helps - you have a voice - use it!

Oystein Reiersen: you may get your wish and more.

Mal Golledge: As far as I can remember both Mick and I liked the Angels version of "Once Bitten" a lot. Yeah, Mick was a fan of theirs. Probably respect. Yes.

Carl R.: A hoople is a tramp/hobo.

Mike Bunyard: It's all true!!

Cathy: Here's your email! regards to the clan.

Andrew Field (here we go again) 1) Would Bowie have made it without Ronno? I don't know. 2) When's the follow up to "RANT" planned? The follow up to "RANT" is something completely different, but I can't talk about it yet. 3) No. 5) yes 6) Holley's my favourite drummer; Mr. Comfort as he is know in New York (or Rhino as I know him). enough - got too much to do here.

Sue: That's life, isn't it. You'll be fine. Time and time only.

Colin Serjent: Got your email too late to do anything about it. Sorry. These kind of requests must be dealt with way in advance.

Frossbyte: "The Artful Dodger" was done in Trondheim, Norway in 1995. Came out there around '96ish.

Karolyn: Don't know what that is. Karolyn says there's an interview on video where Joe Elliott's talking about moi. Anybody?

Rick Gray: Yeah, I've given up smoking plenty of times, but I always go back. Mark Wheeller: If "Saturday Gigs" would have been a huge hit would MTH have stayed together?" That's a good one; I don't know. I think it would have probably gone on longer - but how much longer is anyone's guess. I wasn't that stable, but it's amazing what a hit does for the moral and constitution.

DMT: How much variation in a set list - show to show? It varies; if the set feels great and I'm getting inside the songs, I may leave it as it is. If we're bored we might change it. Sometimes, somebody asks for something at the right time and we do it. It varies. 2) What are my favourite encore songs - slow ones! I'm usually knackered by the end of the set. 3) How do I remember all the lyrics. Practice. Actually, on "RANT" I will improvise on some of the lyrics live. Sometimes I've had lines after the song was recorded that I preferred, so I'll change them. Some say the sleeve lyrics on "RANT" are not quite the same as what I'm singing. It's true - they're not. I mess with a few of them - it's fun.

Steve Martin: He wants suggestions for chords - tunings so you can play along with "RANT". Well, for a start, all of "RANT" was recorded a half step down. If you detune a semi tone, you'll find a lot of the songs quite simple to play. My favourite open tuning is open G. "Ripoff" and "Death of a Nation" are both in open G. Keith Richard's favourite open tuning. I've tried other open tunings (E,D) but they don't do it for me.

Eli: Haven't got any guitar picks at the moment. I'm right in the middle of negotiating with Ernie Ball!

Eric Hemphill: Thanks for the letter mate. Appreciated.

Dave Haslam: Leave your number in an email and we'll get back to you.

Kevin McKeon: Yes, just the three of us made "Dead Man Walkin'" I have a particular sound that I use on a particular keyboard. Andy did have a lot of samples (quality as usual). Andy's really got to take most of the kudos for this one. He did a great job. I don't know what a chamberlain is - and I forgot to ask him. He said put it down - so I did.

Phil Hill and Co: Keep tractorin'

Louise: Yes, Trudi was pregnant - he's 20 now and gorgeous.

Paul Stepto: Go for it. Good stuff!!

Craig Scotland: No (thanks anyway).

Ellie Yankovich: And I was wearing nice clothes too!!

Helene Sewell: It was "Melody Maker" but there you go. I'm only now reading my email. Sorry.

Bruce Wheeler: Aloha. I've been there (Maui, that is). Went there on holiday and watched the whales. Big aren't they!

Carola: 11!!! Unbelievable how the time flies. I'm traveling all the time this year, but I'll make a note. Saw Maggie and Minnie too. All is well. Trudi emailed you, but you never replied.

Andrew Field: IV. I told you there was no airbrushing!

Bill C: Says five year olds find "Morons" very catchy. They should do - it's a cartoon!

Keith: Asks why do business/money types have to ruin creativity. I don't know, but it seems like they have to do it.

Ret: Says I've got to play Pittsburgh because he's the only rocker left in the city. There's not much point then is there Ret.

Anthony Boulton: The mail is overwhelming, but obviously I have to answer you anyway! I visit Northampton yearly as I have old and dear friends there. I was an apprentice at British Timkens (the fired me for not going to tech one day a week).

Dazed Cat: Buy "RANT"

Joe Pic: Fred Heller had offices in Dobbs Ferry. He owned the building and leased downstairs to a car dealer (I think) It was your typical managers office. A little funky - chaotic.

Tracy: June third - a couple of old Gemini's. Regards to your Dad.

Dean Prescott: A pistol.

Robbie Ashcroft: Don't know about stuff like that. Take a guess.

Emily Speer: a tramp

John Rathwell: I've asked Pete if he wants to divulge his shop's whereabouts, and he doesn't, so sorry, but that's it.

Eric: wants to know if Overend's just a rock and roll start still. Of course dear boy, of course.

Jenx: Says he went to see Miller Anderson last week (playing with Spencer Davis). Blinding voice and guitar. Yes, that's my mate Miller. Spread the word.

Tom Ross: I think Ringo finishes up in Las Vegas. I don't know yet if I'll be there with my own thing.

Hugh Gallegher: Get "RANT" Ron Taylor: Why did I do the Cavern? It just seemed right and they wanted us.

Tricia: You Blues.

Tom Lohre: We still have the globe you redid for us!

Klaus :ueckefeld: Wants to know about "Beat Club" times. I can't remember those times. I remember the big one with ZZ Top and that was a great gig. But the weekly one's disappeared I'm afraid.

Denise Smallwood : 'ello

Keith!! Russell: When somebody pays me!

John Slaven: I don't know where you can get the lyrics. I don't have them here. Best of luck with the site. I'll mention it to Suzi but she's not here and I'm running round a lot.

Pete Ziering: Sorry, I don't know that one.

Cutter: Sorted

Ian: Says what a lot of people say. Why don't we bootleg ourselves officially. The short answer is - can't be bothered. It is discussed, but we don't have the time.Maybe one day when things slow down.

Jason: How do I know Ringo Starr? I don't know Ringo. His reps in the U.S. asked me to do the tour. I got back from England and Ringo was on the answering machine. He finally rang me last Saturday and welcomed me aboard. have I met any other Beatles? No. I took a piss next to George one night in the Speakeasy, but I was a bit out of it so I never talked to him.

DB: Asks who owns the rights to the name MTH? The five original members do.

Mr. Crones: Do I have "Overnight Angels" live tapes? I heard one the other day, but I forgot where I heard it.

Marc: Have I changed since moving to the U.S.? Ask anyone who knows me - no.

Andrew Field: (part V) 1) "Shot Around the World" I don't know. I met Pete Wylie in Liverpool. Nice man; good music. 2) Cale/Ronno sessions. Don't know. 3)Morrissey told me Mick was "perfect". His exact word.

Rolly Toledo: I will tour around October/November 2001.

Mark Phillips: Congrats on your marriage John and Tina!

Con Opokis: The songs you mention are bogus tracks written by two guys who pretend they are Mott the Hoople. Ignore them.

Todd: Yes!!!

Bill Parker: Kathi was great!! Probably still is. Bet she's got a few stories to tell. She worked with the best. Get "RANT" and make her listen. Leon Russell rules!

Alison: Thank you.

Patrick: Can't remember when I last did "Sweet Jane" but "honaloochie" was in the set in 1999.

Rob: Asks about a DVD. It's in the works.

Dave Meridith: Asks if "RANT" is selling. It's selling where it gets airplay, but radio is a huge problem I don't fit their image. It's a perception problem and they don't have enough sense to know good from bad. Also, a lot of major radio is still down to money. Yes, Fuel 2000 is a little label and they don't have the bread that the majors do, but Fuel wanted me and the majors didn't. Fuel won't lose this record they will stick with it, but we need as much support as we can get. Lobby your local radio stations with email and telephone calls. I'm happy with Fuels efforts so far. They took the chance when nobody else wanted to know. Radio is the problem. So much of it is bought and sold. We'll just keep banging away at it. Some radio (triple A) has given us some airplay and we appreciate it, but we need more.

William White: Glad you enjoyed Tracie's band so much.

Arild Hammer: There's something in the pipeline.

Dana Gore: Andy York plays with John Mellencamp mainly.

Paul G: Wants to know about a song called "Worthing." It's actually called "It Never Rains on Worthing" and the lyrics are totally daft. When the opportunity arises I'll record it but it would not have fit into "RANT" It's basically skiffle.

Loree Westron: Better late than never! Max Carter; One of the early decriers of "RANT" converted!! It just takes a little time. I'm the same. I never like anything until after a while. Thanks.

Danny Finnell: appreciated.

Randy Carter: Interesting

York: Wants to know why I don't do "Overnight Angels" stuff. I'm not a particular lover of that record - my work on it that is. I did take "Broadway" to England with me. I was gonna play it before we came on, but then things got busy and I forgot.

Jim Barber: David Fishoff in New York.

Kelly Turner: Deputy head girl rocks!!! 15 and Fab!!

Whit: How was the Cavern for me? Loved it. How was it for you?

Alec Mick Mitchell: Thanks - I'm in tears.

Stuart Clarke: Contact Papillon Records (Roy or Mike) in the UK. Wyatt: A mandy is a sleeping pill (no longer around).

Alec Way: Yes

Daisy May: I don't have any signed photos, but I'll tell Trudi and maybe she can find something. By the way, all you radio chaps, Daisy's ten and knows all my stuff. Rock on girl!!!

Jeannemarie: I read your letter and I'll see what I can do. Understand it's not my gig - it's Ringo's - but we're gonna try. Keep your peckers up!!!

Chris Fetters: Ask my opinion on the amount of reissues - MTH related. Well, I don't like it frankly, but there's not much I can do about it. I liked it better when something came out now and again. Still, buy "RANT". That's all different.

Terry Battersby: Tracie and I thank you.

Terry Marland: The guy who got up was Joe Elliott from Def Leppard. Hey - you come from Wales!!

Andy Glynn: Keep covering.

Chris Carter: Try contacting my agent, Emma Banks, at Helter Skelter in London.

Howard H: Busy, busy, busy. Got the number. We'll see how it shakes. Love to all.

Mike Lent: Just finished 'em.

A(Andrew) Field: Good - wasn't it!!

Kim Fletcher: Once Bitten, Ripoff, Good Samaritan, American Spy, Purgatory, Picasso, Wash Us Away, 23A Swan Hill, Death of a Nation, Bastard, Standing in My Light, Pearl'n'Roy, Just Another Night, Dead Man Walkin, Memphis, Still Love Rock n' Roll, Golden Age, Roll Away the Stone, Saturday Gigs, Dudes.

Skull: Says "excellent plugging by Devine" on brief history page. I'll tell him; he loves that. Cam, Bob loves your book!!

Mark Cohen: Rant T shirts in the USA will be available in the autumn when I tour. Mick M. Says I didn't talk much between songs. To tell you the truth I was relaxed and inside the songs. I only came up for air a couple of times. Yes, the band was that good.

Brian: Yes, I'm on the Ringo tour!!

Harlow: Will I meet and greet on the Ringo tour? I don't know, the logistics have yet to be worked out, so we will have to see.

Peter Day: A lot of people are requesting "Knees of My Heart" Next year.

Frank: "Wash Us Away" and "Soap'n'Water" are both new songs.

Ryan Bell: Get "RANT"

Jose Luis: I can't speak Spanish so I hope you're not telling me off!

Welshy: I'm grateful for the "very healthy underground respect" in Melbourne, but it's promoters who book me. Know what I mean?

Glen Braden: Get "RANT"

Jeremy Wimpress: I've got that T-shirt. Nice one. Real nice. You know what it is with T-shirts though. They make the neck hole too small. More now are making the necks a bit bigger. I like these. But yours in a great looking T-shirt.

Kevin Franklin: Says my music gets played on the oddest occasions. You're right Kevin, and some of them are pretty sad. Some of the letters I got today emotionally drained me. Mick took "Sweet Dreamer" and messed with it for years continually adding to it or altering the playing of it in little ways. I do recall, Roy Buchanon's name coming up in reference to "Sweet Dreamer" Another great guitarist. The last time I played Amsterdam. Can't remember. Anyone help out?

Kevin Green: Says I can stop practicing now - I've got it right.

John, Mass.: Graham Waugh (Woofy, I call him) was the best drummer in the town I came from in England. Still see Woofy; excellent chap. Yeah, I helped Joey Bouchard and the Alice Cooper chaps (Neil and Dennis) at bit. We had a lot of fun at Neal's on Monday afternoons.

Mark Rifkin: Send it here

Geoff Bryant: I think Trudi might have been recording it. Either that or Blodwynn and Andy Keating are pulling a fast one.

Scott McCrumb: Wants to know what song that I've written about her, Trudi likes the most ? I just asked. It's a toss up between "I Wish I was Your Mother" and "Knees of My Heart" with a touch of "Bastard" thrown in for good measure.

Andrew Ross: Haven't got a clue Andrew - try ebay.

Scott Stenstrup: Wants to know why I take so much time off! The wife won't let me out. I'm too sexy!

Jeff Calderwood: Yes, according to Len Fico of Fuel 2000 RANT was most certainly released in Canada.

Tara Halstead: You didn't mention your friend's name, but what happened was your friend (who's wife has Huntingdons) was at the gig and had his ticket stolen. This is to the ASSHOLE who stole it. Don't ever come to see me again. You're not good enough. The gig was Manchester. What can I say except I'm sorry he never got in. Keep the faith.

Mark Hughes: My Mum and Dad lived in Blackpool too. Bispham.

Sharon K.: Talked to Andy York earlier today. I'll mention it next time we speak.

Gary Stoker: If I could be remembered for one Mott and one solo what would it be. Mott and Rant.

Anthony R.: How are you!! I'll tell her!!

Gillian: "Bastard" would have been out this time but when you've got two guitarists like Andy and Cuddles in the band you've got to let them have their say.

Joe Krupp: Get RANT

John: Asks if there's any reason I don't wear shades anymore. Hey John, buy some glasses!

Sheila: Yes

Alan Doherty: I didn't know Marc Bolan well. I bumped into him a few times. I remember him being there one night when we were mixing my first solo album. He was more a mate of David and Mick. Loved his singles. My mate, Miller Anderson, was with him for two years. Miller thought Marc was great.

Weird & Gilly: Book looks good. Rock on.

Chip: Get RANT

Scott Lawson: Get RANT. I loved it there personally and Pags is great and care a great deal.

Andrew Ross: I get a lot of this but I don't know how to get them either. Sorry.

Dan Hathaway: Thanks for the offer, but I'll be with Mark Rivera for a while now!

Tommy G.: Stick with it kid - it gets easier.

Jane T: Yes! Fran: It will be out in Australia eventually. When we have a definite release date we will let you know.

Jed C.: Todd Rundgren's cool like me. Does what he wants - cocks up now and again and comes up smiling. Todd's brilliant. Great mind. Lovely chap.

Pete Morris: To Pete. I was in the Apex, but I don't think I played on any records. I do remember Glann Ward. I did live on the racecourse in a flat with Freddie Fingers Lee. If I didn't live there I used to hang out there. I lived in Fife Street in Jummies end. My eldest, Steve, was born on Fife Street. My daughter Tracie was born in Alcombe Road. No, I don't have any of the pawn shop guitars left.

Shawn Adair: Should be in Philly this year in the fall. yes, I'll be with Ringo.

Ceri: Hang in. That's all there is to it.

Andy Dunkley: Saw you, met you, loved you, left you. Is this a long and winding road or what!!

Mark Russo: Get RANT

David Lerner: Get RANT - as soon as you can!!!

Well folks, I started this at two this afternoon. Stopped for my dinner at 6. Started again at 6:20 and now its 9:50 PM Sorry again for being late, but now I'm back working for a living. The time slips by much quicker. Thanks to Jonathan Ross whom I'm told can be rather cross with people at times and thanks to Howard Stern who was so gracious and kind - in fact, not Howardly at all. Additional thanks to Gary Louris from the Jayhawks who helped James and I out so beautifully on the Craig Kilborn show the other night and special thanks to the great Drew Carey, his writers and producers who made us so welcome on the Warner Brothers lot last Wednesday. Some lovely things are happening; I can't tell you what they are yet, (trying to avoid Murphy's Law). Our main problem seems to be radio and it's an uphill battle both in the U.S. and in the U.K. because of demographic bullshit that effectively kills you off at a "certain age". So if any of you are so inclined, give a rant to your local station and stick up for yourselves (and me!). Anyway, we'll keep truckin and you keep truckin' along with us. I have to thank my English tour band for the privilege of playing with them and now I've got to start learning Ringo's tour as Ringo's not too fond of rehearsing. A sentiment I share, but hey, do your homework and it makes life easier. It's a wrench to leave "RANT" for awhile, but "RANT" WILL continue in the fall and on into next year. I would also like to thank Roy Eldridge and Mike Andrews and the Papillon crew for their tireless efforts over there. Thanks also to Emma Banks and Katherine from Helter Skelter, the Essex man, Blodwynn and AK for enriching my life. Also to Trudles and Liz and Sue Mum.

A final thank you to all of you. The ones I leave out are just straight raves about "RANT". It's so absolute, I know we got it right. Happy Birthdays abound and the usual stack of I'm fab!!! It's all very lovely and confidence building, but upward and onward!! 2001 part II approaches.

We'll talk soon.

IH