Apr 3, 2002 - Issue #21

'ello, you lot. Just back from L.A. Amoeba said 650 turned up, and then went over to Bruce's for a very pleasant afternoon with him and his family courtesy of the Borders competition. I think Bruce's family was happy enough with myself and James Mastro's little show, but Bruce's Mum made me do 'Picasso' as an extra. I think I did eight songs at Amoeba. The amount of interest shown at the in-store does not seem to correlate with local promoter and radio interest. Such is modern times. I then came back and promptly put my back out so I'm writing this from bed. Thank you, it is getting better. O.K. here goes.

Simon R says I make good impact on impressionable youth. I hope that's true. There has to be some goodness.

John Broughton from Melbourne: I'm passing this on, John.

Rolph, from Sweden likes the fact I still make good records and likes Willie Nile. Andy York is in fact, working with Willie on new songs as I write.

Andy Allison asks if there can be more than one concert in Scotland. Unfortunately not, it seems. Just the one. Says he's bringing a busload. How much unreleased material is there? Dunno, really. I've got some on 1/2 inch. Maybe one day!

Jon Jepson: No, I don't have any recourse on Mott stuff, and life's too short.

Greg Holloway: 'All of the Good Ones Are Taken' gets a new lease on life with the live album I did with the orchestra in Oslo. Not out yet. Did I enjoy working with the 'non' rockers on the Ringo tour? Yeah. They were great. Sheila kicked ass and some of Roger's riffs at sound checks were pure rock 'n' roll. They were all nice people and yes, we did go out a lot on days off, especially, Howard, Greg and myself. It's time they didn't like it LOUD. What they wouldn't play was more than compensated by the harmonies. That's what I thought. Incidentally, Ringo constantly wanted Roger louder, but Roget wouldn't have it. Horses for courses.

P. Mills writes Mike Patton (Faith No More) does a great version of 'Violence' I always liked that band.

Doug Moss wants a gig in Brighton. Not this year, sorry about that.

Cyrinda: 'While in LA try to sit in with Terry Reid and Waddy at the Joint.' I wasn't there on a Monday, but I'm a huge fan. Went to Largo's with Clem Burke and his lady and James Mastro. This guy, John Brion - is he incredible, or what? Had to get up. Great night. I think Suzi's got Mick's blue Tele. Neither of them spoke much because neither of them do speak much but I think they liked each others playing. I know Mick loved Jeff. Re: Ringo. His people asked me and then he rang me. Any YUI Orta outtakes? Can't remember.

Peyton Craig Hill: 'I Wish I was Your Mother' is a song about jealousy. Did you see me in Maine? Pink shirt! White pants! I don't think so.

Jeffrey: Loved the shows in Chicago and Milwaukee. Why does everybody thank you when you go to Milwaukee. It looks O.K. to me!

Tom Joyce: I did do 'Picasso' in Oslo. I don't know if it will make the record yet. It seemed good at the time, but a lot of other stuff felt good.

Bob Lock: 'Ian - thank you.' Well this one's nice and easy - thank you!

John Bury - New fan in Toronto (we need them there!) Loves Rant. Spread the word.

Richard Reid: Keeping his fingers crossed for U.K. tour. You got it - in May.

Rick Brveiati: Saw us in Providence - loved the set - loved Andy.

Wayne Deacon: Went to Jerry Lee Lewis' house. My Man!! Yes, he was a big hero of mine, but he was so up and down - even when I could have met him, I chose not to do so. Why spoil a dream. Wants one album a year. Well, I could do that Wayne, but it wouldn't be very good and that's the point really.

Hal: Thanks for doing the business for me!

Dan Baker: Would I go back on Howard Stern? Why not? We get on rather well.

Kenneth Unlir wants photos of I.H. sans glasses. There's plenty of them, but I'm not showing them to you mate!

Stig Ronning: Why do I like to work in Norway. Because the people are so nice and genuine. They make sense to me. At least the ones I know. We've been told that Rant is out on RoadRunner in Norway, which has just been taken over by Universal so maybe that's why you couldn't find it.

Steve Harrington flew from Australia to Oslo and loved it. Just as well, really. Says it's his third trip and he's racking up the frequent flyer miles.

Stuart McKenzie: No release date as of yet for the Oslo CD and DVD. All Bjorn will say is 'When it's ready.'

Pam Kittle: Pam loves me more he older I get! Loved Dodger and Rant even more. Nice one Pam.

John N.: Hasn't got Rant yet. Yah boo. Did I know Bowie from 'All the Young Dudes' Check out Campbell Devine's bio, John. Check the bio.

Tim wants Mad Shadows. You may get your wish.

Pat Harwood: Yeah, I remember. Noted.

David Hancox: I made the mistake of not taping 'All of the Good Ones Are Taken' when we first rehearsed it for that album. Nobody could remember the correct groove. I discussed this with Bjorn is Oslo and the version we did there felt really good. Hopefully, we've finally cracked that song. I was never happy with either of the album versions although I preferred the slower.

Ken Hottmann: Loved the Detroit gig but says, 'Don't do St. Andrew's Hall again. Play somewhere else.' Agreed.

Joyce Sampson: Yeah. Saffy (our lab) passed away while we were in England, which made it worse. Thanks for thinking of her. Look after yourself, Joyce.

Fred Pettersson: Ahhhhh. The top hats of Gothenburg!!! I don't know when it comes out yet Fred, but it will and that's enough for me. Good luck with the Swedish Hunter fan site. Fred's allright; we go way back. Happiness to the family. I did see you in Oslo. Did you gain some weight? Sorry things were so hectic.

Steve Green: Noted.

Matt Mojonen: Hopes the American tour was financial success. (It wasn't, but thanks for the thought!) Loves Rant and says it's moving in Columbus, Ohio. Good to know, Matt.

John Canning: No, we still haven't gone to Italy for a holiday, but we will be going when we get some free time. Will I be playing somewhere other than the Astoria this year (owing to the Gay Disco which kicks us out at 11). Trouble is, John, I like the bloody Astoria. I like the crew - the stage and the audience, so we'll just have to put up with it.

Steve B. writes that 'How Much More Can I Take' was a Beatles rip off. Apparently, I said this! If I did say it, God knows why I said it. No knowledge of this at all. Record a CD of my favorite 50's artists? I'd like to Steve, but they do them so much better than I ever could.

Peter Hornberg: Says tell us more about Oslo. Well, it was great for me and Andy. The musicians were top class. The logistics were arranged extremely well. The record company were absolutely cooperative and worked like a record company should. Many thanks to Peter and Helge and crew. Trudi and I were in the Nobel suite at the Grand Hotel. All my kids were there. It was bloody hard work over a short period of time, but hopefully we got something special out of it. It certainly rang my bells. Again, I don't know yet when it comes out. There's a lot of work involved in mixing and aligning the DVD and the people who did it are all top class so obviously they have other projects they're working on as well. I fell I can trust them, so I'm leaving them alone until they say it's ready. Can you read 'Beowulf' and the Anglo -Saxon Chronicles in their original tongue? No, Phil, but I bet Liam Gallagher can.

Dave McNarie: Noted.

Dick Smith: Lost in the sands of time - elucidate further. You obviously know me.

Steve H. has to buy a DVD player for when the Oslo one come out (same here!) U.K. tour in May. He and 'like minded fans' felt I never get the recognition in my career. Three reason why. 1) Management 2) Labels 3) probably me. I've done some good thing, but I've also done some real average stuff. Sometimes you lose the truth. It just sneaks off. Fortunately, it's snuck back again lately.

Hunty: The line, 'Somehow I feel we let you down' from Mott the Hoople. Well, that's how I felt.

Victor Martinez: 'Since you are out here in LA doing Ameoba, why not bring Andy and the lads?' Whoops. I knew there was something...

Steve Curtis: Says he hears Mott's influence on Rant. Well, part of me will always be part of Mott so I guess it rears up now and again. The only conscious effort to duplicate was 'Morons' because Robbie Altar dared me! I never thought of Mott on any of the other songs. I don't agree that 'Wash Us Away' is Mottish. I don't think it's even me all that much. It just came and we did it. Says I did 'Like A Rolling Stone' as an encore on the Agent Orange gig with Todd Rundgren and would like a copy. I don't remember that. Why wasn't Tommy Mandel in the American line up? Tommy's got too much going on. Had a great night out with him and Tommy Morrongiello a couple of weeks ago. 'The Outsider' was another one. Just came out that way.

John E: 'Are there any rules to stop me bringing my 12 year old to a gig?' I don't know, John. I guess you have to ring the venue and ask.

John: Bloody hell. Flattery, flattery, I can't print this but I appreciate it and I'm very happy you 20 year olds love Rant.

Janet Kaplan: Hi Janet. There's a lot of water gone under the bridge since those days. Jesse would have been the baby at Cobo Hall - he's 21 now and has a band of his own called 'American Degenerate'. Regards to Montana!

Alan's daughter Jessica just passed her 11 plus. Don't get too excited Allen. I passed it too! Sometimes I talk to the audience a lot sometimes I don't. Why? It could be anything really. I don't plan anything. It's how it hits you when you go on. Sometimes if it's feeling really good you get inside the set and don't talk too much. Some gigs by their very nature will feel 'happy' so I'll tend to talk more. It's just what happens at any given moment on stage. In Oslo I didn't say much because with the recording and the DVD I had to focus more intently on the music.

John Rohana thought the Philly show as the best he'd ever seen me do, until he got to Chicago and that was better. What a band.

John O'Rourke was glad we sorted the Three Dog Night thing out. It wasn't me!

William White: I think the U.K. dates are up now, and hopefully that's the end of the changes. They go from the 6th to the 21st of May. Rant rocks!

Nan: 'Ian - I love you.' Nan. (Jeez - what a handsome git!)

Keith Johnson and the Detroit lads: Spread the word!

Jon White asks if I ever read the comments in the chat room? No, unless Trudi sees something she thinks I should see. So slag away!

Wyatt loves Rant. Loved the Hall of Fame. Loved the Agora. Thanks, Wyatt.

Brian Kelly sent me on a little trip down memory lane. Thank you, Brian.

Rich asks if I get royalties from the Drew Carey show. Yes, I do, Rich, and I'll be eternally grateful to Drew and crew forever!

Tim Smith: As Dylan was a major influence, do I think English and Irish folk music influenced me as well? Tim, your whole letter is so eloquent that I feel somewhat embarrassed to tell you I've never listened to English or Irish folk music. I know there's great stuff out there. Some I hear by accident, and if a band composed of fiddle, accordion, violin were to ask me to join them for a project, I would jump at the chance. I just didn't listen much to that kind of music. When I was young it was Little Richard, Jerry Lee Lewis, Chuck Berry and then Dylan, I don't know why. I didn't even know what he was talking about, but it felt great. I toured once with the Dubliners. It was a good experience, but that's about it. Tim winds up by saying 'ever thought about working with Richard Thompson?' This guy's great. I'd love to work with him, but we're very different. Saw him in Trondheim. Brilliant.

Ted Busch lives in the Danbury area and would love to buy me a pint. Well, if you see me out someplace, I won't say no!

Chris Keller loves Rant. Asks what happened to Martin Briley. Well, as far as I know, Martin went into songwriting and had hits and parts of hits with other people so he's done fine. Martin, if you're watching, just did Amoeba in L.A. and the first album I saw was a Martin Briley (vinyl) LP.

Jim Madden: Any chance of an Irish gig. Sorry, not this time around, Jim. Birkenhead any good?

Denise has to hear Rant at least twice a day. It's been medically proven, Denise!

Glenn Wharton: I didn't know what 'Sweet Jane' was all about so David suggested Lou come in and do a rough vocal. Lou did the rough and then I sang it. I then told Lou an awful joke which lasted at least 20 minutes and we haven't spoken since.

Bob Mend loves Rant and wishes for a Mott the Hoople reunion. He realizes that isn't going to happen, would love to see Mick Ralphs and I play together again. Well, your wish just came true Bob. Mick Ralphs will be in the band for the May tour of England this year. Mick will be on my left and Andy on my right. Doesn't get much better than that. Mick will play the whole set with us. Some Rant, some Mott stuff, but he doesn't want to do any Bad Co. stuff, so please don't shout for it. We're gonna try to get him to play a solo number or two though.

Robyn Watkins: I don't know, Sydney's a long way and the planes don't get any more comfortable.

Kevin Carey says 'Death of a Nation' is the best thing on Rant.

Mark saw Buxton. It was a deluge. I was just going to cancel the show when Charles Shaar Murrey came up to me and said, 'that's what I like about you - you don't let people down!' We went on and it was great - considering!

Rick Gershon: L.A. again. I'm not saying I won't play L.A. I'm saying it costs money and promoters haven't offered enough to cover the expenses of bring me and a band out there - yet.

Shortribeye: The 'New Ruins' do 'Rock 'n' Roll Queen' in Connecticut somewhere. Yeah, we'll probably do that with Ralpher in England this year.

Randy Lenz: Thank you, Randy.

Joe Picarelli: Lived in the Dobbs Ferry offices - Fred Heller domain! You're talking about Amoeba, which has already gone so that's that. Says he's been peppering the local robots' (DJ's) to no avail. Why don't they get proper jobs?

Phil T asks what lyric really moved me. There's a lot of them, but Dylan's 'Every Grain of Sand' would take some beating.

Greg Naugle: Apologizing? For what, Greg? It's all fun. No one apologizes on this site. We're all right.

Matin Curry: Happy that Overnight Angels is out. Glad somebody is!

Chris wants to know what my albums sell. Well, actually Chris it's pretty hard to find out these days what with hard sales, soft sales etc. Rant has definitely taken a big step in the right direction. Just about everything I've been involved in still sells when it come out, gets re-released etc. But Rant's definitely taken a big step in the right direction. Just about everything I've been involved in still sells when it comes out. Rant has helped the catalog as well. I'm not complaining, but airplay is an awful problem.

Pete: I'm touring the UK in May. The next album is due out either in the autumn of 2002 or spring of 2003. Do I get sick of questions? I wouldn't do it if it was that bad. It's not like I'm on 'Hear Say.'

Martin Lewis: Australia again. The short answer is no, but you never can tell what the long one will be.

Sheldon Davis: Having picked up Rant, he is now dusting his old IH records down.

Mike Reger - L.A. again. We're trying.

Brett says the Mick Ralphs news is great. It must come to the States. Try telling Mick. He still hates flying.

Joe English: Are any more compilations being planned? Well, the Oslo album is a compilation in a way. Although there are three new songs and one new cover on it.

David Clark wants stuff sold on the web site. Too busy at the moment but we will get there eventually.

Mike Brideweiser asks is there any chance of an Ian Hunter/Mick Ralphs tour of the States? We haven't got that far!

Colin Powell: Not doing Newcastle, Colin. Of course we're doing Newcastle!

Jeff: Loved V.U. suggests songs for U.K.

Kelly Turner going to Northampton, Leeds, Cambridge and Wolverhampton. The Cambridge venue is only 15 minutes from her house. This is getting too easy, Kelly.

Dennis Romano says we must tour the east coast of the U.S. or he and his wife will 'go daft.' Sorry, you'll have to go daft.

Dan Albertson: Thank you, Dan

W. White: Ah - now we've got the tour dates up. Well, that's taken care of that one.

Marty Pretusa: The old Ralpher U.S. question.

Dave Davis loves Rant Have we ever done 'Pearl 'n' Roy' live? Yes, last year in England.

Chuck Baeher: Another Ralpher in the U.S. request.

Armin Volckers and wife would like German dates. Not at the moment.

Andy Cowin is excited about Ralpher. I remember doing an outdoor show on the Isle of Man and Morgan pushed the piano off the stage and nearly got us all murdered by bouncers.

Rich W. asks is there anything I've written and recorded I look back on and wish were different or better than they came out? YES. Overend Watts - what's he doing? He's got this great, huge shop and he's got his studio and he seems happy. Still the same. Hasn't changed. Still hilarious. I often wish I lived down the road from Pete. He's great to hang out with.

Brent writes regarding Overnight Angels and speaks of Earl Slick, Pete Oxendale and Bob Rawlinson glowingly and he's right. The musicians were fine on that album and it was done well by Roy and Gary. I just didn't like what I did. Anyway, it got rid of Claudio for half and hour so it can't be all bad!

Bruce Speary had heard I was 'seeing' Carla DeVito, and that she was on my albums under the name Ellen Foley and that 'Once Bitten' was about her. I've never worked with Carla Devito, although I've met her a few times and she's great. Ellen Foley is Ellen Foley, and a bloody good Ellen Foley too. I haven't the faintest who I wrote 'Once Bitten' about. Mick Ronson and I produced one of Ellen Foley's albums (Nightout). I still like that record.

Jim Davenport asks if Mott the Hoople will reform and tour the U.S. I think not. What do I think of Great White's 'Once Bitten?' it's O.K.

Normal Bob: 'Great to hear about the UK tour with Ralphs.' and in answer to the other part of your question - it doesn't really matter.

Chris Kelly: Do the Buzzcocks - they love Mott. I heard Luther had a great time on that show. They did ask me to do it but I declined. The 'Goodbye' chant on 'Saturday Gigs was weird. It was like something was telling us time was up. Do I still live on a commune where Leslie West used to live? Where do you get these ideas from? That's SO not me.

Brian Farris: Now knows I did sign autographs at Amoeba. Aren't I nice!

Lisa: None at the moment!

Mike B: Do I think I'll ever tour with Ringo again? I don't see why not.

Bob: Noted and passed on.

Dean Roecker: Some of the stuff you ask I can't remember. We might have been in open G on 'Scars'. At least that's where I usually end up. If Buffin, or any of his friends reads the Horse's Mouth, this guy is a drummer and you are his hero. He'd love an email from you! Thinks Rant is the coolest. Alright.

Rob Lythall: Which country?

Phil Holbrook: Alright, Phil. So you want 'Drivin' Sister'. Well, I don't know about that, but you're a great bloke anyway.

Andrew Molloy loves Rant and wants west coast dates.

Jason: The only people of the groups you mention that I knew would be Tull. MTH opened for Tull a lot in the old days. There is absolutely no musical connection with any of these bands. Amazon should not bracket people. It's stupid.

Peejay asks if Ralpher is doing all the shows. Well, I've seen him recently, and he looks like he'll survive them!

Stacey Luce: er...wow...ok. mmmmm!! Glad to be of subliminal assistance.

Charlie said last year at the Astoria when he met Stan Tippins - who's next? Ralpher? Charlie the psychic. Actually it was Cuddles who started the ball rolling. He couldn't play in the time we had allotted, so I wasn't going to bother this year. But then a chance conversation between Peter Purnell of Angel Air and Trudi brought up the possibility of Mick joining up for a tour. What did I think? I thought it was kind of a completion of a circle. So Mick and I sat down and had a chat and this is where we are now. Cuds, by the way, is still firmly part of the Rant Band. I think Mick just wants to get his feet wet and catch up on old times. Where's it going? Neither of us have a clue - and that fine.

Jim Furdon: I've passed this letter onto Trudi, but to be frank, I don't know how that side of things works. I appreciate your obvious concerns, but I have nothing to do with that. I know of no packages available and I wouldn't want you all to go for nothing. Maybe Trudi knows more than me, but I don't think so.

Julie: Getting old is great. Youth was the problem.

Tim Brown loves Rant Another U.S. tour? Too early to say.

Michael Corbett: Andy York was in Jason and the Scorchers and has played for John Mellencamp for the last eight years.

Joe E has says he has video proof that Simon Fox did sit in for Buffin somewhere in Europe. If this is the Joe I think it is, I bow to superior knowledge. I have got a dodgy memory - what else is new!

Ian Lewis says the K-Tel album is on sale in Australia. If KTEL is on the label our solicitors are interested and please get in touch again and we'll get back to you. That goes for any fan. These people are liars and cheats.

Paul Coombs is chuffed that Stan Tippins will also be with us. He was making excuses, but I forced him into it.

Ira Sherman: See, I'm a nice guy, Ira - but where does it get me!

Steve Fisher says we should press Sony more on the fact that Ralpher is with us this year. Not a bad idea, Steve. Thanks.

David Anderson: Sorry, David - I don't qualify. I have nothing for you in that department. Good luck with the book. Good band.

Robert Martin: What Epiphone am I playing on the cover of Rant? Don't know. I just picked it up - it was a prop supplied by the photographer.

Randy Carter just heard about Ralpher. Lives in the U.S. but is very happy.

Steve Weidemann: Already seen it, Steve. Yes, I remember signing it. Glad you enjoyed Amoeba.

Karen + Murray: Please come to Edinburgh. They never came on for a gig. I love Edinburgh, but you have to have a promoter who wants you to play there. I don't know why for the life of me. I love the place.

Big Licks: See you in Glasgow. Darrell is great and I thoroughly enjoyed working with him and Trevor who's also great. It' nice to play with different people.

Rick Kline was at Bruce's Borders Bar-B-Q and thoroughly enjoyed it. So did we Rick, so did we.

Kyle Breen was at Amoeba, is 23, and very happy. You've got to hear Rant with my band to fully appreciate it. Hopefully LA will sort itself out soon.

John Ball is happy about Ralpher. Nothing in Ireland, though.

Edward asks if I've got a favorite American Spy? Yeah, Miller Anderson.

Rick Graves: How does it feel to be working so much? Well, I'd been in the house for three years writing Rant so it's been good getting out and about a bit. Also, it's been interesting, especially, working with Ringo and the then the Oslo venture because they were so different to what I've encountered before. I also wanted to support Rant because I've been off the roll for so long and you have to go out to create an interest. I'm not one of those people who feel the need to tour, but now and again it's good for me. Will Ralpher and I tour the U.S.? Well, like I said before, he hates to fly so it's difficult.

Sheila Walsh loves the old raspy voice. Well, it's been a mixed blessing, Sheila. I like it better now that I ever did.

Ed Solis - from the Bruce Bar-B-Q. Thanks for having us!

Will White is coming from the U.S. and going to Bristol, Sheffield and London. Hope it's worth it, Will.

Gerry Campbell: Glasgow is on Friday, May 17th.

Kevin from Ireland asks if there was additional pressure in Oslo. Yes, there was. It seemed like a special opportunity and they don't come along that often. I was fine once I got on stage, focused and was well prepared. Concentrated more on singing. Didn't play as much. We did 'Picasso'. Would I do it again? In a minute. Hope you can make the Astoria.

Amarilis Gibel, Brizil: No. This is not true. Someone told you wrong. Sorry.

Anna O'Hara says I'm so, so cool and she knows because she's 11 - and that's where cool lives. How did we get the name Mott the Hoople? It's the title of a book by Willard Manus, Anna.

Nigel Edridge asks if I can still hack it? Hack what dear boy???? See you in the quadrangles.

Lucy Piller: I've given this to Trudi.

Paul Kennett asks if the Oslo DVD will be available in video format. I don't know, but will ask Universal.

Steve Green: I've given this over to Trudi, Steve.

Mike Puccio: Noted and given to Trudi.

Klaus: 'It's only rock and roll, but I like it' There you go.

Kevin Baggot: Actually that guy from Nashville did a much better version of 'Big Time' than we did. Great groove.

Keith Storey has a book out called 'The Road Ahead' and has acknowledged me! Thanks Keith. I'm getting into more and more books it's worrying!

Joe wants a Seattle gig. You never know.

Jim McConnell wants a set list. I haven't even got that far yet. Honest. No, HONEST! The DVD has a possible two 2CD set with it including three new songs. What do you want from my life!!!

John Eastwood: Going to Northampton with his 13 year old son who's into Rant.

Well, that's it for now. It's the first day of April and tomorrow I'll start sorting out the English tour set list. Mick's got a few ideas so we'll do as much as we both feel happy with. Understand everybody's got an old favorite. We can't do them all. Above anything, it's a chance to get together and have some fun. I may not have time to do another Horse's Mouth until I get back - so don't moan. Pulled a muscle in my back - got to go and stretch. Take it easy.

IH
The Horse's Mouth