Five Mott the Hoople 40th Anniversary Reunion Concerts in London in OCTOBER, original line-up, first three concerts sold out already. It's very tempting, but there might be another even better name in London in the fall. Plus I've seen Ian Hunter twice in small venues. But this is not a permanent reunion, so it could be my first and last chance to see one of the finest rock bands of the '70s, Mott the Hoople. Here's an early ad, but check the latest music mags for all five dates.



And I discovered a documentary on Mott the Hoople:

from blogcritics.org/.../

DVD Review - Mott the Hoople: Under Review, An Independent Critical AnalysisAuthor: Metal Dad — Published: Jun 10, 2007 at 11:48 pm

This 90 minute DVD covers the career of a great band not often remembered, but a band who wielded great influence as probably the best pre-punk band to come out of the UK.

Mott the Hoople came out of the Hereford band Silence which consisted of Mick Ralphs (guitar), Verden Allen (organ), Pete Watts (bass), and Dale Griffin (drums). After adding Stan Tippens on vocals they recorded a few tracks. The group caught the eye of Island Records, were signed, and moved to London to begin recording with legendary producer Guy Stevens.

Stevens got them to change the name of the band to Mott the Hoople from the novel of the same name by author Willard Manus. A veteran singer/songwriter named Ian Hunter was invited to join the band which led vocalist Stan Tippens to become the band's road manager. The band had begun to amass a loyal following by virtue of their live perfomances. In 1969 the band released their eponymous debut, Mott the Hoople, to mild success. Three more albums followed by 1971, Mad Shadows, Wildlife, and Brain Capers. In spite of their rabid fans, these albums did not sell well and did not receive very favorable press.

The DVD chronicles how the band, on the verge of splitting up, were offered the song "Suffragette City" by David Bowie who was a fan of the band. Mott declined the offer, leading Bowie to write "All the Young Dudes" for them. This song became the single and title track of the Bowie produced album. It also gave Mott The Hoople their first hit single, and broke them in a huge way in the UK and the United States.

Mick Jones (The Clash) remembers how "All the Young Dudes" was a turning point for Mott much in the same way that "Ride a White Swan" indicated the change of Marc Bolan's Tyrannosaurus Rex to T-Rex. Journalists Daryl Easlea, John Robb, and Kris Needs are joined here by Nicky Horne -- who produced shows on BBC Radio 1 from 1970-1973 -- to discuss the merits and deficiencies of Bowie as producer on All the Young Dudes.

The image shift of the band to the burgeoning "Glam" scene is discussed with a general consensus that the band was unfairly tagged with the glam label. Daryl Easlea offers an interesting comment on the gender politics inherent in the Glam scene.

Prior to the recording sessions for Mott's next album, organist Verden Allen left the band due to dissatisfaction with the touring life. He was replaced by Love Affair keyboardist Morgan Fisher. The album Mott was released in 1973. This release showed a maturing, somewhat jaded band. Ian Hunter was coming into his own as a songwriter. Mick Ralphs' "I’m a Cadillac/El Camino Dolo Rosos" was a real gem among the collection of Hunter tunes. Subsequently Ralphs left the band to form Bad Company with Paul Rodgers. His replacement was Luther Grosvenor from Spooky Tooth who was re-christened Ariel Bender.

This was the lineup which went into the studio to record their 1974 release The Hoople. Ken Emerson wrote about this album in Rolling Stone, "It seemed a post-glitter breakthrough, debunking superstardom and demythologizing rock."

The special relationship Mott had with the band Queen is explored. Queen had a supporting spot on the bill of the major U.S. tour Mott undertook behind The Hoople.

After a UK show which turned out to be their last, Luther Grosvenor left to be replaced by former Bowie guitarist Mick Ronson. A scheduled UK tour was subsequently cancelled when Hunter had an emotional and physical breakdown. Hunter and Ronson soon left the band to record and tour as a duo. The band shortened their name to Mott and recruited vocalist Nigel Benjamin and Ray Major. Two more albums were released, Drive On and Shouting and Pointing. Neither album sold well, and Benjamin departed to be replaced by John Fiddler and the band changed their name to British Lions.

British Lions would eventually disband. Hunter went on to a fairly successful career as a solo artist and with Mick Ronson in the Hunter-Ronson Band until Ronson's death in 1993.

This is a fascinating retrospective of the career of a band whose influence surpassed by far their commercial success. One of the extras available is some Super-8 film shot by Morgan Fisher while on tour with Mott in the States in 1974. The footage and commentary provide a remarkable insight into the life of a touring band.

Ian Hunter has always struck me an one of the most literate rockers who ever graced a stage or picked up a guitar. His book, Diary of a Rock 'n' Roll Star provides a glimpse into the trials, frustrations, and joy of a band on the road. His songs have stood the test of time and are as relevant today as they were back in the early Seventies. He once sang that "rock 'n' roll's a losers game." But he was no loser and rock is much richer for having seen the likes of Mott the Hoople.

And Mott the Hoople were featured in April MOJO:



CD is '70s UK glam bands, one of MOJO's many good comps.

Here's hoping they bring the show to NYC.

Well, Cream played both London and New York, IIRC.

I WOULD KILL To go to this. Googa, if it's near you...........

I have seen the doc. It's OK, not great. Buffin's been rumored to be putting a dvd together for the last couple years.

I agree, Geff, this is a major event, but it'll cost me around $500 with airfare and hotel. Would you go see them if it set you back 500?

If airfair is requried, I don't consider it to be "near you"!!

(Gibson) '70s legends Mott The Hoople will get the movie treatment this October in London. Classic Rock magazine reports that a new documentary, The Ballad of Mott the Hoople, will be screened at the British Film Institute in London on October 16, 18 and 19 as part of the London Film Festival.

The film has been made in co-operation with the members of Mott the Hoople and includes footage from their recent Hammersmith Apollo concerts in London.

And if that wasn't enough, there's a limited edition Mott box set on its way called Mott the Hoople in Performance 1970-74. There will only be 500 copies released and each will include a booklet of rare photographs provided by members of the band.

Very cool. Do you have a link or any more info on the MTH box? Is it previously released Angel Air material or new stuff?

Is the doc the one that Buffin was working on before he got sick? Hope it sees dvd!

Box set-
In Performance 1970-74 - Live Box Set [Import]

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001AU3GBE/?tag=imwan-20

If this is it, it's been out since 2008. It's getting mixed sound quality reviews. Lots of 3rd party sellers have them.

Product Description
Limited edition four CD box. Formed in June 1969 by original line-up of vocalist/pianist Ian Hunter, guitarist/vocalist Mick Ralphs, organist Verden Allen, bassist Overend Watts and drummer Dale 'Buffin' Griffin, within months Mott The Hoople had built up a fearsome live reputation as a ranting, raving, raucous, rioting, rip-roaring Rock 'N' Roll band. This box set, lovingly compiled by Buffin, provides an important and compelling live historic document of their much loved but short-lived career. Concerts include Croydon's Fairfield Halls in 1970, Stockholm's The Konserthuset in 1971, Philadelphia's The Tower Theatre in 1972 and two discs of later performances at London's Heaven. Featured performers include the original line-up and later replacements guitarist Ariel Bender and keyboardist Morgan Fisher. Includes 48-page book written by Keith Smith, editor of Mott fanzine Two Miles From Heaven plus unseen photos from the personal archives of Verden Allen, Dale Griffin, Mick Ralphs and Overend Watts. Angel Air 2008.

That one is a compilation of 100% previously released Angel Air titles.

Can't vouch for all the cds in the box, but Fairfield Halls 1970 is a barn burner, very much the band I saw at The Fillmore firing on all engines . The sound isn't bad at all, certainly not audiophile, more like an excellent boot. Available, as Geff said, seperately and well worth it. Worth the price of admission to hear them do "Ohio" and Mountains "Long Red", actually.

Anyone who doesn't have the Philadelphia, it's also a must own.