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Mott The Hoople - British Album Rock Innovators

© Marianne Moro

Their signature song was a gay anthem but they were straight. Their lead singer never took his sunglasses off. Their appearance at London's Royal Albert Hall caused a riot that closed down the venue to rock concerts for years, but they were relatively unknown in America. Mott The Hoople were grouped with other glam artists of the early 1970s', but their persona and their songs were distinctly down to earth.

Best known for their version of David Bowie's All The Young Dudes, Mott The Hoople's line-up consisted of Ian Hunter (vocals, shades and wry lyrics), Mick Ralphs (lead guitar), Verden Allen (organ), Overend Watts (bass) and Buffin Griffin (drums). The band's debut on Atlantic Records featured a seven minute cover version of Sonny Bono's Laugh at Me, Not to worry, though,the LP also contained an instrumental version of You Really Got Me. and a Mick Ralphs original, Rock 'N Roll Queen, a sign of things to come. Their first few albums sold moderately well in the UK, although they drew many fans to their shows via non-stop touring. David Bowie produced their 1972 breakthrough album All The Young Dudes. The omnipresent title track resounded as a rallying cry for the burgeoning glam rock movement.

Mott,the band's highly underrated 1973 release contained such gems as All the Way From Memphis Violence and the catchy Honolooche Boogie. The album chronicles Mott's real life road experiences. Blasting off with the groovin' All The Way From Memphis, Ian Hunter's cynical, intelligent lyrics paint a schziophrenic picture of the rock 'n' roll lifestyle. While Whizz Kid and Drivin' Sister celebrate the unbridled fun & hedonism part, the world-weary dirge Ballad of Mott The Hoople laments the never-ending spirals and squabbles of touring. Specific without being too "inside",the song remains one of the most honest renderings of life on the road.

Mick Ralphs departed in late 1973 to form Bad Company, and, well, you know the rest.Mick Ronson joined in 1974, but his stint with the band was short-lived, as he and Hunter left to try their luck as a duo. The remaining members toiled on as British Lions, but disbanded in 1978 after an unsuccessful run.

Ironically enough,singer Hunter and guitarist Ralphs achieved their greatest fame after leaving the band. Ralphs as a founding member of Bad Company, and Hunter as a solo artist. Hunter scored minor hits on the US charts with You're Never Alone With a Schziophrenic, which contained the hit Just Another Night and the AOR fave Cleveland Rocks. The later is enjoying a well-deserved second life as the current theme song for the Drew Carey Show. Hunter continued to collaborate with Mick Ronson til Ronson's death in 1993.Hunter continues to perform as a solo artist, and is on the road throughoutthe UK this summer.