From 1969 to 1973, Mott The Hoople were a two headed beast, with songwriting duties split between Ian Hunter and Mick Ralphs, as well as the odd notable exception from Verden Allen.
By the end of 1973, Mick and Verden had both left the band to see what else was out there for them. This left Ian Hunter as the sole songwriter, with the notable exception of Overend Watts fan favourite, “Born Late ’68”.
With Hunter now given free reign, 1974’s “The Hoople” explored ideas and concepts that are now widely credited as having influenced everyone from the punk movement to Queen. 1974 was also arguably Mott’s most intensely creative period with the studio album, four hit singles - Roll Away The Stone, The Golden Age Of Rock ’n’ Roll, Foxy Foxy and Saturday Gigs - plus a live album, half of which was taken from their week long stint at the Uris Theatre, Broadway.
The live album highlighted the talents of Mick and Verden’s replacements - Ariel Bender and Morgan Fisher respectively, who breathed new life into classics and crowd favorites alike, “All The Young Dudes”, All The Way From Memphis”, Honaloochie Boogie”, “Rose”, “Rest In Peace” and “Walking With A Mountain” forming the core of the live album.
In 2009 and 2013, the 1969 / 1973 line up completed two highly successful reunion tours. At the time, many fans asked whether it would ever be possible to see the “Class Of ’74” - Ian Hunter, Ariel Bender and Morgan Fisher - back together again.
As it would have been impossible to try and replace Mott’s rhythm section, Overend Watts and Dale “Buffin” Griffin, who are both now sadly deceased and with Mick Ralphs having suffered health issues which would preclude him appearing, the time seemed right to try something a little different.
In 2018, the trio of Hunter, Bender and Fisher, augmented by Ian’s long term backing band, The Rant Band, played three festivals. It’s fair to say that the festivals took people by surprise, the band showing a renewed energy and spirit.
With a set based around the 1974 albums “The Hoople” and “Live”, plus the non album greatest hits - Ladies And Gentlemen, please welcome - The Golden Age Of Rock ’n’ Roll - once more, for seven shows, one more time, across the United Kingdom, April 2019.
