Formed in 1969 when Ian Hunter joined Verden Allen, Dale Griffin, Overend Watts and Mick Ralphs - Mott The Hoople released their eponymous debut album that same year.
By 1971 they were selling out and trashing the Albert Hall – rock bands were banned for years afterwards – but just 12 months later, after on-stage punches and insults were thrown, Mott The Hoople were ready to quit, they stayed together thanks to longtime fan, David Bowie. He gave them ‘All The Young Dudes’ the first of a string of hits including the Ian Hunter-penned songs ‘Roll Away The Stone’, ‘All The Way From Memphis’, ‘Honaloochie Boogie’ and ‘The Golden Age of Rock ‘n’ Roll’. Despite the success and accolades, Mott The Hoople’s demise was surely inevitable and by 1974 the band had split.
‘If Mott The Hoople had carried on they seriously could have taken the world’ - Kris Needs, Mojo
It is fitting that the 2009 shows are at Hammersmith Apollo – this is where one side of the famous ‘Mott The Hoople Live’ album was recorded in 1973 and was the venue they had to play twice in one day to satisfy ticket demand, the second show ending in near riot when the curtain came down on their final encore. The other side of this legendary album was recorded during Mott’s week-long residency at the Uris Theatre on Broadway, the first time New York theatreland had played host to a rock band; support on these shows came from the little known Queen.
‘Mott The Hoople turned the Uris Theatre into a screaming hotbed of English-style Rock & Roll frenzy’ - Rolling Stone
Who knows what will happen this time but these are sure to be historic gigs. Thanks to name-checks from Rock & Roll stars over the last 40 years and regular plays on radio, TV and film (‘All The Young Dudes’ is the lead song on the ‘Juno’ soundtrack and features in many more), Mott The Hoople’s audience is getting younger. Whatever age expect an audience which has an unshakeable belief in Rock & Roll.
In an era of band reformations, it will be still be shocking to their legions of fans that Mott The Hoople have decided to reform, with their original line-up, to celebrate their 40th Anniversary. Shocking but thrilling to fans who include Primal Scream, Morrissey, The Clash, REM, Queen, Blur and more..
Tickets on sale January 22nd 2009 priced £36.00 and £42.50, available below.
