Hello,



Back to the Lowry to see the bloke who used to front Mott The Hoople,now playing with Steve Holley (drums and vocals and banter) and James Mastro (frankly amazing guitar and mandolin),in support of his latest album,"Shrunken Heads".



Apart from reading "Diary Of A Rock'n'Roll Star",I'll have to admit to knowing almost cock-all about Ian Hunter or his body of work,so I did feel a little bit like a fraud (albeit a curious one) last night as I mingled with the other 279 audience-members prior to the show:there were plenty of Mott 'lifers' on display!
Unlike Dionne Warwick last Sunday this was in The Quay Theatre at The Lowry and was a sell-out too,although a tenth of the size.



The band walk onstage each holding a flute of champagne,which will remain untouched for at least an hour or so!
As you'd expect from someone who's been playing live for a millenium,Ian Hunter is so at ease but still eager to engage with the punters.He will take a moment or two between songs to explain what lead him to write this or that,or the circumstances surrounding the recording or some tale from touring.These asides never outstay their welcome either.



His songs are a right mix of fast,slow,4/4,shuffle,whatever with IH playing rhythm guitar or piano while the bloke on his left blazes away on anything with strings.Speaking of which,does anyone know who made this beauty?



The show ended with a sing-a-long 'All The Young Dudes' which is guaranteed to send anyone out with a smile on their face.The great man even shook my hand...still haven't washed it!
He is now a member of my '100% satisfaction-guaranteed-or-money-back' club.
No higher recommendation can there be.

Cheers,

Si.

thanks for the review. Would love to see Ian Hunter again. Last time I saw him Mick Ronson was on guitar - wow that was awhile back.

He's still a dude.

I Hope Ian is able to live well of his music. He has been one of the best!

Nice review....the Hoople was a good band back in the day...glad to see Hunter is still making music....now go wash your hands! lol

Did he play "Cleveland Rocks"?

That little guitar player dude with the hat has been with him probably longer than anyone else in his career...and Rant was my favorite record of 2001...

great post, Simon. Ian is definitely one of the best acts going--a superb songwriter and rock and roller, with an amazing bond with his fans--and you don't have to see him in a stadium!

great photos and review, as always, Simon.

pleased you had a good night.

man i had the chance to see ian hunter with mick ronson back in 1988 and what a show indeed it was .a cross between mott the hoople and slaughter on 10th avenue.wow a great show .brings back some good memories.

Hi Folks,

He was indeed a great turn!

How's the injury,Adrian-any chance of making the start (or more importantly) and finish line?

Cheers,

Si.

Great review and wpnderful photos. Thanks so much.

I was a Mott fan in my youth but never got to see them live . I did see IH in London last year and it was a great gig . His newer stuff is really good , a track called "when the world was round" is a classic and when he played the MTH tracks it was singalong all the way .
One of the greats , I hope he is back in London again soon .

Hi EC76,
He is finishing this UK leg at some place in Dartford named after some singer...name escapes me,heh-heh-heh!

Unfortunately it is a sell-out but there will always be folks who need to return their tickets.Good luck!

Oh yeah,the Mick Jagger Centre!

[www.ianhunter.com]

Cheers,

Si.