Mott the Hoople

Mott the Hoople
Company type	Band
Industry	Music
Predecessor	Doc Thomas Group
Founded	1966 in Hereford, Herefordshire, England
Headquarters	Hereford, England
Area served	United Kingdom, United States, Japan
Products	Music albums, singles

Mott the Hoople was a British rock group that originated in Hereford, Herefordshire in 1966. Initially known as the Doc Thomas Group, they adopted the name Mott the Hoople after signing with Island Records in 1969. Their early 1970s albums did not achieve commercial success until David Bowie intervened by composing their glam anthem "All the Young Dudes" in 1972 and producing the album sharing the same title, which significantly elevated their profile.

Although the lineup shifted over time, they attained additional commercial acclaim with Mott (1973) and The Hoople (1974). When lead vocalist Ian Hunter departed in 1974, their commercial momentum waned. The band persisted with various personnel changes until their split in 1980, later reuniting sporadically in 2009, 2013, 2018, and 2019.

Pre-Mott

The ensemble formed in 1966 under the name Doc Thomas Group, featuring members such as Mick Ralphs on guitar, Stan Tippins handling vocals, and Pete Overend Watts on bass. Ralphs and Tippins had previously collaborated locally, as had Watts with drummer Dale "Buffin" Griffin. They maintained a residency at an Italian nightclub and secured a recording deal with Dischi Interrecord, releasing an album in January 1967. By 1968, both Griffin and keyboardist Verden Allen had joined the group.

While performing and recording in Italy as the Doc Thomas Group, they used alternative names like the Shakedown Sound and Silence for UK gigs. The incarnation known as Silence recorded demos at Rockfield Studios, which were submitted to prominent labels such as EMI, Polydor, Immediate, and Apple; however, no contract materialized.

Early years

The band caught the eye of Guy Stevens from Island Records, who advocated for replacing Tippins as frontman. After placing advertisements seeking a "Singer wanted, must be image-minded and hungry," they recruited Ian Hunter as lead vocalist and pianist; Tippins transitioned to road manager duties. While Stevens was incarcerated for a drug-related charge, he read Willard Manus's novel Mott the Hoople, which inspired the group's new moniker. Following their 1969 audition with Stevens, Silence consented to change their name to Mott the Hoople. The novel’s title itself referenced "Martha Hoople," a character from the comic strip Our Boarding House.

Their self-titled debut album Mott the Hoople (1969), recorded within a week, gained cult acclaim. It included cover versions such as "Laugh at Me" (Sonny Bono) and "At the Crossroads" (originally by Doug Sahm's Sir Douglas Quintet), along with an instrumental rendition of "You Really Got Me" (The Kinks).

The subsequent release, Mad Shadows (1970), failed to make an impact commercially or critically. Wildlife (1971), despite achieving their highest UK chart ranking before their glam phase, performed worse commercially; it featured a country-hippie vibe with more acoustic compositions by Ralphs.

On 10 October 1970, Mott the Hoople appeared on BBC2's program Disco 2. Although their fanbase expanded during this period, Brain Capers (1971) experienced poor sales. After a disappointing concert held inside a former gas holder in Switzerland and a cancelled UK tour supporting The Lothringers, the band approached disbandment.

Glam Era

David Bowie, an ardent admirer of the group, convinced them to continue after they were on the verge of disbanding. He proposed the song "Suffragette City," which later appeared on his album The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars, but the band declined the offer. Instead, Bowie composed "All the Young Dudes" specifically for them, which became their most successful single. Released in July 1972, it achieved significant success in the UK, with their tour manager Tippins contributing backing vocals during live performances. Bowie also took on production duties for the album All the Young Dudes, which included Mick Ronson's string and brass arrangements on the track "Sea Diver." Although the album performed well commercially, it peaked at number 21 on the UK Albums Chart. Prior to their subsequent album, keyboardist Verden Allen departed from the band.

Their next release, Mott, entered the UK Top 10 and marked their highest-selling record in the United States. It generated two UK charting singles: "Honaloochie Boogie" and "All the Way from Memphis," both featuring saxophone by Andy Mackay of Roxy Music. Notably, "All the Way from Memphis" was featured in the film Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore.

Following Allen's exit in May 1973, keyboardists Morgan Fisher (formerly of Love Affair and Morgan) and Mick Bolton joined; Bolton left later that year and was replaced on tour by Blue Weaver. Fisher ultimately became Allen’s official successor. In August 1973, guitarist Mick Ralphs left to establish Bad Company and was succeeded by Luther Grosvenor, previously of Spooky Tooth, who adopted the stage name Ariel Bender due to contractual obligations. This moniker was inspired by singer-songwriter Lynsey de Paul.

By the end of 1973, the band scored a UK hit with "Roll Away the Stone," recorded before Ralphs' departure and featuring his lead guitar work alongside female backing vocals by Thunderthighs. The single reached number 8 on the UK Singles Chart. A Japanese release in 1974 credited both Mott the Hoople and Lynsey de Paul.

In 1974, Mott toured across America with Ariel Bender handling lead guitar duties. One notable early performance took place at Detroit’s Masonic Temple on October 12, 1973, where they were supported by a then up-and-coming Aerosmith. Queen served as primary support during Mott’s 1974 tour; this partnership inspired Queen’s 1975 single "Now I'm Here," which references “Hoople.” The tour established a lasting camaraderie—Ian Hunter, Mick Ronson, and Bowie reunited to perform "All the Young Dudes" at the 1992 Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert. Morgan Fisher contributed piano during Queen’s 'Hot Space' tour in 1982, while Brian May covered Mott’s "All the Way from Memphis" on his solo album Another World, featuring Ian Hunter.

Mott has been mentioned in other popular songs such as Reunion’s 1974 hit "Life Is a Rock (But the Radio Rolled Me)" and R.E.M.’s track "Man on the Moon."

After releasing The Hoople in 1974, a live album titled Live followed; shortly thereafter, Mick Ronson replaced Ariel Bender. The group dissolved when Hunter and Ronson left to form a duo, leading to a name change to simply 'Mott.'

Ian Hunter's book Diary of a Rock'n'Roll Star, offering an account of their experiences during their 1972 US tour, was published in June 1974 and reissued in 1996.

Post-Hunter period

The revamped ensemble included Watts, Griffin, Fisher, lead guitarist Ray Majors (previously with Opal Butterfly and Hackensack), and vocalist Nigel Benjamin. This formation produced two albums, Drive On (1975) and Shouting and Pointing (1976), both of which failed to achieve commercial success. Following Benjamin's departure in 1976—he later joined the glam metal group London alongside Nikki Sixx—Mott briefly brought in Steve Hyams before collaborating with John Fiddler (formerly of Medicine Head) to create British Lions. British Lions released two albums: British Lions (1977) and the posthumous Trouble With Women (1980), yet neither made an impact on the charts. Hunter and Ronson maintained occasional collaborations until Ronson passed away in 1993. Hunter continued advancing his solo endeavors.

In 1990, after a short-lived reunion in 1989, former members of The Silence recorded both new tracks and classic material, culminating in the album Shotgun Eyes, which was released in 1998 alongside The Italian Job, a reissue of the Doc Thomas Group’s self-titled record.

In 1996, K-tel issued The Best of Mott the Hoople, misleadingly promoted as re-recordings by Hunter and Ronson. In reality, this album was performed by Danny McCulloch (ex-Eric Burdon and the New Animals) and Gerry Chapman under the name The Trybe. K-tel faced penalties for deceptive advertising; however, the album continued to circulate under Mott the Hoople’s brand and was re-released in 2002 as I Can't Believe It's Not Mott the Hoople! credited to The Trybe.

On 16–17 April 1999, the sole 'Mott the Hoople Convention' was held at the Robin Hood Pub in Bilston, Wolverhampton, England. Hunter headlined both evenings; during the encore on 17 April, he was joined by Bender and Allen for "Walkin' With A Mountain," bridging original members with longtime collaborators.

Ralphs accompanied Hunter on tour in 2002 and 2004 as part of his support band. Although an official Mott the Hoople reunion did not take place until 2009, attempts to reunite date back to 1985. Interest in regrouping persisted over many years; by 2005, Hunter reportedly received a seven-figure proposal to revive the band. In October 2007, during Hunter's Shepherd's Bush Empire show, Ralphs and Allen joined him for an encore performance.

2009 reunion

On 16 January 2009, Mott the Hoople announced they would reunite for two concerts at London's Hammersmith Apollo scheduled for October 2009. All five founding members took part, with Hunter expressing curiosity about revisiting their dynamic. The initial tickets sold out rapidly, prompting the addition of three more shows on 3, 5, and 6 October. A limited edition 3-CD set from the opening concert was made available immediately after these performances.

Prior to their Hammersmith appearances, they held a warm-up show on 26 September 2009 at the Blake Theatre in Monmouth, Wales. Due to Dale Griffin's health challenges, Martin Chambers of The Pretenders substituted as drummer; Griffin appeared during encores.

The reunion garnered favorable critiques from prominent UK media outlets: The Guardian, The Times, and The Independent awarded four out of five stars, while The Daily Telegraph granted a perfect score.

On 27 November 2009, Mott the Hoople took part in The Tartan Clefs charity event held in Glasgow.

2013 engagements

On 18 November 2013, Mott the Hoople—comprising Allen, Hunter, Ralphs, and Watts, with Martin Chambers on drums—performed at London's O2 Arena. Prior to this, they held concerts in Birmingham, Glasgow, Newcastle, and Manchester; the Manchester performance was captured for a limited edition CD/DVD release. One reviewer characterized the O2 Arena show as somewhat laborious, noting Hunter's vocals had diminished to a "guttural rasp." The concert on 17 November 2013 at O2 Apollo Manchester was subsequently issued in June 2014 as a double album and DVD titled Live 2013. Following this reunion period, original members Dale Griffin and Overend Watts died in January 2016 and January 2017, respectively.

2018 engagements

In February 2018, Mott the Hoople revealed plans for several summer dates across Europe featuring Ian Hunter alongside former members Morgan Fisher (keyboards) and Ariel Bender (guitar). Hunter highlighted their crucial contributions to the The Hoople album after Mick Ralphs and Verden Allen departed from the group. Additional musicians included James Mastro and Mark Bosch on guitars, Dennis DiBrizzi handling keyboards, Paul Page on bass, and Steve Holley behind the drums. Holley, who previously played with Wings, has been part of Hunter's "Rant Band" since 2001.

2019 engagements

In January 2019, the band announced the "Tax the Heat" UK tour scheduled for April that year, alongside an eight-date US tour billed as "Mott the Hoople '74," running from 1 to 10 April at venues such as New York City's Beacon Theatre. This marked their first American tour in 45 years, commemorating the anniversary of their 1974 US tour and the release of both The Hoople and Live. The ensemble consisted of Ian Hunter (vocals, guitar), Ariel Bender (guitar), Morgan Fisher (keyboards), James Mastro (guitar, saxophone, mandolin), Steve Holley (drums, backing vocals), Mark Bosch (guitar), Paul Page (bass), and Dennis DiBrizzi (keyboards, backing vocals).

A planned US tour spanning October to November 2019 with eleven scheduled shows was cancelled owing to Ian Hunter’s tinnitus condition.

Original lineup

Ian Hunter – lead vocals, guitar, piano, harmonica, bass
Mick Ralphs – guitar, vocals, organ, synthesizers
Verden Allen – organ, vocals
Pete Overend Watts – bass guitar, vocals, guitar
Dale "Buffin" Griffin – drums, backing vocals, percussion

Additional members

Stan Tippins – lead vocals
Morgan Fisher – keyboards, backing vocals, bass
Ariel Bender – guitar, backing vocals
Mick Ronson – guitar, backing vocals
Ray Majors – guitar, backing vocals
Nigel Benjamin – lead vocals, guitar
Steve Hyams – lead vocals, guitar
John Fiddler – lead vocals, guitar, harmonica

Touring musicians

Mick Bolton – organ
Blue Weaver – organ
Martin Chambers – drums, backing vocals, percussion
James Mastro – guitars, saxophone, mandolin, backing vocals
Mark Bosch – guitars, backing vocals
Dennis DiBrizzi – keyboards, backing vocals
Paul Page – bass guitar
Steve Holley – drums, backing vocals

Studio Albums

Mott the Hoople (1969) – Reached UK position 66 and US position 185
Mad Shadows (1970) – Peaked at UK No. 48
Wildlife (1971) – UK charted at No. 44, US reached No. 207 (bubbled under)
Brain Capers (1971) – US bubbled under at No. 208
All the Young Dudes (1972) – UK No. 21, US No. 89
Mott (1973) – Achieved UK No. 7, US No. 35, and Canada No. 43
The Hoople (1974) – Charted UK No. 11, US No. 28, Canada No. 28

Albums by Mott

Drive On (September 1975) – UK position 35, US position 160
Shouting and Pointing (June 1976) – UK reached No. 45

Compilation and Live Releases

Rock and Roll Queen (1972)
Live (1974) – Canada charted at No. 51
Greatest Hits (1976)
Two Miles from Heaven (1980)
London to Memphis (1991)
Ballad of Mott the Hoople – A Retrospective (1993)
Backsliding Fearlessly: The Early Years (1994)
Original Mixed Up Kids – The BBC Recordings (1996)
All The Way From Stockholm To Philadelphia - Live 71/72 (1998)
All the Young Dudes: The Anthology (1998, 3-CD box set)
Rock 'n' Roll Circus Live 1972 (2000)
A Tale of Two Cities (2000)
Two Miles from Live Heaven (2001)
Mott the Hoople Live – 30th Anniversary Edition (2004)
Family Anthology (2005)
Live Fillmore West (2006)
Fairfield Halls, Live 1970 (2007)
In Performance 1970–1974 (2008, Angel Air Records, 4-CD box set)
Old Records Never Die: The Mott the Hoople/Ian Hunter Anthology (2008)
Hammersmith Apollo – 1 October 2009 (2010, Indie Europe/Zoom, 3-CD box set)
Live at Hammersmith Apollo 2009 (2010, double CD)
Live 2013 (2014, double album/DVD documenting November 2013 performance at O2 Apollo Manchester)

Singles

"Rock and Roll Queen" / "Road to Birmingham" (October 1969)
"Rock and Roll Queen" / "Backsliding Fearlessly" (January 1970)
"Midnight Lady" / "It Must Be Love" (October 1971)
"Downtown" / "Home Is Where I Want to Be" (December 1971)
"All the Young Dudes" / "One of the Boys" (July 1972) – Charted UK No. 3, US No. 37, Canada No. 31
"One of the Boys" / "Sucker" (January 1973) – US position No. 96
"Sweet Jane" / "Jerkin' Crocus" (March 1973) – Not issued in UK
"Honaloochie Boogie" / "Rose" (May 1973) – Reached UK No.12
"All the Way from Memphis" / "Ballad of Mott the Hoople (26 March 1972 – Zürich)" (August 1973) – UK charted at No.10
"Roll Away the Stone" / "Where Do You All Come From" (November 1973) – UK peak at No.8
"The Golden Age of Rock 'n' Roll" / "Rest in Peace" (March 1974) – UK position No.16; US position No.96
"Foxy, Foxy" / "Trudi's Song" (June 1974) – Peaked UK No.33
"Saturday Gigs" / Medley: Live versions of "Jerkin' Crocus" and "Sucker" (October 1974) – UK charted at No.41
Live version of "All the Young Dudes" / "Rose" (December 1974)

Bibliography

Mott the Hoople (novel authored by Willard Manus)

External links

Official site
Harris, John. Mott the Hoople: The dudes abide, The Guardian, 3 September 2009.
Classic Rock Revisited review of Mott the Hoople live at Hammersmith, October 2009