Mott The Who?

One of the English bands that made a fairly big splash on this side of the pond was Mott The Hoople.  Lead by the always sunglass wearing Ian Hunter, Mott was one of the first bands we would refer to as a  punk or glam band. They rocked with a good bit of variety in their music. There was head on rock and roll, romantic songs featuring Morgan Fisher on piano and  fun, eclectic pieces, like Alice, a song about a 6-ft tall hooker on 42nd St in NYC.

A few years ago, I read Ann Wilson’s Kicking & Dreaming: A Story of Heart, Soul and Rock and Roll where she describes a long-time love affair with the married Ian Hunter. Not something to be proud of, but I’m told that was rock and roll during those times.

Ian, last I checked, was still touring under his name. Included in the current band is the original keyboard player, Morgan Fisher and Ariel Bender, the guitarist who took the place of Mick Ralphs when he left to form Bad Company with Paul Rodgers.

The band was getting ready to fold when their friend, David Bowie wrote this song for them and it was released in July of 1972.  It became a #1 hit and an anthem for part of a generation..