Mott The Hoople Reunion

ORIGINAL LINE-UP COMES TOGETHER FOR FIRST TIME IN 35 YEARS

Vintage Hoople

“On tour as support to Mott The Hoople (the only time Queen ever supported anyone), I was always conscious that we were in the presence of something great, something highly evolved, close to the center of the ‘Spirit of Rock ‘n’ Roll,’ something to breathe in and learn from.” – Brian May

In honor of the group’s 40th Anniversary, Mott The Hoople will reunite on October 2nd & 3rd at the HMV Apollo Victoria (formerly the Hammersmith Apollo) in London.

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 onstage punches and insults were thrown, Mott The Hoople were ready to quit, but stayed together thanks to longtime fan, David Bowie, who gave them “All The Young Dudes,” the first of a string of hits including the Ian Hunter-penned “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.

It is fitting that the 2009 shows are at the HMV Apollo since one side of 1973’s Mott The Hoople Live album was recorded there. They had to play twice in one day to satisfy ticket demand, and the second show ended in near riot when the curtain came down on their final encore. Even 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, especially 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 many more.

Here’s the lads with “The Golden Age of Rock & Roll” on Top of the Pops in 1974.