Mott the Hoople

Mott the Hoople

by Pete Clemons

Mott the Hoople originated from a Herefordshire based group called Silence. They comprised of Overend Watts on bass, Dale ‘Buffin’ Griffin on drums, Verden Allen on keyboards and Mick Ralphs on guitar. After arriving in London, Silence added Ian Hunter as vocalist and thus, Mott the Hoople were born. Mott the Hoople were a very hard working and hard gigging group. This early version of the band made some memorable music such as ‘Thunderbuck Ram’, ‘Second Love’ and ‘Walkin With a Mountain’. And during this period Mott the Hoople called into Coventry, and Warwick University, several times.

After four, very good, but not particularly successful albums released between 1969 and 1971 the group famously split up on 26 March 1972 (as documented on the tune ‘Ballad of Mott’ released 1973). But they were encouraged to reform by long-time admirer David Bowie.

David Bowie gave Mott the Hoople a new image and a stronger belief in their abilities. David also produced their fifth studio album ‘All the young Dudes’. In fact, the title track was given to the band by David Bowie and it gave the band much needed success in the singles charts during 1972. Mott the Hoople also embarked on yet another UK tour that, again, called into Coventry.

Davie Bowie then stepped aside encouraging Ian Hunter to assume leadership of the band. This new-found success didn’t stop there as Mott the Hoople went from strength to strength. However, this move of Ian Hunter becoming more the front man of the band, possibly cost the Mott the services of Verden Allen and then Mick Ralphs. The later leaving to join Paul Rogers, Simon Kirke and Boz Burrell in the newly formed Bad Company. Mick Ralphs did, however, stay around long enough to help Mott the Hoople complete the excellent ‘Mott’ album released in 1973.

Mick Ralphs was replaced by former Spooky Tooth guitarist Luther Grosvenor who was working under the pseudonym of Ariel Bender. Morgan Fisher took over keyboards from Verden Allen. This line up cut ‘The Hoople’ album and a ‘Live’ album both released 1974.

Ariel Bender’s association with Mott the Hoople wasn’t a great success and he also became a casualty of the band as he was very briefly replaced by ex-David Bowie guitarist Mick Ronson. By late 1974 both Ian Hunter and Mick Ronson had left Mott the Hoople to embark on a partnership of their own.

This now left Dale ‘Buffin’ Griffin, Overend Watts and Morgan Fisher to regroup as the truncated, but short lived, ‘Mott’.

Fast forward to 16 January 2009 and an announcement was made that Mott the Hoople line up of Hunter, Griffin, Watts, Allen and Ralphs would be reforming for two concerts at the Hammersmith Apollo. Those two gigs soon, due to the phenomenal demand, became five nights. You would never have guessed that these guys had not performed together for 35 years. It was truly memorable.

Due to poor health, however, drummer Dale Griffin was replaced by Martin Chambers of The Pretenders. As I remember Griffin accompanied the band on the encores.

A further reunion took place in 2013 and this time included other cities away from London. This including Birmingham’s Symphony Hall. Sadly, since those reunions both Dale ‘Buffin’ Griffin and Verden Allen have passed away.

2019 sees a third reunion of sorts. This time it is the 1974 version of the band and in addition to Ian Hunter will include Ariel Bender and Morgan Fisher as well as full supporting musicians. As well as several gigs up and down the country, this tour will also include The Assembly, Leamington Spa.