It's been a week since the first of four Ian Hunter birthday shows at City Winery. I attended the first and last nights, with the former offering an all Mott The Hoople set, and the latter, the finale, a birthday gala with some guests and a killer solo set.
How is it possible that a man who is 80, can be on top of his game after 50 years in the biz? Friday's all Mott set was in many ways, even better than the reunion last month. The intimacy of the room changed the energy, of course, making it seem even more powerful. But a full length “One Of The Boys” instead of the rock and roll medley was also a big plus, as well as a few treats not heard at the Beacon Theatre show, like “Sea Diver” and “Trudi’s Song,” both of which, were stunning. Plus, a monster “The Moon Upstairs” to kick things off.
The solo set wasn't much different than recent solo sets, except the whole room was on fire and Ian Hunter seemed like young man, playing his first gig instead of what I hope will not be his last.
As you can see, I am still gushing from it all, so I put together a nice mix of favorites, a few rarities, a hit or two, and sequenced it all for your listening pleasure. No Mott tunes, just Ian Hunter, Mick Ronson, the Overnight Angels and The Rant Band.
You've got the superior "England Rocks," released as a U.K. b-side prior to the hit "Cleveland Rocks." You've got the should have been monster hit "You Nearly Did me In," featuring Queen's classic backing vocals. You've got "When I'm President," which after repeated spins, still moves the living hell out of me. And you've got 14 more, that I truly love.
I love this guy! Happy Birthday Ian!
TRACKLIST
Wash Us Away
Just Another Night
Flowers
Bow Street Runners
Twisted Steel
The Truth, The Whole Truth, & Nothing But The Truth
Great Expectations
Black Tears
Miss Silver Dime
Rip Off
Man Overboard
England Rocks
23A Swan Hill
You Nearly Did Me In
When I'm President
It Ain't Easy When You Fall/Shades Off
Women's Intuition
zip
(Tomorrow, your Songs Of The Week, with a bonus mini-set as a tribute to Dr. John.)
8 comments:
Sal,
I went last Saturday night, and while it was not all that different than other more recent Ian gigs I have been to, it was still amazing at how he can keep playing at this level after all of the years. His run since Rant aresome of my favorite albums over the past 20 years.
And I was worried it was almost over at the Bowery Ballroom show around his 60th birthday...
Chris
I actually don't know much about Ian/Mott (believe it or not), so am looking forward to hearing this.
I'll ditto the woodwalker: I'm not too up on Mott et al, save for a few songs here and there, and must admit I haven't been swayed by almost all else I've heard; so I'm looking forward to giving these a spin, as I did for your recent Queen and Roxy comps (Two other bands I've got a few from but was not too high on).
C in California
Thank you, great mix.
Captain Al
Always been a a big fan Ian Hunter and Mott. Nice to have this mix. Now we useo one for latter day Graham Parker.
The old bugger's still got it. Nice zip mix. Spot on. Cheers!
Loved him from the Mott days.
Hard to believe he's 80 years old. They breed them hard in the North of England.
All time favourite track: I Wish I Was Your Mother. A thing of beauty
I've said it before but I'll say it again: Ian is the single most highly under-regarded singer and songwriter of the entire rock era. And yes, he just keeps getting better.
Post a Comment