Where did Ariel Bender go?

ARIEL ON A SOLO BENDER

"Ariel Bender has quit Mott the Hoople in order to persue a solo career. Ariel has been writing material for his solo album which he will be recording later this month. He will still be managed by Mott's management. Ariel is currently looking for musicians to work with him on the album. There are also plans for a forthcoming US tour.

Ariel's departure has not split up the band as they are reported to be currently rehearsing a new guitarist whose name will be announced later this week."

And from the spot-on as ever Melody Maker…

BENDER QUITS MOTT!

…His place in Mott… will be taken by Derek Griffiths formerly Colin Blunstones backing guitarist…

The original replacement for Bender was to have been Mick Ronson… but, according to a Mott spokesman, "his management couldn't see eye to eye with us."

Half Moon Bay says…

Stories suggest that the recording of 'Marrionette' on 'The Hoople' proved to be the straw that broke this camels back.

So, he lasted a whole year; one studio album (he would also appear on the 'Live' album) and a US and a UK/Europen tour. He formed a band 'Widowmaker' that signed to Jet Records. They put out a couple of albums and the brilliant 'On The Road'. An interview with Bender had the following quote: "…if it doesn't work I'm going to buy a yacht and piss off!"

Well, the September 1996 issue of Q Magazine can provide us with latest information courtesy of their 'Where are they now' section:

'…Formed the harder (than MTH) rocking Widowmaker with ex-Love Affair vocalist Steve Ellis, then chucked it in to "watch the kids grow up." Worked in an electrical store in Fulham (London) before setting up on his own: "I already had an apprenticeship in painting and decorating so it was a natural step. I took an evening course in effects like ragrolling and stippling." The rock 'n' roll door flew open again when invited to play on Peter Green tribute album Rattlesnake Guitar. Latest project — a solo album, recorded with Jess Roden (highly regarded in 70's), Mike Kellie (ex-Widowmaker) and Jim Capaldi (ex-Traffic).'

To find out even more, visit one of the other Mott the Hoople websites or, in particular, Just a Buzz