'Run its course with Hunter'

Sources in London this week suggested that Mott The Hoople may still split up early in the New Year despite the new burst of life given the band by the arrival of Mick Ronson as new guitarist. The cancellation of the current tour due to Ian Hunter's ill-health sparked off the original speculation that there would be no more British dates.

But sources close to the band believe that it is likely there will be a farewell British tour and a last studio album, after Mott's American tour in January and February.

One off-the-record comment was that "Mott the Hoople would seem to have run its course with Ian and the appearance of Mick Ronson has not changed the basic plans."

Meanwhile Ronson, who is reported to be in America at present, has a new album on rush release this month. Entitled 'Play Don't Worry', it includes the current single 'Billy Porter' and four other new Ronson compositions plus a new version of Lou Reeds 'White Light, White Heat' featuring Aynsley Dunbar, Trevor Bolder and Mike Garson

As Sounds went to press, there was no official confirmation of the reports of the bands break-up.

Half Moon Bay says...

Before Christmas, the story was confirmed and it was also reported that Hunter and Ronson were already recording new stuff. The other three were also going to carry on as Mott the Hoople.

Of course, I was personally devasted; I was all ready to send off my £2.00 for a Hammersmith Odeon ticket for the December 6th gig when the news of Hunters collapse broke. At first, the tour was slightly re-arranged. Then it was cancelled. Now this.

Looking back at all the press cuttings, this story — from Benders resignation to the release of the Motts 'Drive On' — generated many column inches in Sounds, at least. They were a hip band, and much loved within the 'business'.