Ian Hunter

Ian Hunter played in various bands throughout the 60’s, and most famously found success as the front man of Mott The Hoople. He is always pictured wearing sunglasses and will celebrate his 68th birthday next month. However, any pre-judgements of the clichéd “tired old rocker” prove utterly unfounded the minute the man takes to the stage. (A quick scan of the audience, meanwhile, provides an opportunity to consider The Great Denim Debate: is it ever acceptable for men of a certain age to wear top-to-toe faded denim?)

	"ItÂ’s on nights like these that you have to be willing to put your hands up and admit that maybe (just maybe) your dadÂ’s taste in music isnÂ’t all that bad after all"

This acoustic set is an opportunity for Ian to showcase new songs from upcoming album 'Shrunken Heads' (released on the 15th of May) while also satisfying those die-hard fans, who shout out for Mott material.

Accompanied by James Mastro (guitar) and Steve Holley (drums), IanÂ’s voice sounds crisp and clear; the setting of King TutÂ’s providing the perfect backdrop for a stripped-down, intimate show.

Kicking off with old favourite ‘Once Bitten Twice Shy’, it is clear that his energy and enthusiasm for music has by no means dulled over the years. New songs such as ‘Soul of America’ and the fabulously titled ‘I Am What I Hated When I Was Young’ illustrate strong lyrical ability, with Ian’s talent for social commentary winning him a Classic Rock song writing award in 2005.

The switch from guitar to keyboards for ‘Dead Man Walkin’, with its brilliant “This ain’t Eastenders” line, adds a different dimension to the sound, proving that such a set does not have to entail watching over an hour of self-indulgent guitar playing.

There is something special about witnessing an Ian Hunter show: from the touching tribute, ‘Michael Picasso’, an ode to Mick Ronson (former member of David Bowie’s Spiders from Mars, and short-time Mott the Hoople member) to the buzzing sounds of the classic ‘All The Young Dudes’, there is something for rock fans of all ages.

It is also interesting to note that Ian Hunter is so far, the only artist this month to sell out King TutÂ’s. Upcoming bands range from The 69 Eyes, a glam rock band from Helsinki, to From Autumn To Ashes, a post-hardcore five-piece who favour floppy fringes and emotional lyrics. Whilst these bands may benefit from the media hype machine, they need only look to Ian Hunter for an example of how good songs and hard work will always prevail. ItÂ’s on nights like these that you have to be willing to put your hands up and admit that maybe (just maybe) your dadÂ’s taste in music isnÂ’t all that bad after all.

FUTURE GIGS

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