Customer Reviews

All the Young Dudes: Mott the Hoople and Ian Hunter : The Official Biography

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Whether you are a Mott/Ian Hunter fan or not, you can enjoy this book. Although the early background/biography sections aren't as interesting as the career of Mott The Hoople, this book is very entertaining. It shows the inner workings of a legendary band, and in the process, the inner workings of the music industry. This book is easy to read and a must for Ian Hunter/Mott fans. These guys had a lot of funny things happen to them as they became unlikely pop stars.

This is one of the best books I have ever read.

Mott is one of my favorite bands-this is a fantastic book-entertaining and well researched beyond my expectations. I highly recommend this. Forget all the other books on Mott out there. This accompanied the great 3 disc set which is difficult to find now, but worth searching for if you don't have it. Only drawback (and it really isn't) is that I wish there were more photos-there are tons in the cd issue, I guess that makes up for that!

All The Young Dudes is a complete biographical history of Mott and Ian Hunter. Author Campbell Devine had complete access to most members (including Verden Allen) of Mott so their quotes fill the book up quite nicely. His attention to detail is amazing as he must be a true fan of the group. Trivial facts and information abound: Ian playing with Blackmore and a member of the New Yardbirds. What Overend is doing nowadays and everything inbetween. Complete concert dates, discography and sessions. You couldn't ask for a more thorough biography, warts and all. While reading I got nostalgic and started playing my old Mott and Ian CDs remembering the good old days. By the time I finished, I was pissed at Ian for not getting back together with Mott for a reunion tour. I still love Ian but just wish they could've done it for all the faithfull. So many fans including Joe Elliiot, Mick Jones, Morissey. The list goes on and on. I remember the Saturday Gigs...

This Mott the Hoople book demonstrates the ups and downs and dealing with personnel changes to remain on top of the 70s British music scene. My favorite part of the book were the illustrations of the times Mott the Hoople would collaborate with David Bowie. Bowie was instrumental in convincing the band they had the talent to be a success amidst their own skepticism and self-doubt.

My only regret about the book that prevented me from giving it five stars was the lack of pictures to depict the era and the appearance of the band through the years. However, on a positive note, the descriptive insights behind the scenes of recording various Mott the Hoople songs and albums has inspired me to re-hear some songs and listen with a freshness thanks to the stories.

If you are a Mott the Hoople fan and know the difference between Mott the Hoople, Mott and the British Lions, this book is truly a must for your own rock 'n' roll history library. Now, if we can only have one more final tour and Mott the Hoople bands throughout the world can show our appreciation.

A most enjoyable dig into the history of Mott / Hunter and nearly all related issues, individuals and projects. Devine has thoroughly and exhaustively researched the history of the band and the other major players (Guy Stevens, Stan Tippins, Mick Ronson, etc.)and produced pretty much the definitive work on one of the greatest bands in rock 'n' roll, as well as Ian Hunter, who is still, to my mind, one of the most criminally overlooked songwriters and performers in pop music history. The level of detail and minutia may be a but much for casual readers, but Devine turns it into a deeply interwoven tapestry, writes pretty well, keeps things mostly lively, and does the band's appreciators a great service. Would love to see an update including Hunter's work of the past 10 years included, since it includes some of his finest songs and recordings and has seen him get some, at least, of the long overdue respect that he should have had all along.

Minor quibble - Devine does seem too ready to dismiss the punk/new wave that largely hogged the spotlight in the late 70's and early 80's as derivative tripe. True, a lot of crap got released, praised and bought in large quantity, but some of the finest not only tipped their hats to Mott / Hunter (which he acknowledges), but was (is) every bit as vital and exciting as much of Mott's output (which he does NOT acknowledge). Of course, nothing touches Brain Capers...

That aside, an enjoyable, interesting and edifying read that is highly recommended to admirers of the band and the wonderful musicians and characters who made it up. Long live the Dudes, young and old.

All The Young Dudes is a fantastic read. The author had access to the founding members of Mott and uses this inside information to paint a thorough picture of how things were; how the members thought about various times of their careers; the ups and downs; David Bowie, etc. For instance, I didn't know that Ian Hunter was the bassist for the New Yardbirds. Or that he played with Ritchie Blackmore once. But I don't want to ruin all the surprises. Suffice to say, it is a fantastic book. Complete in every way. You couldn't ask for a better or more thorough biography. There are lots of rare pics and a complete discography too. I loved this book!!

This is a fascinating account detailing nearly every aspect of one of my favorite groups/artisits of the past 35+ years (I became a Mott fan in '73 at age 12 or 13). I've always been intrigued by the behind-the-scenes workings, the other artists Mott knew and enjoyed, or perhaps didn't get along with. It's all here. Episode after episode contains detailed explanations, (and more often than not) confirmed by the various parties involved. I essentially knew the character of Ian Hunter, having read his book, numerous interviews, lyrics, etc. but what really impressed me in this book were the incisive, insightful contributions by Pete Watts and (particularly) Dale Griffin. Their candor and recollection are priceless - not just a distant or disinterested rhythm section. This caused me to go back and listen to Mott's recordings from a different perspective, one that for years I took for granted; That is, listening more attentively to Griffin's contribution. I've concluded that he's a much better drummer than I ever gave him credit for, attacking songs head on rather than waiting for the songs to come to him. Great job Buff!

I thoroughly enjoyed the book although I wish there were color pictures. The pictures in the book were good though. I don't know how it compares to other books written about Mott, but this one was recommended to me.