Album review: MOTT THE HOOPLE – Live 2013

June 4th, 2014 by GRTR! HQ

Concert Live 2-CD/DVD [Release date: 20.05.14] www.concertlive.co.uk

Back in 2009 Mott The Hoople got back together for five dates at the Hammersmith Apollo. It was a resounding success but when I chatted to founder member Verden Allen in early 2013 it was clear that such a reformation posed logistical issues and not least always prone to personal vagaries and vanity.

But, fast forward to November 2013, and the band once again embarked on a series of dates and thankfully the Manchester gig was captured for posterity. Early reports that Ian Hunter was losing his voice were to be unfounded and what emerges in this excellent value package is a satisfying snapshot of the band at this time, and maybe for the last time.

Inevitably there is overlap with the previous setlist (and a similar 2-CD set from the 2009 gigs). The core “hits” are all present although there is the notable omission of ‘Ready For Love’ which Mick Ralphs took with him to Bad Company. The gig starts with high energy versions of ‘Can’t Get Enough’-soundalike ‘One Of The Boys’ and ‘Rock And Roll Queen’.

The new additions include ‘Soft Ground’, which gives Verden Allen a chance to step into the spotlight (his authentic Hammond sound a delight throughout) ‘Waterlow’, ‘Death May Be Your Santa Claus’ (during which they slip effortlessly into ‘You Really Got Me’), and ‘Violence’ (complete with power drill!).

They are a versatile band with Verden Allen and Overend Watts taking turns on vocals for a couple of songs, the latter stepping up for ‘Born Late 58′ with the only distraction a swing tag on a rather new-looking Danelectro guitar!

Mott The Hoople always had a reputation for their rumbustious live performances, sometimes a little ramshackle in places but – in the millennium – modern technology has to some extent ensured that they appear more disciplined, or is that just a maturity thing?

And with the DVD version included, we can see that Ian Hunter has lost none of his charisma, or his voice, although you can’t visualise Mick Ralphs going on to write and perform with one of the seminal stadium rock bands of the late seventies: he’s effectively had two great band careers, but both quite different.

The appearance of Joe Elliot from Def Leppard for the encore and ‘All The Young Dudes’ is perhaps irritating to some, even given Elliot’s credentials apeing his heroes, but I suppose in some respects this is baton-passing to the next generation.

The only thing lacking from this souvenir are some decent liner notes and perhaps some interviews with the band and punters on the DVD. I am sure the closing lines of ‘Walking With A Mountain’ would have resonated with their fans throughout this tour - ‘This Could Be The Last Time’ – but if it is, a great live swansong and – above all – highly entertaining with it. ****

Review by David Randall

David Randall presents ‘Assume The Position’ on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio every Sunday at 22:00 GMT.

Gig review (November 2013)

Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions, streamed via Facebook.
In 2023 he signed a recording deal with Sony in Canada and released a new single on 15 September.

Next session: Sunday 1 December

Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio

David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast on 20 October 2024.

UK Blues Broadcaster of the Year (2020 and 2021 Finalist) Pete Feenstra presents his weekly Rock & Blues Show on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT as part of a five hour blues rock marathon “Tuesday is Bluesday at GRTR!”. The show is repeated on Wednesdays at 22:00, Fridays at 20:00). This show was first broadcast 22 October 2024.

How to Listen Live?

Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)

Listen via Windows Media Player. Click or tap here and “open file”
Listen via other media player (eg. VLC) Click or tap here and “open file”

Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.

More information and links at our radio website where you can listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com

Power Plays w/c 28 October 2024

THE RASMUS Rest In Pieces (Better Noise Music)
THE PLAGUE What Else Can I Do (FiXT)
STAR CIRCUS Turn The Tide (indie)
DEFENCES Breathe It In (Long Branch Records)

Featured Albums w/c 28 October 2024

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Singer Songwriter)