Post by wingsj0 on Feb 4, 2006 21:17:56 GMT
Ian Hunter's American Rant Band 24th May 2005 - The Mill Preston - By Jo Rishton.
Rock legend, Ian Hunter, once again graced our shores for his annual two week tour of the UK in May, and as usual his army of dedicated fans couldn’t wait to get their hands on a ticket including me.
There are countless reasons why I love Ian Hunter, for one, he’s an incredible song-writer who's intelligent when it comes to writing lyrics, as well as being an multi-talented musician. He doesn’t see himself as a rock star, only a “band guy”,’ yet, thousands of fans idolize him throughout the world and have remained loyal to him since his days with Mott The Hoople, (in the 1970’s). The release of *Rant*in 2001 introduced an whole new generation of fans to his music which continues to inspire other artist within rock music today. Hunter is a song-writer whose music has an acquired taste and once told me, “you either get it, or you don’t.” Thankfully, I get it, and the more I see him live, the more I’ve grown to understand the meaning of his lyrics, and music.
The Mill is situated on the outskirts of Preston, I arrived at 6pm and was greeted by Steve, it was lovely to see him again and catch up on the year’s events, and I was ready to enjoy an evening of rock ‘n’ roll bliss performed by the best musicians from New York City. Being no stranger to Ian Hunter sound checks, I found a spot and watched the band from the back of the venue. They ran through a few numbers, including one of my favourites ‘A Death Of A Nation,’ ‘Twisted Steel,’ (a song dedicated to the 9/11 tragedy.) Finally my ambition of four years was happening right before my eyes! I’ve always wanted to see Ian perform with his American Rant band so much so I was considering going out there to see a couple of shows, but here they were playing at my local venue what more could I ask for? Halfway through the check, the rodies came in and started setting up a healthy looking merchandise table! Steve introduced me to the guys and they gave me a sneak preview of what, was on sale that night.
Back to the American Rant Band, It was fantastic to see them at last, even though I’m used to seeing the UK Rant Band’ line-up, I was still impressed by the talent that was on the stage with Ian, that night.
It’s been said, that Preston wasn’t one of their best gigs but I was more than happy by the end of the evening! It’s not every day a rock legend comes to The Mill, and to be honest with you, I think the problem was down to a handful of people that continued to talk during the gig rather than listen, and I certainly wasn’t going to let them spoil my night! (No respect for the band, or their fans!). Back to the gig, the band walked on to a warm applause and highlights from the evening for me were, ‘Marionette,’ (The *nerve* effects were great by the way!). Marionette was new to the set list, it was a real treat for us to have been given an opportunity of hearing it live, after all these years! It still sounds rocking as it did back then! ‘All American Alien Boy,’ has always been a favourite of mine and was thrilled he’d *finally* found a place for it in his set list. This song consists of some of the cleverest lyrics I’ve ever heard, because its a right tongue, twister, and the harmonies sounded excellent.
Throughout the evening, the band continued to perform all the hits: All The Young Dudes, All The Way From Memphis. Once Bitten Twice Shy, Cleveland Rocks, ‘Rest In Peace,’ ‘Lounge Lizard,’ ’23 A Swan Hill,’ the heartfelt ‘Michael Picasso,’ ‘Irene Wilde,’ ‘ I Wish I Was Your Mother,’ shows the sentimental side of Ian Hunter, and the song that made the night for me was a full version of ‘Saturday Gigs’! Songs from Rant included. ‘Death Of A Nation,’ ‘Knees Of My Heart,’ ‘Dead Man Walking,’ (Eastenders,’) ‘American Spy’. ‘Wash Us Away,’ to name a few.
Before I knew it, time had flown, and the band had left the stage and left their audience chanting for more. On they came for an encore.
So was it worth the four years wait of wanting to hear The American Rant Band live, definitely!! Mark Bosch impressed me, his guitar work was exceptional, he was a good entertainer and fitted in well. Andy Burton is someone I’ve known since attending International Beatles Festival in Liverpool, (the keyboard player). It was lovely to see him again; Burton is a classically trained pianist who has performed with the likes of Yoko Ono, Peter Noone, as well as Ian Hunter over the years, his instrumentation is to perfection. James Mastro is a multi-talented musician, his performance on the mandolin sounds beautiful, , and a welcomed addition to the set. Graham Maby provides brilliant bass lines he’s a good singer too, which I found out during sound check.
It’s no secret that Ian Hunter has one of the best time keepers in the business on the drums, the mighty Steve Holley, as he’s affectionately known to the band and fans! Before working with Ian Hunter, Holley’s performed with the following artist Kiki, Dee, Elton John, until he joined Paul McCartney and Wings in 1978 and was a band member for three years. Since then he’s worked with countless artist to numerous to mention. Steve’s a permanent member of Ian Hunter’s UK, and Amerian Rant Band. I’d like to thank Ian Hunter for another amazing tour, and send sincere thanks to my lovely friend Steve for being the perfect hoast and for and looking after me me throughout the day.
It was brilliant to finally see, meet The American Rant band, all that’s left to say…roll on 2006!
Jo Rishton
Please note all articles on this site are (C) to The Beat Goes On And On Fanzine and may not be used without permission.
Official Site: www.ianhunter.com
Rock legend, Ian Hunter, once again graced our shores for his annual two week tour of the UK in May, and as usual his army of dedicated fans couldn’t wait to get their hands on a ticket including me.
There are countless reasons why I love Ian Hunter, for one, he’s an incredible song-writer who's intelligent when it comes to writing lyrics, as well as being an multi-talented musician. He doesn’t see himself as a rock star, only a “band guy”,’ yet, thousands of fans idolize him throughout the world and have remained loyal to him since his days with Mott The Hoople, (in the 1970’s). The release of *Rant*in 2001 introduced an whole new generation of fans to his music which continues to inspire other artist within rock music today. Hunter is a song-writer whose music has an acquired taste and once told me, “you either get it, or you don’t.” Thankfully, I get it, and the more I see him live, the more I’ve grown to understand the meaning of his lyrics, and music.
The Mill is situated on the outskirts of Preston, I arrived at 6pm and was greeted by Steve, it was lovely to see him again and catch up on the year’s events, and I was ready to enjoy an evening of rock ‘n’ roll bliss performed by the best musicians from New York City. Being no stranger to Ian Hunter sound checks, I found a spot and watched the band from the back of the venue. They ran through a few numbers, including one of my favourites ‘A Death Of A Nation,’ ‘Twisted Steel,’ (a song dedicated to the 9/11 tragedy.) Finally my ambition of four years was happening right before my eyes! I’ve always wanted to see Ian perform with his American Rant band so much so I was considering going out there to see a couple of shows, but here they were playing at my local venue what more could I ask for? Halfway through the check, the rodies came in and started setting up a healthy looking merchandise table! Steve introduced me to the guys and they gave me a sneak preview of what, was on sale that night.
Back to the American Rant Band, It was fantastic to see them at last, even though I’m used to seeing the UK Rant Band’ line-up, I was still impressed by the talent that was on the stage with Ian, that night.
It’s been said, that Preston wasn’t one of their best gigs but I was more than happy by the end of the evening! It’s not every day a rock legend comes to The Mill, and to be honest with you, I think the problem was down to a handful of people that continued to talk during the gig rather than listen, and I certainly wasn’t going to let them spoil my night! (No respect for the band, or their fans!). Back to the gig, the band walked on to a warm applause and highlights from the evening for me were, ‘Marionette,’ (The *nerve* effects were great by the way!). Marionette was new to the set list, it was a real treat for us to have been given an opportunity of hearing it live, after all these years! It still sounds rocking as it did back then! ‘All American Alien Boy,’ has always been a favourite of mine and was thrilled he’d *finally* found a place for it in his set list. This song consists of some of the cleverest lyrics I’ve ever heard, because its a right tongue, twister, and the harmonies sounded excellent.
Throughout the evening, the band continued to perform all the hits: All The Young Dudes, All The Way From Memphis. Once Bitten Twice Shy, Cleveland Rocks, ‘Rest In Peace,’ ‘Lounge Lizard,’ ’23 A Swan Hill,’ the heartfelt ‘Michael Picasso,’ ‘Irene Wilde,’ ‘ I Wish I Was Your Mother,’ shows the sentimental side of Ian Hunter, and the song that made the night for me was a full version of ‘Saturday Gigs’! Songs from Rant included. ‘Death Of A Nation,’ ‘Knees Of My Heart,’ ‘Dead Man Walking,’ (Eastenders,’) ‘American Spy’. ‘Wash Us Away,’ to name a few.
Before I knew it, time had flown, and the band had left the stage and left their audience chanting for more. On they came for an encore.
So was it worth the four years wait of wanting to hear The American Rant Band live, definitely!! Mark Bosch impressed me, his guitar work was exceptional, he was a good entertainer and fitted in well. Andy Burton is someone I’ve known since attending International Beatles Festival in Liverpool, (the keyboard player). It was lovely to see him again; Burton is a classically trained pianist who has performed with the likes of Yoko Ono, Peter Noone, as well as Ian Hunter over the years, his instrumentation is to perfection. James Mastro is a multi-talented musician, his performance on the mandolin sounds beautiful, , and a welcomed addition to the set. Graham Maby provides brilliant bass lines he’s a good singer too, which I found out during sound check.
It’s no secret that Ian Hunter has one of the best time keepers in the business on the drums, the mighty Steve Holley, as he’s affectionately known to the band and fans! Before working with Ian Hunter, Holley’s performed with the following artist Kiki, Dee, Elton John, until he joined Paul McCartney and Wings in 1978 and was a band member for three years. Since then he’s worked with countless artist to numerous to mention. Steve’s a permanent member of Ian Hunter’s UK, and Amerian Rant Band. I’d like to thank Ian Hunter for another amazing tour, and send sincere thanks to my lovely friend Steve for being the perfect hoast and for and looking after me me throughout the day.
It was brilliant to finally see, meet The American Rant band, all that’s left to say…roll on 2006!
Jo Rishton
Please note all articles on this site are (C) to The Beat Goes On And On Fanzine and may not be used without permission.
Official Site: www.ianhunter.com