The Rock ReturnsFriday 2nd October 2009
Hammersmith Apollo, London
Yet another gig that’s been 30 odd years in the making. Yet another room full of ‘mature’ gig-goers happy as Larry and ready to relive their youth. As I’ve said before, it’s hard to capture the excitement in a room full of people who have been waiting to see a band after 35 years. And I feel sorry for any support act that prolongs their return.
Gemma Ray did try their hardest, with their set up nicely ornamented by flowers, and lead singer wearing a Hawaiian style dress and beehive to match. It’s a shame their music failed to hit the spot. The basic surf rock/rockabilly formula was there but they were just too lacklustre and uneventful. That’s the problem with projecting an image – you must be able to back it up.
Mott the Hoople then reminded us why they’re such an influence in so many lives. Ian Hunter’s blues-rock hooks are almost beyond compare, and the overall pure rock feel of the band is one you don’t see much of these days. A gritty rawness exists there that has rarely been replicated, not so much in their signature track All The Young Dudes, but more so in songs such as One Of The Boys, Rock’n’Roll Queen, Downtown and Midnight Lady. And a heartfelt version of I Wish I Was Your Mother bought a tear to even the hardest rockers eye.
These shows were always going to be once in a lifetime rides. And cameos by members of Motley Crue and Mick Hunter’s daughter on back up vocals made them all the more memorable. A well-known Australian photographer – Tony Mott – turned up at one of the shows and confessed the band prompted his name change, showing just how much they mean to people. And I’ve no doubt the 5 show sold out run meant more than money in the bank to the members of Mott the Hoople.
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