Ian Hunter | Artist
Ian Hunter Patterson aka Ian Hunter, is an English singer-songwriter and musician born 1939 in Oswestry, UK. He is best known as the lead singer of Mott the Hoople, plus he has had a successful solo career since Mott's breakup in 1974. Hunter's music career started with Northampton based R&B combo The Apex Group, with whom he recorded several Chuck Berry covers and performed a residency in Hamburg. In 1966, Hunter moved to London, where he joined The Scenery with guitarist Miller Anderson, drummer Dave Dufort and keyboard player Dante Smith. Hunter also met future collaborator guitarist Mick Ronson at the Flamingo Club in London. In 1969 guitarist Mick Ralphs and organist Verden Allen, who were in Jimmy Cliff's backing band The Shakedown Sound, joined vocalist Stan Tippins, bassist Overend Watts, and drummer Dale Griffin to form new band Silence. Under the guidance of impresario Guy Stevens Silence renamed themselves after Willard Manus' 1966 novel Mott the Hoople and set about finding a new singer with stage presence. The now seasoned Hunter, who had by this time taken to wearing his trademark sunglasses, auditioned and was given the position. They were a critical success in the UK, and built a cult-like fan base but eventually split in 1974 due to lack of commercial success, despite the support of fellow artist David Bowie. Hunter's solo career kicked off splendidly in March 1975 when he joined forces with former Spiders From Mars guitarist Mick Ronson, his most frequent collaborator until Ronson's death in 1993. The first single "Once Bitten Twice Shy" from his self-titled solo album became a UK Top 40 hit and the album was critically well received. His second album, All American Alien Boy (1976) broadened his success to the US market. A more soul-infused work, it featured backing vocals from Queen, who had previously been an opening act for Mott the Hoople. To-date Hunter has released 14 studio albums, including collaborations. He has also released two strong albums as leader of Ian Hunter and the Rant Band. Standout releases include Ian Hunter (1975), All American Alien Boy (1976), You're Never Alone With a Schizophrenic (1979), Rant (2001), Shrunken Heads (2007) and When I'm President (2012). As a footnote, Hunter's entry into the music business came after a chance encounter with Colin York and Colin Broom at a Butlin's Holiday camp, where the trio won a talent competition performing "Blue Moon" on acoustic guitars.
Artist Website: ianhunter.com
Featured Albums: Ian Hunter
Related Artists: Mott The Hoople, David Bowie, Mick Ronson
Video Clips: Live Rockpalast, Cleveland Rocks, The Truth, The Whole Truth..
