Ian Hunter

Rocker, balladeer, author and "Classic Songwriter" Award winner, Ian Hunter has a diamond-studded and matchless repertoire. Ian Hunter was one of the most inventive rock writers of the early '70s paving the way for the decade's "New Wave" with his thought-provoking, honest and gritty songs.

As a solo performer he has also succeeded with an impressive catalogue of superb albums and a dedicated following. Ian's musical passion was first ignited by Little Richard and Jerry Lee Lewis and he appeared in various early bands, mainly as a bass player backing Billy Fury and Freddie 'Fingers' Lee. Ian also worked as a provincial journalist and later a staff songwriter in Denmark Street at the musical heart of Sixties London.

Ian was invited to join Mott with none of them realizing at the time that the singer-songwriter would soon become their most valuable asset. Ian had become Mott's undisputed leader and as their virtual sole songwriter he composed some fearsome and percipient songs including a frantic operetta, 'Marionette' and 'Crash Street Kidds' for the band's final studio album. In May 1974 Mott was the first rock band ever to sell out a week of Broadway concerts in New York's theatre-land and Ian's book Diary of a Rock 'n' Roll Star was universally acclaimed.

It was a peak period for the group. Hunter launched a solo career in 1975 and went on to deliver many highly acclaimed albums including Ian Hunter (UK #21), All-American Alien Boy (UK #29), You're Never Alone with a Schizophrenic (US #35) and Welcome to the Club (US #35). More classic songs abounded including 'Once Bitten Twice Shy', 'Boy', 'You Nearly Did Me In', 'Cleveland Rocks' and 'Standing in my Light' and some of Ian's records were bravely eclectic, such as Short Back 'N' Sides, produced by Mick Jones of The Clash.

The Ian Hunter album remains a jewel that far exceeded post-Hoople expectations with Mick Ronson's sparkling and inventive guitar-work adding latent energy to some of Ian's finest compositions. For many fans, You're Never Alone with a Schizophrenic, cut with Ronson and Bruce Springsteen's E -Street Band remains a timeless masterpiece and Hunter's finest hour. Hunter released Man Overboard in 2009, another remarkable album that successfully mixed humor, life and literacy, all trademarks of Ian's work that we have grown to expect and love. His songs seemed even wiser and more open than usual with The Sunday Times opining that "Hunter is as sharp and cussed as ever!" Man Overboard was placed at #20 in Classic Rock's 2009 Top 50 albums chart and received a Five Star review and "New Album of the Year" accolade from Record Collector.

Hunter's work contains some of the most intelligent lyrics ever penned in rock and roll and he remains a priceless figure on the musical landscape. Classic Rock's 'Classic Songwriter Award' and his recent albums and performances are testament to Ian Hunter's importance and relentless artistic quality.

Expect a new album release and tour from Mr. Hunter this Summer/Fall.