Mott (July 11, 1976) "The New Mott Keep It Simple" – Sunday Sun (Newcastle upon Tyne)

Jul 11, 1976

1 min read

Publication: Sunday Sun 

(Newcastle upon Tyne)

Date: July 11 1976 Country: United Kingdom Section / Pages: Feature Article

The New Mott Keep It Simple

This regional feature profiles the streamlined post‑Hunter version of Mott The Hoople, now simply Mott, following the departure of Ian Hunter, Mick Ralphs, and Ariel Bender. The article contrasts the new lineup’s grounded approach with the flamboyant legacy of the original band, noting that Mott have “stuck to their guns” and evolved into a more straightforward, uncomplicated rock group.

Keyboardist Morgan Fisher describes their sound as “wild, powerful and strong,” while emphasizing that the new album Shouting and Pointing is “extremely tasteful … never raucous.” The piece recounts the band’s recording sessions for Drive On and their continued success touring America, where they performed alongside Kiss, reaching audiences of nearly a million.

Bassist Overend Watts reflects on the band’s resilience after Hunter’s exit, admitting it was “a bit of a shock at first” but affirming that Mott now function as a tighter, more unified unit. The group’s focus, he says, is on music rather than theatrics: “We like to think the audience went away remembering not the Kiss theatrics, but our music.”

FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS Event: Mott feature on post‑Hunter lineup and new album Era: 1976 – Post‑glam British rock period Tone: Confident and reflective Photography: None in original column

CONTEXT AND NOTES

The article captures Mott’s determination to redefine themselves after the glam‑rock era, focusing on musicianship and integrity rather than spectacle.

Shouting and Pointing represented their final studio effort before disbanding, cementing their reputation as one of Britain’s most underrated rock outfits of the mid‑1970s.

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