Mott the Hoople (August 12 1972) – “Paying Tribute to Bowie” Feature – Melody Maker

Aug 12, 1972

2 min read

This Melody Maker live review from August 1972 captures Mott the Hoople’s energetic performance at Slough Community Centre, where the band paid full tribute to their new producer and songwriter, David Bowie. The piece highlights the group’s renewed vitality and the unmistakable influence of Bowie’s creative direction.

Publication: Melody Maker Date: August 12 1972 Country: United Kingdom

Under the headline “Caught in the Act – Mott: paying tribute to Bowie,” the article describes how Mott the Hoople delivered a vigorous set that showcased their evolving sound under Bowie’s guidance. Frontman Ian Hunter led the band through their new single All the Young Dudes — written by Bowie — and previewed material from their forthcoming album of the same name. The review praises the band’s “racy new feel,” crediting Bowie’s production for revitalizing their music. Songs like One of the Boys and Sweet Jane demonstrated the group’s dynamic range, with strong performances from keyboardist Verden Allen and guitarist Mick Ralphs.

Despite minor technical issues later in the set, Hunter’s unaffected stage presence and rapport with the audience kept the energy high. The article closes by commending Mott’s “good and hard rockin’” spirit and notes the support act Sunshine, featuring singers Ethel Coley and Janie White from the original Hair cast.

CONTEXT AND NOTES

By mid‑1972, Mott the Hoople were enjoying a career resurgence thanks to Bowie’s intervention. After nearly disbanding earlier that year, Bowie offered them All the Young Dudes, which became their breakthrough hit and a defining anthem of the glam‑rock era. This Melody Maker review reflects the excitement surrounding the band’s transformation and their close creative relationship with Bowie, who produced their upcoming album. The feature also captures the spirit of early‑1970s British rock journalism — direct, enthusiastic, and focused on live performance as the ultimate measure of authenticity.

FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS Event: Mott the Hoople live performance at Slough Community Centre Era: 1972 – Glam Rock / Bowie Collaboration Period Tone: Energetic, appreciative, and performance‑focused Photography: Black‑and‑white image of Ian Hunter performing in sunglasses, mid‑song, captioned “MOTT THE HOOPLE: vigorous”

WHAT THE CLIPPING SHOWS

Melody Maker live review titled “Caught in the Act – Mott: paying tribute to Bowie”
Photograph of Ian Hunter performing on stage
Coverage of Mott the Hoople’s set featuring All the Young Dudes and new material

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