Mott the Hoople (September 5, 1973) – "All the Way from Memphis" b/w "Ballad of Mott the Hoople (March 16, 1972 Zurich)" Single: United States
Released in the autumn of 1973, All the Way from Memphis arrived at a crucial turning point for Mott the Hoople. The band had narrowly avoided collapse the previous year, revived only through David Bowie’s intervention and the success of All the Young Dudes.
By 1973, Mott were forging their own identity, and this single became a defining statement of their resilience and swagger.
The A‑side was recorded at AIR Studios in London, built around Ian Hunter’s piano, Mick Ralphs’ guitar, and Andy Mackay’s saxophone. The B‑side was recorded live in Zurich on March 16, 1972, the night the band nearly quit before Bowie offered them “All the Young Dudes.”
STYLE & THEMES
The A‑side is a rollicking glam‑rock narrative about chaos, travel mishaps, and band mythology.
The B‑side is reflective and autobiographical, chronicling the band’s darkest moment and eventual rebirth.
TRACK‑BY‑TRACK NOTES
• All the Way from Memphis — A swaggering glam‑rock anthem recounting Hunter’s real‑life lost‑guitar fiasco, driven by piano, guitar, and saxophone.
• Ballad of Mott the Hoople (March 16, 1972 Zurich) — A live performance reflecting the band’s near‑collapse and emotional turning point.
RELEASE HISTORY
Released September 5, 1973 in the USA as a 7" vinyl, 45 RPM single on Columbia Records (4‑45920). Issued in the UK by CBS (CBS S 1677) on August 31, 1973. US matrix runouts: ZSS 157976‑1B (A‑side) / ZSS 157977‑1B (B‑side).
CHARTS & CERTIFICATIONS
UK Singles Chart — Peak #10
US Billboard Bubbling Under Hot 100 — Peak #191
PERSONNEL
Mott the Hoople — performance
Ian Hunter — vocals,
piano Mick Ralphs — guitar
Pete Overend Watts — bass
Dale “Buffin” Griffin — drums
Morgan Fisher — keyboards
Andy Mackay — saxophone
PRODUCTION
Produced by Mott the Hoople
Label: Columbia Records
Catalogue numbers:
• 4‑45920 (US)
• CBS S 1677 (UK)
Artist: Mott the Hoople
Title: All the Way from Memphis
Label: Columbia / CBS
Country: United States
Catalogue: 4‑45920
Date: September 5, 1973
Format: 7" Vinyl, 45 RPM
Tracklist (7"):
A — All the Way from Memphis (3:24)
B — Ballad of Mott the Hoople (March 16, 1972 Zurich) (4:26)
Notes:
US pressing includes matrix runouts ZSS 157976‑1B / ZSS 157977‑1B. German CBS edition issued with a unique picture sleeve. UK edition released August 31, 1973.
Linked Releases
• All the Way from Memphis — UK 7" — UK — CBS — 1973
• All the Way from Memphis — Germany 7" — Germany — CBS — 1973
• All the Way from Memphis — Netherlands 7" — Netherlands — CBS — 1973
• All the Way from Memphis — USA Mono 7" — USA — Columbia — 1973
• All the Way from Memphis — Yugoslavia 7" — Yugoslavia — CBS — 1973
SOURCES Discogs, 45 World, Wikipedia. BBC Official Charts Prince Vault, Sleeveographia2
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