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Ian Hunter (May 4 197) Rock 'N' Roll Star – Book Review 

  • Writer: Mott The Hoople
    Mott The Hoople
  • May 4, 1974
  • 1 min read

Updated: 7 days ago


Publication: Disc Magazine   Date: May 4 1974 Country: United Kingdom Section / Pages: Book Preview (1 page) Title: Diary of a Rock ’n’ Roll Star   Writer: Rosemary Horide


Overview

This Disc Magazine Book Preview spotlights Ian Hunter’s memoir Diary of a Rock ’n’ Roll Star, published by Panther Books for 50p. Hunter, lead singer of Mott the Hoople, offers a candid account of life on the road during the band’s 1972 American tour. Reviewer Rosemary Horide praises the book’s honesty and accessibility, noting that it dispels myths about the glamour of rock stardom and reveals Hunter as an ordinary, self‑aware man navigating fame with humour and humility.

The accompanying photograph shows Hunter performing at the keyboard, wearing dark sunglasses and his signature curls — a visual emblem of early‑’70s rock introspection.


Article Summary

Horide’s review describes the book as “compulsive reading,” commending Hunter’s frankness and lack of pretension. She highlights his reflections on meeting idols like Elvis Presley, his observations of fellow musicians, and his ability to capture the emotional strain of touring without self‑pity. The piece concludes with Horide’s personal admiration for Hunter, calling the memoir “an excellent book” that offers insight even for readers outside pop music circles.

The layout’s stark black‑and‑white design, with bold type and a minimalist photograph, mirrors the book’s tone — raw, reflective, and unfiltered. It stands as one of Disc’s most thoughtful features of 1974, bridging journalism and literary critique within the glam‑rock context.

Ian Hunter – Book Preview for Diary of a Rock ’n’ Roll Star — Disc Magazine, May 4 1974.
Ian Hunter – Book Preview for Diary of a Rock ’n’ Roll Star — Disc Magazine, May 4 1974.

🧾 Publication Details

  • Disc Magazine (UK)

  • Issue: May 4 1974

  • Feature Title: Book Preview – Diary of a Rock ’n’ Roll Star

  • Writer: Rosemary Horide

  • Photographer: Uncredited

  • Publisher: Panther Books

  • Price: 50p


© Copyright Notice

All magazine scans, photographs, and original text excerpts remain the property of their respective copyright holders. This Chronicle entry is a transformative, non‑commercial archival summary created for historical documentation and educational reference. No ownership of the original material is claimed or implied.

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