Mott The Hoople: "All the Way from Memphis" Single (1973)

Mott The Hoople’s "All the Way from Memphis" backed with "Ballad of Mott the Hoople (March 16, 1972 Zurich)", was released as a 7-inch vinyl single in the USA by Columbia Records (catalog number 4-45920) on September 5, 1973. It was the lead single from their sixth studio album, Mott, a pivotal release that marked their commercial peak.

The Single:

"All the Way from Memphis" / "Ballad of Mott the Hoople (March 16, 1972 Zurich)"

Release Details:

USA: Released as a 7" vinyl, 45 RPM single on Columbia Records (4-45920) on September 5, 1973. The single was also issued in the UK by CBS Records (CBS S 1677) around the same time. Matrix runouts include ZSS 157976-1B (A-side) and ZSS 157977-1B (B-side) for US pressings.

Chart Performance:

The single reached #10 on the UK Singles Chart, when released on August 31, 1973, prior to it's US date, a strong showing that reflected Mott the Hoople’s growing popularity. In the US, it peaked at #191 on the Billboard Bubbling Under Hot 100.

A-Side: "All the Way from Memphis" (3:24):

Written by Ian Hunter and produced by Mott the Hoople, this is a rollicking glam rock anthem with a driving piano riff, crunchy guitars, and Hunter’s distinctive, gritty vocals. The lyrics tell a semi-autobiographical tale of a rock musician’s misadventure after losing his guitar en route to Memphis, blending humor and swagger (“You look like a star, but you’re still on the dole”).

Musically, it features the classic Mott lineup: Ian Hunter (vocals, piano), Mick Ralphs (guitar), Pete Overend Watts (bass), Dale “Buffin” Griffin (drums), and Morgan Fisher (keyboards), with guest Andy Mackay (Roxy Music) on saxophone, adding a raw, honky-tonk edge.

Recorded at AIR Studios, London, the track’s infectious energy and glam rock swagger made it a radio favorite and a live staple, as seen in YouTube clips from 1973 performances.

The song is a highlight of the Mott album, which reached #7 in the UK and #35 in the US, and is often cited as one of Mott the Hoople’s finest moments, praised by AllMusic for its “rollicking bravado.”

B-Side: "Ballad of Mott the Hoople (March 16, 1972 Zurich)" (4:26):

Written by Ian Hunter, Pete Overend Watts, Mick Ralphs, Dale Griffin, and Verden Allen, and produced by Mott the Hoople, this is a reflective, mid-tempo rock ballad from the Mott album.

The lyrics chronicle the band’s struggles and near-breakup in 1972, referencing their Zurich performance on March 16, 1972, when they considered disbanding before David Bowie offered them “All the Young Dudes.” Lines like “Buffin lost his child-like dreams” and “Verden Allen’s got a cramp in his hands” capture the band’s hardships with wry humor.

Featuring the same lineup as the A-side, the track showcases Hunter’s emotive vocals and Fisher’s piano, with a melancholic yet defiant tone. It’s a fan favorite for its introspective look at the band’s journey.

Available on the Mott album and streaming platforms, it’s less prominent than the A-side but valued for its historical significance, as noted in fan discussions on RateYourMusic (4/5 rating).

Germany - CBS - 1973

Context and Background

Mott the Hoople in 1973:Formed in 1969 in Herefordshire, England, Mott the Hoople were a cult rock band until their 1972 breakthrough with “All the Young Dudes” (#3 UK, #37 US), written by David Bowie. By 1973, they were at their commercial and creative peak with the Mott album, produced without Bowie’s direct involvement.

The Mott album, released in July 1973, was a critical and commercial success, hitting #7 in the UK and #35 in the US. It showcased their blend of glam rock, hard rock, and introspective songwriting, with tracks like “Honaloochie Boogie” and “All the Way from Memphis.”

The band’s lineup was stable, but tensions were brewing, leading to Mick Ralphs’ departure in 1973 to form Bad Company, replaced by Ariel Bender (Luther Grosvenor) for their next phase.

Essex’s heartthrob status and media presence, including TV appearances and magazine covers, amplified the single’s success, making it a cultural touchstone of the era.

Musical and Cultural Significance:

“All the Way from Memphis” is a glam rock classic, blending rock ‘n’ roll energy with the theatricality of the era, akin to T. Rex or Slade. Its saxophone riff and Hunter’s charismatic delivery made it a standout, resonating with the 1973 rock scene.

The song’s narrative of a musician’s misadventure reflects Mott’s own struggles, adding authenticity to their underdog persona. Its success helped solidify their post-Bowie identity.

The B-side, “Ballad of Mott the Hoople,” is a poignant reflection on the band’s near-dissolution, making it a historical artifact for fans. Its reference to Zurich 1972 ties directly to their rescue by Bowie, a key moment in their career.

Released in 1973, the single competed with hits like Elton John’s “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” and David Bowie’s “Sorrow,” thriving in the glam rock-dominated UK scene while gaining cult traction in the US.

Chart Performance and Reception:

UK: Peaked at #10, a strong follow-up to “All the Young Dudes” and “Honaloochie Boogie” (#12 UK), cementറ