Ariel Bending Article : 1973

Mott The Hoople flash to fame – the band that’s all about the cult!

one-page article in Record Mirror, December 22, 1973.

More Mott cult legends added weekly.

IF 1974's going to be the year for rock bands to cultivate their Superstar image then Mott The Hoople must surely rate up there amongst the leaders.

They have become the 1973 exponents of 'flash' rock, so much so, that a Mott cult following is now flourishing on both sides of the Atlantic.

Despite his critics, lan Hunter must take most of the credit for elevating the band to this satisfactory position. He has always been the mainman. His confidence is always apparent during a Mott gig and it has triggered off throughout the band.

When Mick Ralphs left Mott in the late Autumn of this year sarcastic remarks flowed over just how much influence Hunter was pushing on his fellow men. Mott had become the in-band with the New York posers and Ralph's departure had left a big gap open at a vital time.

With no disrespect to Mr Ralphs, it was the best thing that could have happened to Mott for along came Luther Grosvenor, an unknown quantity from the remains of Stealer's Wheel who didn't have time to realise the possible consequences.

Grosvenor changed his name and developed his dream image and within two weeks Mott's Aerial Bender was born and States-bound. Three months later what has happened? To quote a Mott song he's Just, One Of The Boys and who could have a better confidence booster than that, after such a short time with the band!

Aerial is establishing himself in a grand way and 1974 must be the year when Mott's faith in him will be more than justified.

" mainly that I The new boy is in his element: "I really love it," he says, grinning, ''I've been into this band's music for years and when I was with Stealers I never really had the chance to show it. I learnt a lot from Stealers should never have been with the band.

A new life began through a simple telephone call from the States and Aerial was asked to join Mott. It seemed such an opportune time because Stealers had just broken after a lot of hassle and Ralphs had decided he was quitting Mott.

"lan phoned me up from the States and asked me to join, it was as simple as that.