Three weeks before Mott the Hoople’s 1974 reunion tour was scheduled to return to the U.S., the dates have been cancelled due to Ian Hunter’s “severe case of tinnitus.” The band’s frontman has been advised by his doctors to “discontinue performing until this condition subsides.”
“I’m afraid I’m not very well,” Hunter, who turned 80 on June 3, 2019, wrote.
The news was announced on September 30 via the band’s Facebook page. The tour was scheduled to begin on October 21 and continue into November.
The lineup, consisting of Hunter, Ariel Bender and Morgan Fisher, were scheduled to regroup for a set based around the 1974 albums The Hoople and Live, plus the non-album greatest hits. (Mott’s rhythm section, Overend Watts and Dale “Buffin” Griffin, are both deceased. Mick Ralphs has suffered health issues.)
The band wrote a brief announcement: “Mott the Hoople ’74 are disappointed to have to announce the cancellation of their Fall 2019 U.S. tour. Ian Hunter has recently developed a severe case of tinnitus and has been advised by his doctors to discontinue performing until this condition subsides.
Tickets purchased for these dates can be refunded at point of sale.”
Hunter added an extensive message to his fans:
Hey Kids,
I’m afraid I’m not very well.
It happened out of the blue three weeks ago; I got hit heavily by tinnitus. It’s unrelenting and on doctors orders, I’ve had to cancel everything for the time being.
I’ve had it on and off for years, but it’s always slid away. This time it’s stayed – it knocks the stuffing and the confidence out of you.
You lot know I love to tour – been doing it for 50 years. I hate to let everybody down, but I’m stuck and I can’t even go to the post box at the moment never mind a tour. Unhappy is not the word for it. I’ve had tests – no tumors, but it’s loud and incessant and frankly scary.
I know this puts people out – believe me, I know. I just hope you’ll understand. You’re great fans and I’ll always appreciate you following me – I’m not everybody’s cup of tea!! Obviously the Ranters are bummed out as is Morgan ’n’ the Great Ariel Bender, to say nothing of the crew and business people involved. Thank you, Mike and Frank for your understanding.
Where do we go from here – I’ve no idea kids. I’m just hoping it gets fed up with me eventually!! Don’t feel sorry for me – it’s been a great run if, indeed, it stays with me, and I have to stop now. Maybe it will sod off at some point – I just don’t know.
I’ll keep you updated via my website. Once again, sorry to you all.
Love ’n’ kisses
IH
Watch Mott the Hoople perform “All the Way From Memphis” during an earlier leg of the tour on April 10, 2019
Cancelled Fall 2019 Tour Dates—Mott The Hoople Class of ’74
OCT 21, The Capitol Theatre, Port Chester, NY
OCT 22, Warner Theatre, Washington, DC
OCT 24, Coca-Cola Roxy, Atlanta, GA
OCT 26, War Memorial Auditorium, Nashville, TN
OCT 28, Majestic Theatre, Dallas, TX
OCT 29, ACL Live @ Moody Theater, Austin, TX
OCT 31, Talking Stick Resort Ballroom, Scottsdale, AZ
NOV 1, The Orpheum Theatre, Los Angeles, CA
NOV 3, Fox Theater, Oakland, CA
NOV 5, Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, Portland, OR
NOV 6, The Moore Theatre, Seattle, WA
Watch a home video made by Mott’s Morgan Fisher during the 1974 tour
Related: Joe Elliott of Def Leppard on Mott the Hoople
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