A classic track from a 1973 Top of the Pops show. Mott the Hoople, good roockers in anyone's book.

Mott the Hoople were a 1970's English rock band with strong R&B roots and known for being part of the popular glam rock scene of the early to mid-70's. They are best known for the song "All the Young Dudes", which was written for them by their fan David Bowie which appeared on the 1972 album of the same name. I muvch prefer this one however.

And what of the name? Although the group toured and recorded in Italy as The Doc Thomas Group, their gigs in the UK were played first as The Shakedown Sound, and later as Silence.

Silence recorded demos at Rockfield Studios in Monmouth, Wales, which were shopped to EMI, Polydor, Immediate, and Apple with no success.

In early 1969 the group came to the attention of Guy Stevens at Island Records, who liked the group but not with Stan Tippins as lead singer. Advertisements were placed ("Singer wanted, must be image-minded and hungry"), and Ian Hunter was eventually selected as lead singer and piano player. Tippins assumed the role of road manager.

Stevens changed the band's name to "Mott the Hoople" from a novel of the same name by Willard Manus; the book is about an eccentric who works in a circus freak show. T

heir debut album, Mott the Hoople (1969), was a cult success, and their repertoire included cover versions of "Laugh at Me" (Sonny Bono), and an instrumental cover of "You Really Got Me" (The Kinks).