Mott the Hoople

Mott the Hoople
Mott the Hoople in 1974 (left to right: Dale Griffin, Ariel Bender, Morgan Fisher (front), Pete Overend Watts, Ian Hunter)
Mott the Hoople in 1974
(left to right: Dale Griffin, Ariel Bender, Morgan Fisher (front), Pete Overend Watts, Ian Hunter)
Background information
Also known asMott (1974–1976)
British Lions (1977–1979)
OriginHereford, Herefordshire, England
Genres
Years active1969–1980
(reunions: 2009, 2013, 2018, 2019)
LabelsIsland, Atlantic, CBS, Columbia
Past membersIan Hunter
Ariel Bender
Morgan Fisher
James Mastro
Steve Holley
Mark Bosch
Paul Page
Dennis Dibrizzi
Pete Overend Watts
Dale "Buffin" Griffin
Verden Allen
Mick Ronson
Ray Majors
Nigel Benjamin
Steve Hyams
Mick Ralphs
Mick Bolton
Blue Weaver

Mott the Hoople were a British rock band formed in Hereford, Herefordshire in 1969. Originally named the Doc Thomas Group, the band changed their name after signing with Island Records in 1969. The band released albums at the beginning of the 1970s but failed to find any success. On the verge of breaking up, the band were encouraged by David Bowie to stay together. Bowie wrote their glam-style signature song "All the Young Dudes" for them, which became their first hit in 1972. Bowie subsequently produced their album of the same name, which added to their success.

Despite membership changes, the band experienced further commercial success with Mott (1973) and The Hoople (1974). Lead singer Ian Hunter departed the band in 1974, after which the band's commercial fortunes began to diminish. They remained together with continuing membership changes until their break-up in 1980. The band have had reunions in 2009, 2013, 2018 and 2019.