Ian Hunter & Rant Band to rock Newton

NEWTON — Ian Hunter will rock The Newton Theatre on Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2016, at 8 p.m.
As leader of ‘70s British rock band Mott the Hoople and as a hugely influential solo artist, Ian Hunter is widely revered as one of rock’n’roll’s most compelling performers and articulate songwriters. Ian Hunter is a hero to fellow musicians and fans around the world.
He was already a veteran of the London music scene by the time he joined Mott The Hoople in 1969. With Mott, he recorded four iconoclastic albums — Mott The Hoople, Mad Shadows, Wildlife and Brain Capers — by the time they hit international stardom with the glam-rock anthem for a generation, the David Bowie penned, All The Young Dudes. The band’s artistic and commercial success continued into the ‘70s.
On their final tour, they took out a then little known band, Queen. It would be the only time Queen would open for anyone and the band members would stay long term friends with Ian, contributing backing vocals to his All American Alien Boy album. Mott have also been credited by John Lydon (Sex Pistols) and Mick Jones (The Clash) as being one of the pioneers and inspirations behind the burgeoning punk / new wave movement. Later on, Ian would go on to produce Generation X’s Valley Of The Dolls album and The Clash would play on Ian’s Short Back ‘n’ Sides release. Not many, if any, other artists could claim to have influenced bands as diverse as Queen and the Sex Pistols.
Mott disbanded in 1974 and Ian moved to New York, segueing into a celebrated solo career and quickly building a formidable body of solo work, including rock anthem Cleveland Rocks.
Barry Manilow took one of Ian’s most personal songs, Ships, onto the charts and Great White had a international hit with their cover of Once Bitten, Twice Shy. Ian took time out to produce in the ‘80’s, returning in 1993, prompted by the death of his long time collaborator, Mick Ronson. Since then, Ian has produced what many critics feel to be his best work to date.
Mott The Hoople have reformed twice and played two hugely successful tours. If anyone had any doubts as to the long lasting appeal and influence of Ian’s music, you would only have needed to peek at the scene in Mott The Hoople’s dressing room after their London show where they were joined by Jimmy Page, Mick Jones, Chrissie Hynde and John Squire of The Stone Roses.
Ian Hunter’s latest studio album, Fingers Crossed, unveils ten new, self-penned songs including his much-anticipated homage to David Bowie, Dandy. Recorded at HOBO Studios in New Jersey, and co-produced by Hunter and Andy York, the record features his magnificent Rant Band.
Proper Records 30-Disc anthology box set, Stranded in Reality due on 2 September, 2016 is a strictly limited edition of 2,500 units for sale to worldwide customers from Proper Records.
In the past dozen years, he’s made a series of riveting albums that stand with his best and most resonant work, while making a decisive return to touring, delivering incendiary live performances that show his fire to be burning as brightly as ever.
Tickets for Ian Hunter range from $39 to $54. Purchase tickets by visiting www.thenewtontheatre.com or contact the Box Office at 973-383-3700.