Ian Hunter and the Rant Band played the second of two rather impromptu shows this past Tuesday at City Winery New York City as a prelude to a tour that will begin on Mr. Hunter’s 78th birthday.

Ian Hunter’s voice is raspier, and he reaches into his pocket for throat lozenges more frequently these days, but the songs still pass the test of time and the band rocks with old school swagger and bravado.

With no opening act, the show began with a spoken word and video montage tribute to former Mott the Hoople bassist Peter Overend Watts who passed away from throat cancer this January. 

Ian and the band ran through an extended set with old classics like “Cleveland Rocks” and newer material from “Fingers Crossed” in preparation for the upcoming June dates. 

Andy York, Tommy Mandel, Andy Burton, and Tony Shanahan joined the band for the  David Bowie penned all-time Mott the Hoople classic “All the Young Dudes” and the traditional show ender “Goodnight Irene”.

My son asked me why it is I like Ian Hunter so much and my wife will ask why I see the band at every opportunity and my answer is that time is fleeting and the band still rocks. 

The Original Mixed Up Kid

Rock on

GQ