ROCK MUSIC Ian Hunter would rather have a life instead of a career

The former Hoople doesn't miss the hoopla.
By JOHN PATRICK GATTA
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
Ian Hunter takes life at a relaxing pace. He took an afternoon stroll prior to his phone interview. And in less than a week, he'll be on the road for just a handful of dates.
With most artists' tours normally running from several months to years, his tour seems a little skimpy. But according to Hunter, the five days on the road is a convenient fit for his backing band.
Thanks to an international array of more than 70 artists including Great White and Barry Manilow covering material from his days as the leader of Mott the Hoople and as a solo act, he lives a comfortable lifestyle in Connecticut and plays live shows out of desire, not necessity.
"I never considered this a career, apart from the very early days. From say, 'All American Alien Boy,' which would have been late '70s, I just thought, 'What you've got to do to be big here is pathetic. Have a life rather than a career.' I've had a life and I'm still having it. I find it infinitely more enjoyable than a career because the career was you thought you were responsible for an awful lot of people. It was very planned, up to a year ahead. Rock and roll ain't supposed to be like that. Supposed to be, 'Let's go and do something,'" said Hunter.
History
Hunter originally made his mark with Mott. It developed a rabid following in his native England. Major success on these shores came about with the David Bowie-produced "All the Young Dudes." By 1975, Hunter released his self-titled solo debut.
Displaying a knack for hooks and a sound that seamlessly incorporated influences such as Jerry Lee Lewis, Bob Dylan, glam and jazz, he wrote and recorded tunes over the next several decades. "Cleveland Rocks," his ode to the city that was quick to embrace his music became a civic anthem. It was introduced to a new generation of fans as the theme to "The Drew Carey Show."
Respecting his songs' place in history and their place in the hearts of fans around the world, Hunter refuses to belittle his catalog. Despite the fact that his releases slip by due to a lack of marketing and distribution, he's determined not to rest on his past accomplishments.
He released "Rant," three years ago, is working on U.S. distribution for "Strings Attached," a live recording with an orchestra in Oslo, Norway, and an expanded edition of the Mott album, "Live." He also appears on "Por Vida," a benefit album for roots rocker Alejandro Escovedo.