Introduction to Mott The Hoople
The sister of a founding member of Mott The Hoople, Jane Watts, reminisced about her life in Ross-on-Wye as the city prepared to celebrate the band with a two-day festival. Mottfest, which took place on Friday and Saturday, was dedicated to the band founded in 1969, known for their 1972 hit single "All the Young Dudes," written by David Bowie.
The Band’s History
Mott The Hoople was formed in 1969 in Herefordshire and released their debut album the same year. The band’s fans were known for their enthusiastic behavior, which sometimes got out of hand. In 1971, a concert at the Royal Albert Hall resulted in significant damage, leading to a ban from the venue in 1972. However, it was also in 1972 that the band’s fortunes changed with the release of "All the Young Dudes," which reached number three on the charts. The band split in 1974 but reformed for five shows in 2009 at the Hammersmith Apollo.
Mottfest Celebrations
Mottfest featured live music, film screenings, and spoken words, celebrating the band’s legacy. A memorial bench was unveiled for the band at Rope Walk on Sunday, accompanied by a blue plaque in the city. Jane Watts described the bench as "absolutely brilliant" and an honor. She also mentioned that her brother had talked about having a bench on the southwest coast in Cornwall but was excited to have it in Ross-on-Wye, a place where she would visit often to think and remember.
The Founding Member’s Early Life
Jane Watts’ brother, a founding member of the band, received his first guitar on his 14th birthday in 1960. This marked the beginning of his musical journey, which would eventually lead to the formation of Mott The Hoople. He met his bandmate, Buffin, at school, and they both decided to pursue music, playing their first gigs at local venues like the Hope and Anchor.
The Blue Plaque Honor
The blue plaque was a significant honor for the band, and Jane Watts thought it was "incredible." She joked that she thought blue plaques were only awarded to people who were 100 years old. The plaque served as a reminder of the band’s contribution to music and their connection to Ross-on-Wye.
Conclusion
Mott The Hoople’s legacy continues to be celebrated, and the band’s music remains popular among fans. The Mottfest and the unveiling of the memorial bench and blue plaque are testaments to the band’s enduring influence on the music scene. For Jane Watts and the people of Ross-on-Wye, these celebrations are a reminder of the band’s roots and their connection to the city.
