For two years, Mott The Hoople have been tipped as the next big Underground world group.
Now, there are signs that the forecasts are coming true with their recent single 'Midnight Lady' for instance - and much of this is due to the personality of wild-haired singer Ian Hunter.
Where were you born?
At Oswestry in Shropshire, but I lived mostly in Northamptonshire until I moved down to London four years ago. My parents are now in Blackpool, and my brother Bob is down in London. But I don't know what he's doing now. It's all a bit, confusing, isn't it?
How did you come into the music business?
Frances. Day & Hunter, the music publishers, took me on at 15 pounds a week for three months: they kept extending it for another three months.
I wrote songs - but unfortunately not the sort they were publishing! Roger Glover of Deep Purple was there with me. In fact, we left the same week. They liked my songs, but never seemed to do anything with them.
Do you still write songs?
I can really only write for myself and the band now - to me, songs have to mean something. I always admired 'The Last Waltz,' because I just didn't know how anyone could write a song so into that market. It's brilliant of its kind.
What books do you read?
I've read a lot of books on the American Civil War, and many on Hitler. He interests me a lot. But I've got a terrible memory and can never remember anything. I mostly learn from other people.
What hobbles do you have?
I don't think I have any hobbies as such. I like to get into conversation with people, and see what makes them tick. It's sometimes a bit difficult because most people talk superficially and I don't. I find it a waste of time talking about trivialities.
What's your greatest ambition?
To communicate. To perform. I'd love to be able to express ideas so that millions of people could understand what I was saying without being bored, I always loved Bob Dylan because he could do that.
Do you do any other writing other than songs?
I write poetry. I've got a poem which I've been working on for a year, on and off; its theme is a bridge in London which is now called Suicide Bridge because so many people have jumped off it. Did you know that Peter Sellers once saved someone there? It'll take me years lo finish, but I really get a kick - working on it.
What do you like to do when you have time off?
We've never been able to take a long holiday. It's solid graft - Mott's a working band, you know. But we're naturally lazy, so if we do get a day off we spend it in bed catching up on some sleep.
What else do you enjoy?
It gets to be amazing just to stay in and watch TV. Before I was in the group, I'd scorn TV - but not now. It's a luxury. I also love looking at trees.
At trees?
Yes - I don't think people spend enough time looking at trees. The young do, and the old do - but most people just pass trees by. Trees have a quiet, peaceful beauty. I love just to contemplate them. I've just taken a flat overlooking Wandsworth Common mainly because of the trees you can see.
Do you have any strong opinions on anything outside music?
Yes, but it's too soon for me to talk about them to a paper. I haven't learnt enough yet. I don't think you should try to influence people on things until you fully understand them yourself.
What was the last film you saw?
You should have asked me what was the last half a film I saw! When we were flying back from our last trip to the States, I started to watch 'Waterloo' but I was so tired that I dropped off to sleep and missed the rest!
What was the last complete film you saw?
'10 Rillington Place.' I didn't want to go at all, but I was with someone who kept badgering me to go and eventually I gave in. In the end she didn't like it, either. Panic-struck, she was. Before that I saw 'Women In Love' but I only remember that because I sat up half the night discussing it. The one film I could really identify with was 'Dr Zhivago.' That was me absolutely.
What things do you enjoy as a group?
Mad little things please us. Like the band will stop on the way back from a gig, and call into an old-fashioned tea shop in York and have tea. We get strange looks sometimes because we don't look like the regulars, but to us that's far better than going down to the Speakeasy Club and getting stoned.
Which is your favourite album?
One by a guy called Jesse Winchester. I play it at least once every day. I'm waiting for his next one, but I hear on the grapevine that it may be some time yet. The last that was heard of him, he was sitting in a bath somewhere!