Mott The Hoople cancel tour due to Ian Hunter's 'incessant and scary' tinnitus

Billed as Mott the Hoople '74 for the nine-date trek this autumn, the band, consisting of 1974 band members Ariel Bender and Morgan Fisher alongside Ian Hunter, issued a statement confirming the tour cancellation on Monday (30th September).

They wrote: “Mott the Hoople '74 are disappointed to have to announce the cancellation of their Fall 2019 U.S. tour. Ian Hunter has recently developed a severe case of tinnitus and has been advised by his doctors to discontinue performing until this condition subsides. Tickets purchased for these dates can be refunded at point of sale.”

A separate more detailed statement from Ian Hunter reads:

Hey Kids,

I’m afraid I’m not very well.

It happened out of the blue three weeks ago; I got hit heavily by tinnitus. It’s unrelenting and on doctors orders, I’ve had to cancel everything for the time being.

I’ve had it on and off for years, but it’s always slid away. This time it’s stayed - it knocks the stuffing and the confidence out of you.

You lot know I love to tour - been doing it for 50 years. I hate to let everybody down, but I’m stuck and I can’t even go to the post box at the moment never mind a tour. Unhappy is not the word for it. I’ve had tests - no tumors, but it’s loud and incessant and frankly scary.

I know this puts people out - believe me, I know. I just hope you’ll understand. You’re great fans and I’ll always appreciate you following me - I’m not everybody’s cup of tea!! Obviously the Ranters are bummed out as is Morgan ’n’ the Great Ariel Bender, to say nothing of the crew and business people involved. Thank you, Mike and Frank for your understanding.

Where do we go from here - I’ve no idea kids. I’m just hoping it gets fed up with me eventually!! Don’t feel sorry for me - it’s been a great run if, indeed, it stays with me, and I have to stop now. Maybe it will sod off at some point - I just don’t know.

I’ll keep you updated via my website. Once again, sorry to you all.

Love ’n’ kisses

IH

The 11-date tour was due to open in Port Chester, New York on 21st October and call in at Washington, Atlanta, Nashville, Dallas, Austin, Scottsdale, Los Angeles, Oakland, Portland and Seattle.

Mott The Hoople played a headline UK tour this past April. The six shows celebrated the 45th anniversary of Mott The Hoople’s 1974 albums ‘The Hoople’ and ‘Live’ and, alongside tracks from those records, the band performed greatest hits from their career.