Mott The Hoople - Fairfield Halls Live 1970

"2007 archive release featuring a previously unreleased live performance from Ian Hunter and his Mottley crew. On September 13th 1970 the first ever attempt was made to capture Mott's feral stage act on tape at The Fairfield Halls, Croydon, England and for over 30 years the tapes of the gig were confined to the tape vaults of bassist Overend Watts. To the legions of Mott The Hoolpe fans around the world, these recordings are the 'Holy Grail' of unheard live Mott The Hoople tracks. Recorded on The Who's then state-of-the-art portable eight track machine, they have long become legendary not just for recording the night the band blew the headline act Free off stage but also for the way the band engaged with the crowd, cajoling them and challenging them. Apathy would not be tolerated: a reaction, either good or bad was demanded."

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"HEADS:
The Release of the Croydon, Fairfield Halls Show of 13 September 1970 is a full concert by Mott The Hoople in all their original fury. Two Sunday evening Shows supporting Free, then at the top with: "Alright Now" a big hit in England & the USA.

Word had spread about Mott The Hoople's live concerts and this band was on it's way to becoming England's most popular group. Quite different from their records was the 'In Your Face' sonic assault of the early concerts that they performed, and here at last is the proof!

Neil Young's "Ohio" was the show opener and the crowd is there for them at the start, and like a panzer division, the band advances and there is no escape. This is raw and brash, recording levels peaking in the red...and staying there! Ian stays close to his electric piano, Mick & Verden provide the "Wall-Of-Rock" blast and Overend & Buffin are more of the might & rhythm deluxe that are felt...as well as heard.

It's then; "No Wheels To Ride", a 'new' song at the time of this show, and compared to the "Mad Shadows" version, 'Wheels' has become larger, you can't hide from this music, as it is coming for you! "Rock 'N' Roll Queen" was the band's most popular early number, and on this night it's on target as well. A good "Thunderbuck Ram" is next and a gentle "When My Mind's Gone" recieves respectful attention from the crowd. To close: "Keep a Knockin" the 50's rocker that sounds so outta place at the end of the third LP: 'Wildlife". The encore is an instrumental explosion of: "You Really Got Me".

The sound quality is better than I thought (as compared to The Filmore West tapes). This is indeed quite a look into why Mott The Hoople created rabid fans and held onto them.

TAILS:
Because they were the support act to Free, Mott The Hoople's time on stage is short (7 Songs - 47 Minutes). Five more tracks have been added from the already released Sweden Show recorded for Swedish Radio and already released as "From Stockholm to Philadelphia ~ Live 71/72" in 1999. When you compare Stockholm to Croydon the band sounds downright tame. But, the Sweden Show does contain "Laugh At Me" (Seldom heard Live) and a better "Thunderbuck Ram" than on the 1970 edition.

This CD is an import from Angel Air Records. It is expensive, but it is a mighty nice package including a 24 page booklet giving all the details about this legendary show, with lot's of photo's of Mott-In-Jeans ~ Pre-Glam, Pre-Glitter, No Gimmicks, No Platform Shoes...ALL ROCK.

This ain't "The Holy Grail" but it does paint the picture of my favorite early 70's band as what they REALLY WERE. The records from their first through "Brain Capers" gave us the blueprint and now "Live at Fairfield Halls, 1970" goes on to explain the riot." (Philip S. Wolf amazon.com)

1. Ohio
2. No Wheels to Ride
3. Rock 'N' Roll Queen
4. Thunderbuck Ram
5. When My Mind's Gone
6. Keep 'A' Knockin
7. You Really Got Me
Bonus Tracks Konserthuset 2-16-71
8. Long Red
9. Original Mixed-Up Kid
10. Walking with a Mountain
11. Laugh at Me
12. Thunderbuck Ram

Mick Ralphs - Vocals, Guitar
Ian Hunter - Vocals, Piano
Verden Allen - Vocals, Organ
Overend Watts - Vocals, Bass Guitar
Dale Griffin - Vocals, Drums

EAC-FLAC-LOG-CUE-SCANS 512 MB

Part 1__Part 2__Part 3

Bye!