All The Way From Memphis by Mott the Hoople

Album: Mott (1973)

Charted: 10

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Songfacts®:

The single "All The Way From Memphis" was released in September 1973, and like the B-side, "Ballad Of Mott," (the extended version) appears on the Mott album. Considered one of Ian Hunter's finest efforts, it was inspired by events leading up to the final date of their US tour, which are detailed in the band's official biography by Campbell Devine. When they flew down to Memphis, Mick Ralphs decided to travel by road with Verden Allen. The other members of the band went by plane, but the airline lost Mick's guitar. When they arrived, the road crew had disappeared with Ralphs and Allen, ticket sales were very grim, and Ralphs' hotel room was robbed, but then they received a message to say that ticket sales were rising rapidly.

The concert, three days before Christmas at Ellis Auditorium, was "an incredible triumph wrenched from the jaws of disaster." They were supported by Joe Walsh, who returned to jam with them. Hunter wrote the song on the day of the concert, and dedicated it to two of their crew, Lee Childers and Tony Zanetta. And Memphis, Tennessee. >>
Suggestion credit:
Alexander Baron - London, England

Comments: 11

Bill from Sunshine State FloridaGreat song, early 70's rock and roll, but no matter how you play it, headphones, or big reference speakers, small system, it is one of those many early rock hits that is so noisy, just so much modulation or emphasis on certain instruments, or too many at one time, that it sounds like a mess, if they had toned it down a little bit and separated some of the more forward instruments that sax solo, though great, would sound a little bit less "grotesque". I am sure it sounded great live, but you had to be there!
Andrew from EnglandThe lyrics: it's not "oreoles", it's "REO", as in Regional Entertainment Organisation, a booking facility in the UK, hence "Through the Bradford cities and the REOs". Makes sense now, dunnit ? :-)
Michael from BostonAndy MacKay's sax bit is dynamite....I am a big Roxy fan,and I know his blowing blindfolded....I didn't need to be told it was he...there are a million David Sanborn clones out there...hard for a rock sax to find their own voice...but some do
Tim from MinnesotaOne of my favorite uses of music in a movie involves this song. At the beginning of the 1974 Martin Scorcese film "Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore" Alice's son Tommy is lying on the floor with his stereo speakers positioned on each side of his head, playing "All The Way From Memphis" at window-rattling volume. Terrific movie. Great song.
Michael from Illinois, IlI'm sorry but the grotesque sax solo is one of
the greatest things I've ever heard...the guitar
fades into the end of the sax solo
Sean from Farmingdale, NyMott just did a series of reunion concerts in the UK this month.
Lester from New York City, NyI'm a big fan of Mott the Hoople's. Mick Ralphs is one of my favorite guitar players, and Mick sang lead on many of Mott's best songs.
Jak from Phelan, Cano one know who Ian Hunter is hes just playing in little clubs now which is good for me so i can se him a lot but he is a complete genius. especially his new album Shrunken Heads.
Pilgrim from Vb, VaThey had their day in the sun. "All The Young Dudes" sounded like a mix between the Beatles and "All The Way From Memphis" was catchy. I just can't stand that screeching saxaphone at the end of this song. I want to go postal and shoot everything in sight when I hear it to make that noise stop. How screwed up do you have to be to think that that garbage Andy Mackay from Roxy Music is playing sounds good and even resembles music?
Pilgrim from Vb, VaThey had their day in the sun. "All The Young Dudes" sounded like a mix between the Beatles and "All The Way From Memphis" was catchy. I just can't stand that screeching saxaphone at the end of this song. I want to go postal and shoot everything in sight when I hear it to make that noise stop. How screwed up do you have to be to think that that garbage Andy Mackay from Roxy Music is playing sounds good and even resembles music?
Allie from A Little Ol' Town In, MiWhy doesn't anyone know about Mott the Hoople? My boyfriend is a classic rock person just like me but he doesn't know about Mott. MOTT THE HOOPLE ROCKS!!!!!!

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