Another One Leaves The Stage ...

[Deleted]

I can't believe this one passed me by.

R.I.P. Pete Overend Watts, Mott The Hoople's legendary bassist and thigh boot wearer. Died 22 January from throat cancer.

As The Ballad Of Mott says, "Overend's just A Rock & Roll Star." He was ... a true one.

[williammcgregor]

R.I.P. and thanks for the memories

[Tony Walshaw]

BBC 6Music mentioned his death, and paid tribute. They usually pick up on the passing of musicians, if they had kudos.

But you are right Shelley, his death was otherwise low-key.

[Deleted]

I only picked up on it in Mojo's obits page

[richardwoods]

Quite a good obit in Uncut. I didn't realise that Bowie's offering of All the young dudes was because Overend told him Mott were going to split up. Mott were a great 70's band, and the loss of 2 members in short order following the successful reunion concert is tragic. I didn't even realise Overend was ill.

[Deleted]

He kept it very quiet, Richard, apparently. Heartbreaking. And so sad too that so little remains of their various TV appearances during their heyday.

All The Young Dudes counts as one of Bowie's very best songs: there's more profundity, wit & insight in that one song than in almost anything else he ever did put together, in my opinion.

[Kev Hunter]

Nice clip of "Honaloochie Boogie" with Overend resplendent in white thigh length platform boots and playing his swallow-shaped bass. (BTW looks like Deke Leonard with them on striped Telecaster).



There are some really good uploads of the band on YouTube, including this one from France in 1971, which showcases live performances of "The Moon Upstairs" and "Rock 'n' Roll Queen".

[williammcgregor]

Thanks for the brilliant upload Kev...... Overend was some cool dude!

This song reminds me of my teenage years (happy daze!)