Thanks to everyone who made MottFest 2025 so special. From the fans and bands and crew to the people of Ross-on-Wye who welcomed us all with open arms. A very special mention to the Griffin and Watts families, without whom… and, of course, chiefly, you the fans.

The unveilings of the blue plaque and bench on Sunday were particularly poignant. The added bonus, we raised a substantial amount for the families’ chosen charities (thanks to your support and the generosity). We salute you all.

Simon Rowberry & the entire MottFest team

Ian’s MottFest message

Ian Hunter sent his best wishes to everyone attending MottFest with this video filmed in the USA that crossed the mighty oceans to us in Ross on Wye. Here Ian discusses the very early days of Mott the Hoople and the unique humour and friendship that followed as the band perfectly captured Guy Stevens’ vision of the true spirit of Rock and Roll. Nobody ever did it better.

Joe’s MottFest message

Obsessed? Joe Elliott? By Mott? Watch his video message from Dublin and decide for yourself. Joe’s not only a superfan, but he’s also a genuine champion of the band and one of the boys to boot. His devotion to the entire Mott family is as strong and true as Sheffield steel.

The keyboard players

Blue Weaver and Dennis DeBrizzi chat about the Mott family and why it is so special.

The Rant/Mott ’74 band

Steve, MC, Paul and James have entertained us royally as the heartbeat of Ian’s Rant band for many years. They are also honorary Mott family members when they backed Ian, Luther and Morgan in the US and UK. Thanks for the words and left then second right for England, James. I am not sure Simon is planning a second MottFest!! Simon?

The MottFest Video Project

We want to produce a permanent video reminder of the weekend ... and we need your help. If you have landscape-format (not upright portrait format) footage from the weekend, please then send it to Simon at s_rowberry@mac.com. He will then pull the footage together, (along with interviews that we will be doing separately), and we will then try to put together an mp4 of the weekend. It may take a few months. We also intend to make the mp4 available free to all who attended MottFest. If your footage is used, we will obviously credit you at the end of the movie.

All MottFest profits will be donated to St Michael’s Hospice and the Alzheimer’s Society

MottFest Merchandise.

Branded tee shirts, hoodies, mugs and baseball caps for MottFest and the You Are One of Us book. MottFest will remain on sale via this page until the end of 2025. You can also buy limited-edition You Are One of Us hardback and paperback books here. The standard version is available via Amazon with a kindle option.

John Fiddler’s Solo Gigs

If you enjoyed MottFest and would like to see John on tour…

Info about John’s future “unplugged” and full-band Medicine Head gigs can be found here

You Are One of Us in numbers

  1. 242 colourful pages full of fan-packed personal stories and reflections

  2. 120 contributors from across the globe

  3. Over 200 rare and never-seen-before images

  4. One superb introduction from Kris Needs, the foremost authority on Mott the Hoople who was there right at the beginning

  5. Two & a half dozen limited-edition hardbacks and paperback printed on glossy art paper for superb photographic quality (UK fans only — first come, first serve)

  6. Standard version available via Amazon and your local bookstore