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. Plus we raised thousands for the families’ chosen charities (thanks to your generosity).
Alzheimer’s Society - £3,137.87
St Michael’s Hospice, Hereford - £3,247.87
Read about Verden & me presenting a cheque to St Michael’s in the Hereford Times here.
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 were donated to St Michael’s Hospice and the Alzheimer’s Society
MottFest Merchandise.
Buy MottFest and You Are One of Us tee shirts, hoodies, mugs and baseball caps HERE
