Before Mott the Hoople became one of the defining bands of the glam rock era, Verdon Allen was simply a young musician from Wales chasing a dream.
In this fascinating conversation with Sandy Kaye on A Breath of Fresh Air, the founding keyboard player of Mott the Hoople shares the remarkable story of his musical journey, from playing in Jimmy Cliff’s backing band to helping create one of the most influential rock bands of the 1970s.
Verdon recalls answering a newspaper advertisement that led to an extraordinary opportunity with Jimmy Cliff and The Shakedown Sound, touring relentlessly and learning the craft of live performance from one of reggae’s greatest artists. He explains how those experiences shaped his musicianship and eventually led him back to Hereford, where the seeds of Mott the Hoople were planted.
The conversation explores the origins of the band’s unusual name, the early days recording their groundbreaking debut album, and the challenges of trying to break through in a fiercely competitive music industry. Verdon also shares his memories of legendary producer Guy Stevens and reveals how his own name was changed from Terry Allen to Verdon Allen almost overnight.
One of the highlights of the interview is Verdon’s firsthand account of how David Bowie stepped in at a critical moment when Mott the Hoople were on the verge of splitting up. He explains how Bowie introduced the band to "All The Young Dudes," produced the iconic recording, and helped transform their fortunes. It’s a rare insider’s perspective on one of rock music’s most famous collaborations.
Verdon also reflects candidly on his decision to leave Mott the Hoople while "All The Young Dudes" was still climbing the charts, discusses the band that eventually evolved into The Pretenders, and reveals whether he has any regrets about the paths he chose throughout his career.
The interview also touches on the legendary Rockfield Studios, where artists including Queen created classic recordings, and where Verdon recently revisited music from his past for his new solo album No One Knows.
This is a warm, honest and often surprising conversation with a musician who witnessed some of the most exciting moments in British rock history and continues to create music today.
In this episode:
Verdon Allen’s early years in music
Touring with Jimmy Cliff and The Shakedown Sound
The formation of Mott the Hoople
The story behind the band’s name
Recording the early Mott the Hoople albums
David Bowie’s role in saving the band
The creation of "All The Young Dudes"
Why Verdon left Mott the Hoople
The connection between his band The Cheeks and The Pretenders
Rockfield Studios and its famous history
Reflections on a lifetime in music
Verdon’s latest solo album, No One Knows
If you enjoy classic rock interviews, behind-the-scenes music stories and conversations with the artists who helped create the soundtrack of our lives, be sure to subscribe to A Breath of Fresh Air with Sandy Kaye.
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