Upper Bucklebury residents reminisces on touring with the stars

As a roadie for Mott the Hoople and Queen in the 1970’s, Upper Bucklebury resident Richie Anderson, who is now 65, travelled the world and met some of the most famous names of the era.
Now, the father of one is touring again - this time travelling around the country to entertain crowds with stories from his four year adventure touring with Mott the Hoople - most famous for their 1972 hit ‘All The Young Dudes’, which was written by Bowie.
Mr Anderson, who did the job alongside his friend, Phil John, spoke to the Newbury Weekly News this week about his memories.
“It was so good and there was a certain amount of glamor that went with it. My favourite memory was probably flying to LA for thanksgiving and getting to see Hollywood,” he said.
“The good thing about Mott The Hoople was that they were very down to earth and always had time for fans. There were no prima donnas and I think that’s why they still have such a large, loyal fanbase.”
Soon after Mott The Hoople seperated in 1974, Mr Anderson went to work for Queen, where he worked on Brian May’s guitar set-up.
“We got to know Queen when they supported Mott on tour and we virtually lived with them in the studio. They were a very nice, clever bunch of guys,” said Mr Anderson.
“Freddie Mercury was exactly the same as people have reported him to be, flamboyant showman on the stage and quite shy off the stage. He was one of the nicest people you could meet.
“You can’t get much more high profile than getting to go on tour with Queen.”
However despite the plus sides, Mr Anderson insists the job wasn’t easy.
“People think it’s all glamour but what they don’t see is the background stuff. We’d pack the truck, drive 400 miles, check in to the hotel if there was time, go straight to a sound check at 4pm then start all over again. We’d just sleep when we could.
“For the first 23 days I was with Mott The Hoople we did 22 shows. We were away for three months at a time. It was non-stop.”
On their final tour in late 1974, Mr Anderson’s colleague Mr John kept a diary which led to a show in London where they entertained the audience with tales from their adventures.
Mott the Hoople are reforming again for five shows - where the pair will get the chance to catch up with the band.
Mr Anderson and Mr John take their own show to Hereford on November 10, before afternoon shows in London and Birmingham prior to two of the Mott concerts. Fans attending will also be treated to a rare viewing of the critically-acclaimed ‘Ballad of Mott The Hoople’ documentary.