The single "All The Way From Memphis" was released in September 1973, and like the B-side, "Ballad Of Mott," (the extended version) appears on the Mott album. Considered one of Ian Hunter's finest efforts, it was inspired by events leading up to the final date of their US tour, which are detailed in the band's official biography by Campbell Devine. When they flew down to Memphis, Mick Ralphs decided to travel by road with Verden Allen. The other members of the band went by plane, but the airline lost Mick's guitar. When they arrived, the road crew had disappeared with Ralphs and Allen, ticket sales were very grim, and Ralphs' hotel room was robbed, but then they received a message to say that ticket sales were rising rapidly. The concert, three days before Christmas at Ellis Auditorium, was "an incredible triumph wrenched from the jaws of disaster." They were supported by Joe Walsh, who returned to jam with them. Hunter wrote the song on the day of the concert, and dedicated it to two of their crew, Lee Childers and Tony Zanetta. And Memphis, Tennessee.
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