Ready for Love / After Lights

The song "Ready for Love / After Lights" by Mott The Hoople from their 1972 album All The Young Dudes is a fascinating piece of rock history with a story that resonates with the Zoo Freaks' love for raw, authentic tunes. Written by guitarist Mick Ralphs, "Ready for Love" is a gritty rocker that segues into the instrumental "After Lights," described by Allmusic critic Dave Thompson as a "virtuoso afterglow" showcasing Ralphs' tasteful guitar work. Ralphs took lead vocals on the track, but he was famously dissatisfied with his performance, having hoped lead singer Ian Hunter would sing it. Hunter, however, found the song outside his vocal range, a frustration that partly fueled Ralphs' decision to form Bad Company, where Paul Rodgers delivered a more polished version of the song in 1974. Interestingly, Thompson argued that Ralphs' uncertain vocals on the Mott version added a unique weight to the lyrics, making it preferable to the Bad Company rendition for some fans. Rolling Stone's Bud Scoppa called it Ralphs' best work, while Los Angeles Times critic Richard Cromelin dubbed it a "sledgehammer rocker" that grows on listeners, capturing the kind of vibe the Zoo Crew would spin to get their audience grooving.

Another layer of intrigue surrounds the song's recording. There's long-standing speculation that parts of All The Young Dudes, including "Ready for Love," may have been recorded while Mott The Hoople were still under contract with Island Records, before switching to CBS/Columbia. This theory gained traction with the 2006 remastered album release, which included a bonus track, "Black Scorpio" (an early version of "Momma's Little Jewel"), co-produced by Island's Muff Winwood. Ian Hunter, in a 1980 Trouser Press interview, claimed the album was completed before leaving Island, but later dodged the topic in a 2011 documentary, laughing it off with, "I can’t really discuss it ... there’s a blank there." This murky backstory adds a rebellious edge that the Zoo Crew's hippie DJs might relish, spinning tales of rock 'n' roll defiance for their listeners.

Mott The Hoople began their journey in 1969 in Hereford, Herefordshire, originally as the Doc Thomas Group. The band, renamed after a novel by Willard Manus, signed with Island Records and released their self-titled debut that year, blending R&B roots with a proto-glam sound. The lineup featured Ian Hunter (vocals), Mick Ralphs (guitar), Pete Overend Watts (bass), Verden Allen (organ), and Dale "Buffin" Griffin (drums). Despite critical praise for early albums like Mad Shadows (1970) and Brain Capers (1971), commercial success eluded them, and by 1972, they were on the brink of splitting after a disheartening gig in a Swiss gas holder. David Bowie, a longtime fan, intervened, offering them "Suffragette City" (which they rejected) and then penning "All The Young Dudes," which became their signature hit. Bowie's production on the album, including "Ready for Love," transformed them into glam rock icons, saving the band and setting the stage for their 1970s peak. This underdog story of perseverance would surely strike a chord with the Zoo Freaks, who vibe with the band's raw, unpolished spirit.

For Zoo Freaks wanting to dive deeper, Mott The Hoople’s official website offers news, tour updates, and merchandise. Their Facebook page shares nostalgic posts and fan interactions, while their Instagram features vintage photos and recent reunion glimpses. On X, they post updates about reissues and occasional quips from Ian Hunter. Fans can also connect on the Mott The Hoople Appreciation Society Facebook group, a lively community sharing memories, rare photos, and concert stories. The fan-run Hunter-Mott website is a treasure trove of discographies, interviews, and Ian Hunter’s solo career updates, perfect for Zoo Crew listeners craving more of that classic rock lore.