Moggs Hotel, the new band featuring UFO singer Phil Mogg, has released its first single and video, “Apple Pie”. The track is taken from the group’s self-titled album, which is due on September 4 via Cleopatra Records in the U.S. and Steamhammer/SPV outside North America.
“‘Apple Pie’ is the first track off the Moggs Hotel extravaganza. It concerns the quest for a piece of the pie, namely ‘Apple’ because I would like a nice large creamy slice this time around. Also, I would get to ride the pony while she’s swishing her tail — how sweet is that! I just need that elusive pie. This track was conjured up towards the end of lockdown. This was our first get-together as a team and a very jolly affair it was too — so enjoy the ride and get a bite… not a nibble please.” reveals Phil Mogg.
Anyone who’d feared over the past two years that Mogg, one of the most influential rock vocalists worldwide, would disappear completely from the scene after the demise of his band, in addition to his health problems, has now thankfully been proved wrong.
After a brief hiatus to catch his creative breath, the 76-year-old British musician with a distinctive voice is ready to present his latest band and release, “Moggs Motel”, which he composed together with Tony Newton (bass and keyboards) from the band Voodoo Six, who had been touring partners with UFO previously, and long-standing associate Neil Carter (guitar, keyboards, vocals). The album was recorded at Iron Maiden bassist Steve Harris‘s studio in Essex, U.K. In the studio, the band was joined by Joe Lazarus (drums) and Tommy Gentry (guitar) to complete the lineup.
The album’s twelve timeless songs show that Mogg has lost none of his artistic charisma, uniquely expressive voice, and love of unbridled creativity.
Moggs Hotel lineup:
- Phil Mogg / Vocals
- Tony Newton / Bass, keyboards
- Neil Carter / Guitar, keyboards, vocals
- Joe Lazarus / Drums
- Tommy Gentry / Guitar
