Mott The Hoople are in the midst of their five-night ‘residency’ in London. Come inside for a report on the legendary band’s ‘miraculous reunion’.

Def Leppard singer Joe Elliott is in an exuberant mood backstage after the second show in Mott The Hoople’s five-night sold-out run at London’s HMV Apollo (which Classic Rock will forever refer to as the Hammersmith Odeon).

“As the unofficial cultural ambassador for Mott The Hoople for 30 years they wanted me involved,” Joe tells us.

Other well-wishers tonight include Mick Jones and Jimmy Page, who seems elated to see old Swansong chum and official ‘nicest man in rock’, Mott’s Mick Ralphs.

Overend Watts revealed that he hadn’t picked up a bass in decades but when he put on Mott’s albums he found that he had no problem playing along to all the songs.

With an audience that had travelled worldwide to see this miraculous reunion no one seemed disappointed with a set that ran over two hours and featured material from every corner of the Mott’s colourful history.

One of the emotional highpoints was the appearance of Dale ‘Buffin’ Griffin on the encore of All The Young Dudes. Due to health complications Griffin is unable to do a full set and his drumming stool has been filled by Pretender Martin Chambers, who has a long association with Mott (having played in Cheeks with organist Verden Allen) and comes from their hometown of Hereford.

The run of shows finishes tomorrow (Tuesday, October 6) and – as exclusively revealed by Classic Rock – will include support act The Down & Outz featuring Joe Elliott backed by members of The Quireboys (sans frontman Spike, who may make a guest appearance).

When Classic Rock spoke to Joe, he remained tight-lipped about the songs he was going to perform.

“I’ll happily give you a set list after the show, but if people see it now then they’ll know what songs Mott won’t perform. All I can tell you is that we’ll be doing four Ian Hunter songs, four by British Lions and a selection of other oddities and surprises.”