Hunter sent off a volley of five songs from the completed sessions but there was no Papillon single released. However, a four-song EP was issued. And, Fuel 2000 issued a promo with a caricature of President George W. Bush as Alfred E. Neumann of MAD comics fame. The promo CD notably included two acoustic recordings from Ian's US TV appearance on The Late Show with Craig Kilborn, accompanied by James Mastro. Although there was relatively little promotion, the CD was largely acclaimed by critics and the press.
During May Hunter embarked on a promotional campaign visiting American radio stations playing acoustically with guitarist Mastro. In June Ian played eleven British gigs. The Rant Band was slowly building an audience for Hunter.
In 2001, Ian was invited by Ringo Starr to tour with his Ringo Starr and His All-Starr Band, a live supergroup of revolving musical stars. Hunter played All The Young Dudes, started with Still Love Rock and Roll, which was changed at Starr's request in favor of Irene Wilde.
Also in 2001, Hunter co-wrote four songs with BDS, a band formed by members of Blue Öyster Cult and Alice Cooper. The songs included Having the Time of My Life, Love You Too Much, There Was a Girl, and The Real Thing. Once you feel nostalgic for harder rock and rock ballads that would not be out of place on YUI Orta you can give these songs a listen.
Ian Hunter On Track for Sonicbond Publishing, TheDoctorOfDigital@pm.me
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