“Roll Away the Stone,” written by Ian Hunter and produced by Mott the Hoople, was released in the UK in November 1973, and in the US in 1974, ahead of inclusion on their album The Hoople (1974). The single reached No. 8 on the UK Singles Chart, staying in the top 10 for two weeks and remaining on the charts for a total of roughly twelve weeks from November 1973 through early February 1974. It was their last major UK hit and marked the commercial high point of their glam‑rock era. The original single version featured Mick Ralphs on lead guitar and backing female vocals by the Thunderthighs. Later re‑recorded for the album The Hoople, it included Ariel Bender on guitar and a vocal bridge by Lynsey de Paul. The track blends honking saxophones, piano, crunching guitar hooks and theatrical backing vocals for an energizing glam‑pop sound.
Mott The Hoople – Roll Away The Stone
Unique piano approach: Ian Hunter reportedly smashed out the white keys on his upright piano and composed in unfamiliar black-key scales—writing songs like “Roll Away the Stone” in sharps and flats to push creative boundaries
Nearly lost to another band: The Hollies reportedly attempted to claim the song through the publishing company—but Mott the Hoople held the rights and recorded it themselves
Two versions, two guitars: The single version showcases Mick Ralphs’ lead guitar; the album version features Ariel Bender with a new harmony lead line and Lynsey de Paul delivering the female bridge vocal, giving each version its own character
Glam’s commercial zenith: The song represented one of the last bursts of glam-pop glory for the band before internal tensions and lineup changes led to their decline after 1974.
Live TV debut: Mott the Hoople performed the song on BBC’s Top of the Pops on 15 November 1973, helping cement its UK success
