Warning! This one may offend delicate sensibilities. This week i pulled out my vinyl copy of the Mott The Hopple bootleg "Behind Enemy Lines". It's from the "Broadway" tour in 1974 and features the guitar stylings of Ariel Bender. At the time i bought it ,back in the early 80's, i was a bit disappointed in the quality but find it listenable to my older ears.
Glam Rock and teenage sexuality are obviously intertwined. While the "boys" are wearing make-up and platform boots, the "macho" guitar playing quells the homophobia factor. For whatever reason, my older brother couldn't handle Elton coming out of the closet or Mott but stayed cool with Bowie. This made Mott my band. Kill the father and all that musically speaking.
The three guitar players in Mott represent 3 very distinct phallus styles. First, There was Mick Ralphs. He was very economical with huge tone. A steady rut if you know what i mean.
Ariel Bender came in after he left. I loved and (loved) his over-excited style, skittery single notes, and hammering vibrato. He was like all us fifteen year olds: He came fast and often splattering the walls!!! "Walking with a Mountain" is the aural of equivalent of if i actually got laid at that age!!
If you've ever heard "European Ending", the only tour with Mick Ronson, you get the steady confidence of Ralph's with the sleazy sizzle that he brought to the Spiders. This is very manful stuff but with the pizazz of seduction.
Ariel is my favorite Mott live guitarist. I listened to "Winterland 73" on Youtube. Little less crazy than "Mott the Hoople Live" but great vibrato and slide work. Rock and Roll