It was with great pleasure that I was able to chat with one of one of Rock's favorite guitarist, Mr. Mark Bosch. Mark is the lead guitarist for the iconic Ian Hunter and the Rant Band. He does a fine job playing new some tunes, as well as all the classics that Ian Hunter is known for. I like to think that he is filling the UN-fillable shoes of Mick Ronson, to which I can say, well done Mark, well done.


I must start with the obvious question...... how did you land the gig with Ian Hunter, how long have you been playing with him?

I started playing with Ian 10 years ago on the recommendation of the other members of the rant band back then. Andy York had been doing it but he had other commitments with John Cougar Mellencamp, Jack Petrizelli (sp?) did it for a while before me but I guess he had other conflicts schedule wise as well.


You do a fine job on lead guitar. Had you always been a big fan of Mick Ronson, and were you nervous when you first played the guitar solos that he made famous?

I was never really nervous picking up Ronno's solos. Regarding Ronson (and Mick Ralphs) I cut my teeth on this stuff. Yeah I'd say Ronno was very special.


Like most musicians, you have your hat in several bands. Please tell us about some of your side projects, who is in the bands etc?

Well we just wrapped 100 touring Tokyo, so now I am back working with Garland Jeffreys, preparing for his UK tour and dates in the Northeast USA. Between Ian and Garland's schedules, It's really hard to find much time to do much else. I would love to add a third client right now. I do take on a limited number of guitar students when I'm home for a stretch. I also will do a lot of sitting in and guesting around town.

I would love to travel the world, do you still get excited to travel, and which city did you find most impressive, and why?

I still do enjoy traveling not the airports and the airplane so much but the different places and foods. it's all good! England, Scandinavia, France, Belgium, Germany, Italy, Japan and choice parts of the USA are all big fun for me. The friends you make along the way makes it special.


You just returned from Japan, I bet this was interesting. Do you enjoy trying the cuisine of all the places you travel?

Right now, I'm impressed with Tokyo, very together, organized and fun. In England, I usually fall for the unusual and idyllic small towns (Harrowgate, Lincoln and Brighton come to mind). Same with the other countries, the smaller towns are always enjoyable. The big cities are more fast and furious.


What are your must haves to pass the time, as you are traveling?

I'm known for my endless bag of snacks. The Bosch mobile global deli.

What do you like to do in your time off?

During my time off I like to lay down a lot, catch up with friends and cook. Today I'm going to pound some chicken into making some chicken Parmesan Homestyle. I kill this dish.


How is it playing on stage with such an icon like Ian Hunter, and what have you learned from him?

Playing on with Ian is just a dream come true, he's a living legend in my book. I've learned to enjoy champagne and not play as loud. ; )

What advice do you have to pass on to the next generation?

Learn from as many great guitar players that you can, learn how to play different styles, listen and continue to learn. Take it deeper than a few barre chords.