Blue plaque to mark birthplace of 'one of Oswestry's most remarkable sons' set to be unveiled

A north Shropshire market town will commemorate a local rock legend with a special tribute later this month.

The Oswestry house in which Mott the Hoople frontman Ian Hunter was born will get a blue plaque installed on Saturday, September 26, at 11am.

Mott the Hoople were famous for their 1972 hit song All the Young Dudes, which was written by David Bowie.

Mr Hunter, who is now 87 and lives in Connecticut in the United States of America, was born in Oswestry on June 3, 1939.

The blue plaque will be unveiled at the York Street address by Oswestry mayor Councillor Jonathan Upton and Mr Hunter’s own grandson Jay Patterson.

Councillor Upton said: “It is a privilege to unveil this plaque in honour of Ian Hunter, one of Oswestry's most remarkable sons.

“His achievements deserve to be celebrated here, in the town where his story began, and I am delighted the council has been able to support this fitting tribute.”

Mr Hunter himself is expected to speak at the unveiling via a recorded video message.

A number of his fans are also predicted to visit Oswestry for the event.

Councillor Duncan Kerr has been at the heart of the project to get the plaque installed.

The marker itself has been funded by Oswestry Town Council.

Councillor Kerr has worked with Mr Hunter’s family, fans, and many in the local community to get the project over the line.

Following the unveiling, organisers and crowds will visit the Hermon Arts Centre, Oak Street, to hear Hunter’s video message.

Mr Hunter went on to be educated at The Priory Grammar School for Boys in Shrewsbury.

The Oswestry-born rocker was the lead singer of Mott the Hoople from its inception in Herefordshire in 1969 until he left the group in 1974.

The band had other commercial success after their hit single, including their albums Mott and The Hoople.