Legendary Rock UFO Vocalist Phil Mogg Talks to Phil Aston about Moggs Motel
As a long-time fan of UFO, interviewing Phil Mogg was not just an opportunity—it was an honor. Phil Mogg, the legendary vocalist of UFO, has recently embarked on a new musical journey with his latest project, Moggs Motel. In our conversation, we discussed everything from his inspiration for the album to the creative process behind it.
Phil Mogg is no stranger to the music world, having fronted UFO for decades. However, Moggs Motel represents a departure from his past work. “This is not a UFO album,” Phil emphasised early in our conversation. Indeed, the album feels like a fresh start—a new band with a different sound. The project was born out of a desire to create something new during the long COVID lockdown, a period that gave Phil ample time to explore different musical ideas.
The result is an album that’s packed with rock and roll energy, yet it’s also introspective and deeply personal. Songs like “Apple Pie” and “The Princess Bride” showcase Phil’s talent for weaving together sharp lyrics with compelling melodies. The album also features female harmonies that add a new dimension to the music, a creative choice that Phil hadn’t explored much in his UFO days.
One of the most poignant moments in our discussion was when Phil talked about how the themes of mortality and reflection have influenced his songwriting. Lyrics like “I look in the mirror, young man grown old” from the single “Apple Pie” clearly illustrate this introspective approach. While Phil was quick to downplay the idea that he’s obsessed with obituaries, it’s clear that he’s been thinking a lot about life, loss, and the passage of time—topics that inevitably find their way into his music.
Despite this Moggs Motel is anything but a somber album. In fact, it’s uplifting and anthemic, filled with the kind of rock and roll that makes you feel alive. “It’s a positive album,” Phil said. “Just what we need with the way the news is at the moment.”
Phil was particularly enthusiastic about the collaborative nature of Moggs Motel. Unlike many of his past projects, which were often under the pressure of record labels, this album was created without any external interference. This freedom allowed Phil and his bandmates to experiment with different sounds and ideas. Tony Newton’s production adds a spacious quality to the album, allowing each instrument to breathe, creating a sound that is both powerful and dynamic.
The inclusion of vocalist Zoë (who also sings with Alabama 3) adds another layer to the album’s unique sound. Her harmonies, particularly on tracks like “Sunny Side of Heaven” and “Tinker Taylor,” provide a contrast to Phil’s emotive and soulful vocals, creating a rich, textured listening experience.
Phil also shared some interesting stories behind the tracks, such as “Shane,” inspired by the classic film Shane starring Alan Ladd, and “Harry’s Place,” which pays homage to Lalo Schifrin’s iconic music from the Dirty Harry movies. These nods to the past are interwoven with Phil’s forward-looking approach to music, making Moggs Motel an album that is both rooted in tradition and boldly experimental.
When I asked Phil about the possibility of playing these songs live, he expressed interest in doing a few small shows, perhaps even a festival or two. However, he was clear that Moggs Motel is its own entity and doesn’t need to be tied to his UFO legacy. “It’s a totally different entity,” he said. “And I would like to approach it that way.”
In the end, Moggs Motel is an album that showcases Phil Mogg at his best—both as a storyteller and as a musician. It’s a record that stands on its own, separate from his UFO legacy, and it’s a testament to his ability to continue evolving as an artist. Whether you’re a long-time fan of Phil Mogg or new to his music, Moggs Motel is an album that deserves your attention.
I highly recommend picking up a copy of Moggs Motel—whether on vinyl, CD, or digital. It’s a rock and roll album that will surprise you with its depth and energy. And as Phil himself said, it’s all killer, no filler.
Phil Aston | Now Spinning Magazine
