All time great British R&B band The Manfreds head out on tour this Autumn playing 34 shows across the U.K. with the band performing in Southport Theatre on November 1st.
Original Manfred Mann members Paul Jones, Mike Hugg and Tom McGuinness plus Rob Townsend, Marcus Cliffe and Simon Currie are joined by former member Mike d’Abo for what promises to be a terrific occasion and for this tour it’s not just the one but both of the original singers live on stage- Paul Jones and Mike D’Abo.
The seven strong Manfreds have had more hits amongst their respective players than almost any other band. They have firmly secured their place in the annals of British music.
The successes came not just as Manfred Mann – though they clocked up an impressive 17 hits with 14 Top 10s including three No1s– but also as solo artists and in subsequent groups. Lead singer Paul Jones had several big hits in his own right before going on to form the Blues Band and become an influential radio broadcaster. He has repeatedly won Harmonica Player of the year.
Tom McGuinness formed McGuinness Flint with ex-John Mayall drummer Hughie Flint and enjoyed massive hits. Mike Hugg went on to write hundreds of award-winning jingles plus the theme tunes to Up The Junction and The Likely Lads. Mike D’Abo, who replaced Paul in Manfred Mann, wrote some huge best sellers including Handbags And Gladrags (recorded by Chris Farlowe, Rod Stewart and the Stereophonics) and Build Me Up Buttercup (The Foundations) as well as major soundtracks and jingles.
The three remaining members, Rob Townsend, Marcus Cliffe and Simon Currie have all played with some of the biggest names in the industry carving their own successful solo careers.
Manfred Mann formed in 1962 and scored their first U.K. Top 10 two years later with 5-4-3-2-1 which became the signature tune for the popular music T.V. show Ready Steady Go. Further hits followed with Do Wah Diddy Diddy, Sha La La and Pretty Flamingo.
When Paul Jones left to pursue a solo career in 1966 he was replaced by Mike d’Abo and the group went on to score some of their biggest European hits – Ha Ha Said The Clown, Mighty Quinn, Fox on the Run, My Name Is Jack etc. Disbanding in 1969, Manfred Mann reformed as The Manfreds in 1991.
Since that reunion tour The Manfreds have been in huge demand. This year sees them celebrating their remarkable longevity with a major tour across the country. It sees the stellar line-up playing all the hits and more.,
Today The Manfreds’ musical reputation is unrivalled – not only do they enjoy massive worldwide popularity but they also retain original members from the 1960s line-up and feature both the lead singers who sang on all the hits.
For blistering rhythm ‘n’ blues you can’t do better.
Tickets are on sale now from all usual outlets/venue box offices priced £20-£32.50 (+ booking fee).