A SIXTIES band are celebrating 60 years of performing this year, with a tour that will be coming to Reading this autumn.
The Manfreds – formerly known as Manfred Mann – are pioneers of the UK’s rhythm and blues scene, and very much part of the British Invasion.
Songs including Pretty Flamingo, 5-4-3-2-1, The One In The Middle, and My Name Is Jack need little introduction and are just as popular now as they were in the band’s early days.
Other hits include Ha Ha! Said The Clown, Mighty Quinn and Do Wah Diddy Diddy.
This anniversary tour will be special for many reasons, one of which is that this is the final chance to see the band’s original frontmen, Paul Jones and Mike D’Abo, on tour together. Joining them will be original guitarist Tom McGuinness, along with long standing Manfreds members Rob Townsend on drums, Marcus Cliffe on bass and Simon Currie on saxophone/flute.
The band originally performed from 1962 until 1969. Reforming as The Manfreds in 1991, the band have carried on performing together ever since.
Alongside classic chart toppers, The Manfreds will showcase a few Paul Jones / Mike d’Abo / Tom McGuinness solo hits, plus a few surprise renditions of their favourite Rhythm ‘n’ Blues numbers from over the years
“It’s 60 years ago this December that I joined Manfred Mann, and 30 years and more since we got together for a one-off gig to celebrate my 50th birthday, with no idea that it would lead to a long-term reunion,” Tom says.
“How lucky I feel to be once again on-stage making music with The Manfreds.”
And Paul said: “What’s this? Our Diamond Jubilee? Wow.
“People say to me: ‘I bet you never dreamed you’d still be doing this after all these years’; but the truth is that I always believed I’d be out here doing what I do until – and well beyond – this age.
“The only thing I didn’t know was that I’d still be a Manfred, and, as Mike d’Abo frequently points out, we’ve got Tom McGuinness to thank for that.
“This tour is indeed a celebration: of the longevity of a concept that came together over a long time – and mostly of its own accord.”
And Mike is also looking forward to being on the road again.
“I first became aware of Manfred Mann’s reputation with 5-4-3-2-1 storming up the charts, Paul Jones oozing youthful confidence, the band – with a hint of academia about them – had a unique appeal.
“Little did I know that, in a couple of years , I’d be joining them as Paul’s replacement. What an incredible thrill and honour that was.
“Well… the good news is that The Manfreds are still doing it.
“Yes, we’re all back together again – Paul Jones, myself and Tom McGuinness – belting out the hits we created all those years ago. What an amazing survival story.”
The tour comes to The Anvil in Basingstoke on Thursday, September 21. Tickets cost £37.50 and £39.50. For more details, call the box office on:01256 844244, or log on to: https://www.anvilarts.org.uk/whats-on/event/maximum-rhythm-blues-with-the-manfreds
They will be at The Hexagon in Reading on Thursday, November 2. Tickets cost £36.50 and £38.50.
For more details, call the box office on: 0118 960 6060, or log on to: https://whatsonreading.com/venues/hexagon/whats-on/maximum-rhythm-and-blues-manfreds
