The Manfreds 50th Anniversary Celebration
Top British R&B band The Manfreds celebrate their 50th anniversary this year with a 35 date major UK tour starting on Thursday 11th October at the King's Theatre, Portsmouth and culminating in a final performance at Cadogan Hall, London on Friday 7th December 2012 .
Original Manfred Mann members Paul Jones, Mike Hugg and Tom McGuinness, plus former member Mike d’Abo, are joined by Rob Townsend, Marcus Cliffe and Simon Currie for what promises to be a terrific occasion.
And it's not just 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. Not just as Manfred Mann - though they clocked up an impressive 17 with 14 Top 10s including three No 1s - but also as solo artists and in subsequent groups.
Check out the tour dates, book tickets and call the appropriate box office.
Lead singer Paul Jones had hits in his own right then went on to form the Blues Band and become an influential radio broadcaster. Tom McGuinness formed McGuinness Flint with ex-John Mayall drummer Hughie Flint enjoying 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 while 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 UK Top 10 two years later with 5-4-3-2-1 which became the signature tune for the popular music TV show Ready Steady Go. Further hits followed with Do Wah 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.
50 years later The Manfreds are 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 1960's line-up including both the lead singers who featured on all the hits.
With so many memorable songs under their collective belts, this 50th Anniversary tour will be a total celebration from start to finish!
Tickets are on sale now from all usual outlets/venue box offices priced £13.50 - £31.
www.themanfreds.com