the manfreds tour reviews 2022

Still Belting Out The Hits – The Manfreds

Nov 26, 2023 | Review Beat

For 60 years and counting, the core of one of the UK’s most successful 60s pop groups are still enjoying what they do best and with a vast back catalogue of hits at their disposal, the trio of Jones, d’Abo and McGuinness still deliver…

MAXIMUM RHYTHM ‘N’ BLUES TOUR REVIEW By Ian Woolley

Manfred’s Paul Jones, Tom McGuinness and Mike d’Abo with our Beat cover (photo credit Quiz Britain)

“It was Tom McGuinness who got us back together for a one-off show and we loved it so much we’ve been touring ever since”, announced Paul Jones. Judging by the audience’s reaction, their fans don’t want that to stop either. 

At their penultimate current tour gig in Bournemouth before the Christmas break (the last one is in Torquay tonight), a near-full theatre once again was treated to all the hits and a surprise acoustic set in the second part of the show.

When you consider that every year of the ’60s after that, hit upon hit kept the group’s popularity to the fore. In those five successful years, the two lead singers of Jones and d’Abo amassed three UK chart-toppers and 10 top ten hits which were all performed with the same spark which was evident in these talented original members.

One of the finest harmonica players on the circuit, Paul Jones interacted with the crowd with his well-rehearsed easy-on-the-eye manner and friendly banter. McGuinness’s ‘Malt & Barley Blues’ went down well with the crowd who remembered his brief McGuinness Flint venture. His ‘When I’m Dead And Gone’ was performed in the second set.

Before the interval, they finished the first set with the Howling Wolf classic ‘Smokestack Lightnin’ which again showed the talent every member of the band clearly has as well as Jones’s harmonica prowess.

At the merch table during the interval, brisk transactions were taking place to purchase the band’s limited signed ‘Hits From The 60s’ CD and vinyl with unique artwork from former member Klaus Voormann. Clearly a collector’s ‘must-have’ for any Manfred Mann fan.

Throughout both sets, the original trio passed over the baton to each other for their solo collaborations, and in Mike d’Abo’s case, his well-loved penned songs like ‘Build Me Up Buttercup’ and ‘Handbags & Gladrags’ were both performed with the same passion he must have felt when he wrote them down for the very first time.

Guitarist Tom McGuinness makes his part look so easy with his laid-back strumming style throughout. Paul Jones performed one of his solo hits ‘I’ve Been A Bad, Bad Boy’ after telling the audience that he had decided to leave the group after their first chart-topper.

Both lead singers had the audience participation down to a fine art. If they weren’t singing along to every hit, they were encouraged to clap along.

“Singing is good for your endorphins!” Paul Jones told the audience.

With drummer Pete Riley, Marcus Cliffe (bass), and Simon Currie (saxophone & flute) as the other members on this current Maximum Rhythm ‘n’ Blues tour, these guys clearly still enjoy touring and performing.

“Who says this is our farewell tour”? Paul told me before the show.

Clearly, they will have the final say when they do decide to call it a day but for now, do go and see one of the most talented 60s groups out there. As Paul says, “It’s good for your endorphins”!

John Turner (backstage at the Bournemouth Pavilion)

NOTE: For 51 years providing the sound for some of the biggest names in the music business, one of Manfred’s current sound engineers on this tour John Turner had decided to retire tonight at his last gig in Torquay.

For all that have worked with him in his long career, we wish the 67-year-old a long and happy retirement.

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• Sep 17, 2022

The Manfreds. Hits, Jazz and Blues Tour 2022. The Embassy Theatre. Friday 16 September 2022.

Updated: Apr 8, 2023

The Manfreds

Hits, Jazz and Blues Tour 2022

The Embassy Theatre, Skegness

Friday 16 September 2022

The Manfreds fully qualify for the term "legends". During the Sixties, the band were one of the most prominent during the Beat Explosion. Hits by Manfred Mann were universally loved and they even managed to break the difficult US market. Though Manfred Mann had gone their seperate ways after their success in the Sixties, during 1991 a number of former members reunited and have been touring as The Manfreds successfully since.

The current line-up comprises original front man Paul Jones, guitarist Tom McGuiness, sax and flute player Simon Currie, bassist Marcus Cliffe, keys Mike Gorman and drums Martin Wild. Founder member Mike Hugg had also been playing keyboards on tour previously is currently "indisposed" as Paul Jones informed the audience this evening.

The musicianship on display this evening was exemplary. Every member of the band is a master of their craft and it is a privilege to hear such talent come together, reminding us of the 60-year musical heritage they represent with the original band having been formed in 1962. Their initial run of success came between 1962 and 1969 and saw Jones replaced as front man when he departed and singer Mike D'Abo joining the group. D'Abo has previously toured with the new line-up alongside Jones, but no longer appears by mutual consent as the schedules can prove demanding. During the interval I asked Google how old Paul Jones is now and was shocked and astonished to realise he was 80 in February this year.

I was chatting to a friend and said that growing up, we never saw pop stars of that age and then realised that in our youth, rock 'n' roll/pop music just had not been around long enough for that to be the case. Having said that, Paul Jones is in spectacularly good form. He looks at least twenty years younger than he actually is. His energy and enthusiasm are fantsatic and his love of the music he plays is infectious. He was clearly having fun tonight - so why would you consider retiring? His other long-term association is with The Blues Band, who have recently completed their Farewell Tour though The Manfreds' webste says that THEY have no intention of calling it a day yet.

As might be expected, Jones' voice does not quite have the power or attack that used to be prevalent on the early recordings but his blues harmonica playing remains a sight to behold. He is amazing and stands as one of this country's outsanding musicians in this field. He still has a golint of mischief in his eye and the rakish charm for which he has been known throughout his long and varied career in the public eye. He delivered the goods time and again as he trotted out the hots of Manfred Mann including 5, 4, 3, 2, 1... and Pretty Flamingo along with The Eskimo Quinn (The Mighty Quinn) . But it is clear that his hear lays firmly in the jazz and blues field. The show opened with a jazz/blues number in The Tengo Tango and we were treated repeatedly to blues infused rock or jazz.

Alongside Paul Jones, the other long-time member is Tom McGuiness who began his career in a band called The Roosters with a certain Mr Eric Clapton and after leaving Manfred Mann, formed McGuiness Flint before later re-emerging in The Blues Band. McGuiness remains a masterful blues guitarist, who makes everything look so simple and so easy. He performed some of his own hits including Malt And Barley Blues and When I'm Dead and Gone . He has lost none of his sublime skils and can make the guitar (or mandolin) perform exactly as he wants. The laid back, easy-going style is like honey for the ears; no hystrionic guitar solos that make your ears bleed, but riffs and solos that slide in to your consciousness and rest easily there.

We were also treated to solo spots from Marcus Cliffe as he performed his interpretation of Curtis Mayfield's People Get Ready with simple accompaniment from his bass and loop station as the rest of the band took their leave. It was a really interesting take on the song and highlighted just how good a bassist Cliffe really is.

Simon Currie's solo spot came as he performed Diamond in the Sand with Mike Gorman accompanying him. The breath-taking tune soared and swept as the audience hung on every note from this masterful musician. He may take a back seat as a Manfred, but as a musician he can stand proud and take the applause for his virtuosity.

The rock at the rear of the stage was ever-reliable Martin Wilde on drums, pounding like a steam train through some complex blues and offering his own interpretation as a jazz drummer when the moments allowed.

My personal favourites during the evening alonside some of the aforementioned tunes were, Watermelon Man and Losing You To The Blues In Me. The latter really slid down like a fine wine as McGuiness gave it his all.

I don't know how much longer The Manfreds will keep performing live, its in their DNA to reproduce blistering R & B performed with such gusto during their illustrious career, such as Smokestack Lightning or I'm Your Kingpin , and as long as crowds flock to hear Doo Wah Diddy I am sure that the band wil ignore the advice of their own encore this evening which declared If You've Gotta Go, Go Now . All power to The Manfreds - see them while you still have the chance.

Andy Evans - 17 September 2022

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The Manfreds announce 60 years Maximum Rhythm 'N' Blues Tour

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The Manfreds

The manfreds return to the met for a much awaited performance..

They are considered one of the finest and most respected bands from the sixties era and their numerous hits were not just ‘pop’ songs. Many were R&B based with an undercurrent of jazz – a very unusual but winning combination of playing style and substance.

As a result, their records have a timeless quality and, almost sixty years on, The Manfreds , with original front man, Paul Jones , will be performing many of their hits, including ‘Do Wah Diddy Diddy’ , one of the most popular and instantly recognisable songs of the sixties, and still the biggest audience pleaser at their concerts, along with a mix of jazz and blues covers and tracks from their individual solo albums.

Paul Jones , with his unique harmonica sound, will be joined by Tom McGuinness on guitar, Rob Townsend on drums, Mike Gorman on keyboards, Marcus Cliffe on bass, and Simon Currie on saxophone/flute.

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The Manfreds announce 60th anniversary reunion UK tour dates

15 February 2023, 11:45

By Tom Eames

Legendary group The Manfreds have announced a huge UK tour to celebrate 60 years as a band.

Formerly known as Manfred Mann , the iconic R&B rock band were one of the biggest acts of the '60s British Invasion, and this year they mark 60 years together.

The tour will also mark the last opportunity for fans to see both original frontmen, Paul Jones and Mike D’Abo, on tour together.

Joining Mike and Paul will be original guitarist Tom McGuinness, along with long-running Manfreds members Rob Townsend on drums, Marcus Cliffe on bass and Simon Currie on saxophone and flute.

Tickets are available here , from Friday (February 17).

Gold Meets... Manfred Mann's Paul Jones - the full interview

The band originally performed from 1962 to 1969. They reformed as The Manfreds in 1991, and have carried on performing for over 30 years.

Fans will see the band perform their biggest hits, including 'Pretty Flamingo', '5-4-3-2-1', 'Ha Ha! Said The Clown', 'My Name Is Jack', 'The Mighty Quinn' and 'Do Wah Diddy Diddy'.

The Manfreds will also play a few Paul Jones, Mike d’Abo and Tom McGuinness solo hits, plus other surprise covers of their favourite R&B songs.

Paul Jones 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 / decades'; 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.”

The full dates are:

• 21st September Basingstoke The Anvil
• 22nd September Worthing Assembly Hall
• 24th September Southend Cliffs Pavilion
• 29th September York Grand Opera House
• 30th September Birmingham Town Hall
• 1st October Liverpool Philharmonic
• 4th October Hull City Hall
• 5th October King’s Lynn Corn Exchange
• 6th October High Wycombe Swan Theatre
• 11th October St Albans Albarn Arena
• 12th October Peterborough New Theatre
• 13th October Folkstone Leas Cliff Hall
• 14th October Guildford G-Live
• 19th October Glasgow Royal Concert Hall
• 20th October Halifax Victoria Theatre
• 21st October Gateshead The Sage
• 25th October Swansea Grand Theatre
• 26th October Weston-Super-Mare Playhouse Theatre
• 27th October Truro Hall For Cornwall
• 28th October Barnstaple Queens Theatre
• 2nd November Reading Hexagon
• 3rd November London Cadogan Hall
• 4th November Northampton Royal & Derngate
• 5th November Buxton Opera House
• 8th November Blackpool Grand Theatre
• 9th November Leicester De Montfort Hall
• 10th November Chatham Central Theatre
• 11th November Cambridge Corn Exchange
• 23rd November Tunbridge Wells Assembly Hall
• 24th November Eastbourne Congress Theatre
• 25th November Bournemouth Pavilion
• 26th November Torquay Princess Theatre

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Maximum Rhythm And Blues With The Manfreds: The 60th Anniversary Tour

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“This tour is a celebration of the longevity of a concept that came together over a long time - and mostly of its own accord.” Paul Jones

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The Manfreds Concert Setlists & Tour Dates

The manfreds at glastonbury festival 2024.

• Fox on the Run
• Ha! Ha! Said the Clown
• I've Been a Bad Bad Boy
• Semi-Detached Suburban Mr James
• Pretty Flamingo
• Handbags and Gladrags
• Smokestack Lightning
• Build Me Up Buttercup
• When I'm Dead and Gone
• Quinn the Eskimo (The Mighty Quinn)
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The Manfreds at The Forum, Bath, England

The manfreds at epsom playhouse, epsom, england, the manfreds at pavilion theatre, bournemouth, england.

• The One in the Middle
• Malt and Barley Blues
• My Name is Jack
• Oh No Not My Baby
• Ragamuffin Man

The Manfreds at Congress Theatre, Eastbourne, England

• Fox on the Run / Pick Up the Pieces

The Manfreds at Cambridge Corn Exchange, Cambridge, England

The manfreds at de montfort hall, leicester, england, the manfreds at grand theatre, blackpool, england, the manfreds at cadogan hall, london, england, the manfreds at the playhouse, weston-super-mare, england.

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Most played songs

• Do-Wah-Diddy ( 85 )
• Pretty Flamingo ( 85 )
• When I'm Dead and Gone ( 80 )
• 5-4-3-2-1 ( 79 )
• Quinn the Eskimo (The Mighty Quinn) ( 79 )

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Artists covered

[traditional] Cannonball Adderley Sextet Nat Adderley Oscar Brown Jr. Ray Charles The Nat King Cole Trio Sam Cooke The Crickets The Crusaders Mike d’Abo Bo Diddley Bob Dylan The Exciters Andy Fairweather‐Low Georgie Fame Georgie Fame & the Blue Flames The Foundations Herbie Hancock Tony Hazzard Howlin’ Wolf The Impressions Paul Jones Paul Jones Louis Jordan and His Tympany Five Carole King Marie Knight Manfred Mann Les McCann & Eddie Harris McGuinness Flint Tom McGuinness Van Morrison The Rascals Mongo Santamaría The Shirelles Dinah Shore The Horace Silver Quintet Jimmy Smith Joe Stampley The Temptations Jimmy Witherspoon Zoot Money’s Big Roll Band

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81 people have seen The Manfreds live.

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The Manfreds’ Maximum Rhythm N’ Blues Tour with Georgie Fame

by Northern Life

Legendary pioneers of British rhythm and blues, The Manfreds, will be touring again this autumn. Dates are rescheduled from 2020 with all original tickets remaining valid and the tour also features another 60s icon, special guest Georgie Fame.

The Manfreds’ all-star line-up features original Manfred Mann founding members Mike Hugg (keyboards) and singer Paul Jones alongside long-time band members guitarist Tom McGuinness and vocalist Mike d’Abo who replaced Paul Jones in 1966. The Manfreds’ line-up is completed by Simon Currie (saxophone, flute) and Marcus Cliffe (bass), who have previously worked with the likes of Mark Knopfler, Eric Clapton, and Rod Stewart, together with drummer Rob Townsend, formerly of rock band Family.

“Exciting to think the Manfreds might be able to play together again”

Formed in London in 1962, Manfred Mann quickly found success with their single 5-4-3-2-1 , recorded as the theme for ground-breaking TV pop show Ready Steady Go! Tom McGuinness then joined Manfred Mann who went on to have a string of hit singles through the sixties including three UK number ones with Do Wah Diddy Diddy, Pretty Flamingo and a cover of Bob Dylan’s The Mighty Quinn.

When Paul Jones left, in 1966 to pursue a solo career, Mike D’Abo slipped seamlessly into the front-man role. D’Abo was also an accomplished songwriter, responsible for penning the classic tracks Build Me Up Buttercup (The Foundations) and Handbags & Gladrags for Chris Farlowe and famously covered by Rod Stewart and Stereophonics.

As the seventies dawned the band split to follow individual paths. Fa st forward to 1991 and several original members of the band reformed as The Manfreds, in celebration of Tom McGuinness’ 50th birthday and surrounding a compilation of Manfred Mann’s classic hits.

The tour will bring rhythm and blues nostalgia, along with their greatest hits, across the country beginning in Sheffield on 14 October. The group will perform some of their most loved songs, the timeless hits Pretty Flamingo, Sha La La, Ha Ha Said The Clown and, of course, 5-4-3-2-1 . The show will also feature some of the songs that brought success outside of Manfred Mann including Mike d’Abo’s solo-penned hits, Paul Jones’ I’ve Been A Bad Bad Boy and the McGuinness Flint classic When I’m Dead and Gone .

Joining The Manfreds on tour is another sixties legend Georgie Fame. He also topped the UK chart, on three occasions, with Yeh Yeh, Get Away and The Ballad of Bonnie and Clyde . With his much-loved blend of jazz and rhythm & blues, Georgie Fame has consistently worked in the highest musical circles, initially with his band The Blue Flames, becoming an icon of the British music scene and collaborating with the likes of Van Morrison and Bill Wyman.

“Not only is it exciting to think that the Manfreds might actually be able to play together on tour again at last,” says Paul Jones, “but that the great Georgie Fame will be back with us as well. Also, our friends and fans, starved of live music from us for so long, will refresh their memories with the real thing once more and these loved, cherished and much-missed venues – and the people who work in and look after them – will once again host us and make us welcome!”

Mike D’Abo added: “I’m looking forward to being part of the Manfred’s Maximum R&B Tour featuring our special guest and old friend Georgie Fame. To think that, between us, we topped the charts on no less than six occasions in the 60s – with both The Manfreds and Georgie Fame each notching up three No.1 hits. That’s an achievement I’m ‘Mighty’ proud of!”

Maximum Rhythm N’ Blues 2021 Tour Dates:

Thursday 14 October, Sheffield, City Hall

Friday 15 October, Birmingham Town Hall

Saturday 16 October, Worthing, Assembly Hall

Sunday 17 October, Portsmouth, Kings Theatre

Tuesday 19 October, Weston-Super-Mare, Playhouse Theatre

Wednesday 20 October, Barnstaple, Queens Theatre

Thursday 21 October, Bournemouth, Pavilion Theatre

Saturday 23 October, Folkestone, Leas Cliff Hall

Sunday 24 October, Southend, Cliffs Pavilion

Tuesday 26 October, Eastbourne, Congress Theatre

Wednesday 27 October London, Cadogan Hall

Thursday 28 October, Basingstoke, The Anvil

Saturday 30 October, Buxton, Opera House

Sunday 31 October, Dartford, The Orchard

Thursday 4 November, Guildford, G Live

Friday 5 November, Tunbridge Wells, Assembly Hall Theatre

Saturday 6 November, Reading, Hexagon Theatre

Sunday 7 November, Chatham, Central Theatre

Thursday 11 November, York, Grand Opera House

Friday 12 November, Stoke-On-Trent, Victoria Hall

Saturday 13 November, Halifax, Victoria Theatre

Sunday 14 November, Blackpool, Grand Theatre

Wednesday 17 November, High Wycombe, Swan Theatre

Thursday 18 November, Salisbury, City Hall Postponed

Friday 19 November, Peterborough, New Theatre

Saturday 20 November, Ipswich, Regent Theatre

Monday 29 November, Liverpool, Philharmonic Hall

Wednesday 1 December, Gateshead, The Sage

Friday 3 December, Glasgow, Royal Concert Hall

For more information and tickets please visit Maximum Rhythm and Blues – The Manfreds With Georgie Fame Tour 2021, Official Concert Tickets from MyTicket.co.uk

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Concert review: The Manfreds (Cadogan Hall 3rd November 2023)

Posted on November 5, 2023 by William Byford in Arts , Blogs , Britain , History , Life , Music , What's Hot , World Affairs // 0 Comments

I may be treading upon unsure ground here but one of the features of music generally – in its various forms ranging across the spectrum from the primitive to High Art and back again – is its appeal to most sentient members of the human race as they make their journey through life.

We all have different capacities to respond to music and/or song.

Just as there are die-hard adherents of what is defined as classical music (to the exclusion of all else), the world is also crammed full of similarly-devoted fans of heavy metal, grudge, punk, rap, electro-pop, big band music, crooners of the 1940s and 1950s and indeed, these days, whatever-else-have-you.

Maybe variety is the spice of life.

Personally-speaking – being both tone deaf and born in 1951 – I hereby must confess that “my musical time” was roughly the quarter of a century between 1960 to 1985.

When asked, I now cite 1985 as the date of the end of my interest in current “youth” music because – looking back – it seemed it was about that year that I finally stopped listening to it by choice.

Furthermore, for the record, I’m perfectly content that this has been the case. Place my name in the folder marked “Out Of Touch” if you will, but there is only so much music that anyone can listen to by personal preference and all of mine hails from before 1985.

Last Friday evening my beloved and I drove through the remnants of Storm Ciaran’s 75 mph winds and torrential rain – hampered at various times by an imperfect sat-nav system – to stay with some friends in South London and join them at what was rumoured to be one of the last-ever gigs to be played by a “now playing only for the love of the music” band known as The Manfreds.

Manfred Mann himself went on to have further success with Manfred Mann’s Earth Band (most famous single a cover of Bruce Springsteen’s Blinded By The Light that charted on both sides of the Atlantic).

The Manfreds – essentially the original members of Manfred Mann bar the man himself (which is why they couldn’t call themselves Manfred Mann!) – came into being after they decided to get together in 1991 to celebrate Tom McGuinness’s 50 th birthday and ended up playing/touring together to promote a Manfred Man Greatest Hits compilation. This was sufficiently successful that they have been touring irregularly ever since.

Friday night’s affair – at a sold-out Cadogan Hall off Sloane Square in London – was no exception.

It was rumoured to be one of their last-ever gigs, largely because – now with more all three surviving (as in “still in the band”, not just “still breathing!”) members over the age of eighty, there has to be a time to stop sometime!

I am not going to bother to review the concert in detail, in which the “original three” were supported by other musicians on drums, keyboards and sax/flute.

The two vocalists – Jones and d’ Abo – took turns to introduce each tune and Tom McGuinness also led the band in versions of his two McGuinness Flint 1970/1971 charting songs Malt & Barley Blues and When I’m Dead And Gone .

The audience soon warmed up and by the end of proceedings – although there was no seat-wrecking and chucking, or other rioting behaviour, as might perhaps have accompanied their pop group live performances in the 1960s – the band were receiving standing ovations, not least after Jones gave an amazing vocal and harmonica performance during rendition of the band’s original blues favourites – Chester Burnett’s (i.e. Howlin’ Wolf’s) Smokestack Lightnin’ …

One last thing.

“Back in the day” – 1961/1962 – when what later became the British pop revolution was beginning to come to life, the first vocalist approached to become lead singer of the group that later became the Rolling Stones turned down the opportunity to join them – thereby leaving one Michael Philip Jagger, son of a PE teacher, to assume that role.

That “offer rejector” was Paul Jones.

He was a major Brit pop star in the 1960s and – although from 1966 onwards his career meandered off into other things – even in 2023 his voice remains vital, his harp (harmonica) playing is superb and he radiates mega-watt power charisma.

Eighty-one?

He could still blow the socks off singers 60 years his junior!

About William Byford

A partner in an international firm of loss adjusters, William is a keen blogger and member of the internet community. More Posts

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GIG REVIEW: The Manfreds

Welcome to UK Music Reviews » GIG REVIEW: The Manfreds

The Manfreds performing their 5.4.3.2.1. – It’s The Manfred’s Tour at The Royal Concert Hall Nottingham on Tuesday 11 th November 2014

Images and Review by Kevin Cooper

The long queue of fans keen to get an autograph after The Manfreds performance at The Royal Concert Hall last night would have pleased many a chart topping teen boy band. There is no doubting that they still have the X Factor, even if they have recently celebrated being in the business more than 50 years, having started as one of Britain’s first teen boy bands.

But how many of today’s superstar boy bands will, after fifty years, still be able to get an audience rocking all night long with hit after hit after hit?

Whilst front men Paul Jones and Mike d’Abo share the lead singing ; other original band members Tom McGuinness and Mike Hugg, were supported by drummer Rob Townsend; Simon Curry on saxophone and flute, and Marcus Cliffe on bass, all of whom demonstrated such a high degree of musical virtuosity, that it was impossible not to admire them all individually.

The audience were immediately called into support as the band launched into Ha! Ha! Said The Clown, Sha La La, Fox On The Run, Oh No Not My Baby and My Name Is Jack. Ending the first half, they steamed through an incredible version of Howlin’ Wolf’s classic, Smokestack Lightning, which allowed Jones to show how the harmonica really is an incredible instrument in the hands of a master.

The second half kicked off with an acoustic set which included Mike d’Abo singing his version of Handbags and Gladrags; a song he originally wrote for Chris Farlowe before being made famous by Rod Stewart and The Stereophonics; and Tom McGuiness singing Malt And Barley Blues and delivering an exquisite mandolin backing to his McGuiness Flint hit; When I’m Dead And Gone.

As the evening progressed the mood changed slightly to a bluesier feel, with Jones singing a great version of Herbie Hancock’s Watermelon Man. Pretty Flamingo followed, then a very moving Semi-Detached Suburban Mr James and an energetic 5.4.3.2.1. There was also a massive sing-along, to Bob Dylan’s Mighty Quinn, before they ended the main set with Da Wah Diddy Diddy.

Finishing the night with If You Gotta Go, Go Now, the audience were immediately on their feet to show their appreciation for a band that showed just why they have been around so long.

Including Jones, this band boasts 3 septuagenarians, and to paraphrase a line from the film, When Harry Met Sally; ‘Whatever they’re on, I want some of it’, because there was no let up for the entire evening. Jones and d’Abo, from the piano, shared the singing duties and of course Jones played some superb harmonica sections. Whilst he still has the aura of a naughty posh boy, he has formidable energy, which his many years in the business have not dulled. His voice sounds better today and his range is still extraordinary.

As the audience rose to show their appreciation, the sax playing of Simon Currie, the solid drum backing of Rob Townsend and the intricate bass patterns of Marcus Cliffe, emphasised the amazing pedigree and musical talent of The Manfreds.

Tonight they may have turned the clock back to the 60’s but what is still remarkable is not only the quality of their musicianship but the fact that their playlist contains so many well written songs which are the soundtrack to so many lives and are now a part of pop, rhythm and blues heritage.

Now where is the stage door so that I can join that queue?

Cancle Replay

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The Manfreds

27 Apr 2022

Hits, Jazz & Blues Tour.

The '60s group Manfred Mann is now considered, more than ever, one of the finest and most respected bands from that era. Their numerous hits were R&B based with an undercurrent of jazz - a very unusual but winning combination of playing style and substance.

As a result, their records have a timeless quality and, some 55 years on, The Manfreds, with original front man, Paul Jones, will be performing many of their hits, including 'Do Wah Diddy Diddy', one of the most popular and instantly recognisable songs of the '60's, and still the biggest audience pleaser at their concerts, along with a mix of Jazz and Blues covers and tracks from their individual solo albums.

Paul Jones, with his unique harmonica sound, will be joined by Mike Hugg on keyboards, Tom McGuinness on guitar, Rob Townsend on drums, Marcus Cliffe on bass, and Simon Currie on saxophone/ flute.

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The Manfreds

• Fri 20 Sep Yarm, Princess Alexandra Auditorium & Friarage Theatre The Manfreds View tickets
• Thu 26 Sep Ilkley, Kings Hall The Manfreds View tickets
• Sun 20 Oct Edinburgh, The Queen's Hall The Manfreds View tickets
• Fri 1 Nov Bury St Edmunds, The Apex The Manfreds View tickets
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The Manfreds – Hits, Jazz & Blues Tour

About this show.

Uh-huh we’re the Manfreds! They were at the birth of British Rhythm ‘n’ Blues in the smoky night-clubs of 1960’s London recording such songs as Do wah Diddy Diddy , 5-4-3-2-1 , Sha La La , She’s Not There , House of the Rising Sun , Out of Time and many, many more.

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The Manfreds tour dates 2024

The Manfreds is currently touring across 1 country and has 1 upcoming concert.

The final concert of the tour will be at King's Hall in Ilkley.

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Upcoming concerts (1) See nearest concert

King's Hall

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Bournemouth Pavilion

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The  Manfreds

Hits & More in ’24

4 th August - Wisbech Party In The Park. (Inc Mike d'Abo)

September :

Thurs 19th     Louth, Riverhead Theatre     01507 600350

Fri 20 th   ​ Yarm, Princess Alexandra Auditorium ​ ​ ​ 01642 792587

Sat 21 st ​ Whitby 60’s Festival ​ ​ ​ 01757 700042 or 07990073574

Thurs 26 th ​ Ilkley, Kings Hall ​ 01943   602319

Fri 27 th   ​ Pocklington, Arts Centre ​ 01759 301547

Sat 28 th ​ Loughborough, Town Hall ​ 01509 231914

Thurs 17 th ​ South Shields, Customs House ​ 0191 454 1234

Fri 18 th   ​ Alnwick, Playhouse Theatre ​ 01665 660550

Sat 19 th ​ Glenrothes , Rothes Hall ​ 01592 611101

Sun 20 th ​ Edinburgh, Queens Hall ​ 0131 668 2019

Thurs 24 th ​ Christchurch,  The Regent ​ 01202 499199

Fri 25 th   ​ Frome, Memorial Theatre ​ 01373 462795

Sun 27 th ​ Basildon,  Towngate Theatre ​ 01268 205300

Thurs 31 st ​ Cromer, Pier Pavilion Theatre ​ 01263 512495

Fri  1 st   ​ Bury  St.Edmunds ,  The Apex ​ 01284 758000

Sat 2 nd ​ Newark, Palace Theatre ​ 01636 655755

Weds 6 th ​ Rhyl, Pavilion Theatre ​ 01745 330000

Thurs 7 th ​ Wrexham, William Aston Hall ​ 01352 344101

Fri 8 th   ​ Barrow  In  Furness, Forum 28 ​ 01229 820000

Thurs 14 th ​ St.Helens , Theatre Royal ​ 01744 756000

Fri 15 th   ​ Tamworth, Assembly Rooms ​ 01827 709618

Sat 16 th   ​ Dudley, Town Hall ​ 01384 812812

Thurs 21 st ​ Stamford, Corn Exchange ​ 01780 766455