The Manfreds bring the classics to Rhyl Pavilion

Feb 3 2010

The Manfreds

A FOOTBALLER’S or athlete’s career may end when knees or feet finally give up, but it’s rare an artist ever stops wanting to produce.

Sure, the hair may be a few strands short of the perfect mop-cut – and what’s a few extra stone here and there?

A well placed guitar can easily disguise a slight beer-gut anyway.

One group that’s resisted the urge to hang up their guitars is The Manfreds.

Since 1991, the group formerly Manfred Mann have been keeping the spirit of 1964 alive. They will be bringing that spirit to North Wales when the visit Rhyl this week.

Now minus the keyboard player from whom they took their name, tours are a little more subdued than they once were.

"It was slightly hysterical back then, the crowds would be mainly female – trying to cut off your hair with nail scissors," remembers bass player Tom McGuinness.

"It’s a little calmer now, mainly couples – there are times when I’ve seen three generations of the same family at our gigs."

Tom was renowned as a self-styled ‘nastiest member of the group’. When asked, he feigns mock-horror and claims he has changed since then.

"I was cynical back then – I’ve mellowed a lot since.

"I’d write joke things about the band in the sleeve notes to our records but I’m not like that anymore. I wasn’t that nasty! You’ve probably got more to be cynical as you get older but I suppose the opposite has happened."

Although he says being on the road is a little more sedate than it used to be, that’s not to say the magic has gone. Now they all travel to shows under their own steam.

Unlike the Everly Brothers, who chose separate hotels because of their disdain for each other, the love is still there for The Manfreds.

Tom said: "I enjoy it now more than I have ever done."

Their reformation began in 1991 to celebrate his 50th birthday. Playing together for the first time in more than 20 years was like they had hardly missed a beat.

Such is the style of a band that has resisted the self-destruction cliche. More one that has decided to grow old gracefully.

The Manfreds play Rhyl Pavilion on February 4. Call 01745 330 000 for more information.