The Manfreds return to Grand Opera House York!

With Alan Price and Cliff Bennett Tuesday 5 October at 7.30pm

‘Entertainment at its very best’ Nottingham Evening Post ‘You know you are experiencing something extra special’ Liverpool Echo In its eighth year due to public demand, the critically acclaimed tour Maximum Rhythm ‘N’ Blues takes to the road this Autumn 2010 boasting some of the finest Rhythm and Blues talent ever assembled on one stage. Touring from October through to early December, Maximum Rhythm ‘N’ Blues all star line up will take in some 37 dates travelling the length and breadth of the UK delighting fans everywhere. The artists learned their craft by playing the exciting 60s London Club circuit in such famous clubs of the time as ‘The Flamingo’, ‘Klooks Kleeks’, ‘Ricky Ticks’. ‘The Scene’, ‘Eel Pie Island’, the ‘Crawdaddy’, ‘Ronnie Scotts’ and ‘The 101 Club’ creating the birth of British Rhythm ‘N’ Blues. Alongside the Stones and The Yardbirds, the Manfreds were very much leaders of the pack, scoring a run of hit singles including If You Gotta Go, Go Now, Do Wah Diddy Diddy, 5-4-3-2-1 and Mighty Quinn. Paul Jones remembers their chart success, "People often ask what it was like to get a record to number one. The fact is, I don't remember Do Wah Diddy getting to number one because we were already in a whirlwind of excitement as it climbed the charts. I remember, much more clearly, when our first hit, 5-4-3-2-1, came into the charts at number 29. I was in the habit of traveling to our weekly gig at London's Marquee Club by bus...that day I took a taxi, I was that excited." The Maximum Rhythm ‘N’ Blues tour reunites original Manfred members Paul Jones, Mike D’abo, Mike Hugg, Tom McGuinness who are joined by Rob Townsend, Wayne Elliot and Simon Currie. After the successful reunion of The Manfreds in 1991, these pioneers of the groundbreaking British Rhythm ‘N’ Blues scene perform a show that features The Manfreds on stage throughout the night introducing all their classic hits and those of their special guests, Alan Price and Cliff Bennett. Mike D’abo has this to say “We’re huge fans of Cliff Bennett, just like The Beatles were in Hamburg all those years ago; and we continue to marvel at the gritty soulful quality he injects into his vocals. Having toured with Alan Price several times over the years, we think of him, not only as an incredibly gifted musician and good friend, but someone whose dry and cynical humour will invariably have us doubled up on stage in stitches! Can touring still be this much fun after all these years? You bet it can!” Alan Price is one of the quintessential British singer/ song writers of the 20th Century and has enjoyed a successful career in music, film and theatre spanning over 40 years. Price, initially a founder member of The Animals, has gone on to enjoy a great solo career with ‘I Put A Spell On You’, ‘Simon Smith And His Amazing Bear’, ‘The House That Jack Built’ and a memorable score for Lindsay Anderson’s ‘O Lucky Man!’. Speaking about the forthcoming tour Alan Price says “The Manfreds provide a show that brings a smile to the face and lifts the spirit. I will bring my own hits to the party, and together with Cliff Bennett, we'll have a night to remember.” The formidable talents of Rebel Rouser Cliff Bennett completes the bill. Due to friends and fellow singer / song writers from a new band called the Beatles, John Lennon and Paul McCartney recommended that Brian Epstein sign Cliff Bennett in 1964 and One Way Love charted straight into the Top Ten. Cliff remembers “Brian Epstein walked into an Abbey Road Studio during a session and instantly said 'that will be a hit, trust me’. Within weeks it entered the charts, which was totally unbelievable.” As famed for his songs as he is for the musicians who have passed through his bands Cliff Bennett will be bringing with him his hits One Way Love, I’ll Take You Home and Got To Get You Into My Life. ‘A fun-packed two and half hours of memories’ Birmingham Evening Mail Tickets: £24 & £22 from box office on 0844 847 2322 or online at www.grandoperahouseyork.org.uk For more information, photos, biogs or to arrange interviews please contact Celestine Dubruel on 01904 678711 or email celestinedubruel@theambassadors.com