Great Rhythm and Blues artists unite on one Worthing stage.
Some of the greatest rhythm and blues artists will join together in Maximum Rhythm ‘n’ Blues on Saturday October 30 when The Manfreds, Alan Price and Cliff Bennett unite on one stage.
Just two days after they play at London’s Cadogan Hall, the artists whose early days were spent playing at famous clubs such as The Flamingo, Klooks Kleeks and Ronnie Scott’s will perform at the Assembly Hall in Worthing.
The Manfreds, Alan Price and Cliff Bennett have been credited with the birth of British Rhythm ‘n’ Blues alongside The Rolling Stones and The Yardbirds. The Manfreds, in their original incarnation as Manfred Mann, had a run of hit singles including If You Gotta Go, Go Now, Do Wah Diddy Diddy, 5-4-3-2-1 and Mighty Quinn.
Remembering their chart success, frontman Paul Jones says: “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.”
Maximum Rhythm ‘n’ Blues 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 their successful reunion in 1991 the show 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 says: “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/songwriters of the 20th Century and has enjoyed a successful career in music, film and theatre spanning over 40 years. Initially a founder member of The Animals, he has gone on to enjoy a great solo career with I Put A Spell On You, Simon Smith and his Amazing Bear and The House That Jack Built.
As famed for his songs as he is for the musicians who have passed through his bands, Cliff Bennett was recommended to Brian Epstein by John Lennon and Paul McCartney in 1964 which led to One Way Love going straight into the Top Ten. He will also be performing his hits such as I’ll Take You Home and Got To Get You Into My Life.
Maximum Rhythm ‘n’ Blues
Assembly Hall, Stoke Abbott Road, Worthing. BN11 1HQ
Saturday October 30
7.30pm
Tickets: £21.00, £23.00