MAN at The Thunderbolt
Headfirst Editor's Pick

"Mainstream recognition always eluded Man, but the cult Welsh psych-proggers’ 57 year marathon of frazzled pub-rock jams have made them an unparalleled cosmic Celtic institution. The most significant thing to come out of Merthyr since the Industrial Revolution? Essential history FFO: Quicksilver Messenger Service, Groundhogs, Hawkwind, Wishbone Ash, Nektar."

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See event details

A gig held at The Thunderbolt on Thursday 14th August. The event starts at 19:30.


Man (also known as The Manband)[1] are a Welsh rock band. The group were formed in November 1968 by Micky Jones (guitar and vocals), Deke Leonard (guitar and vocals), Clive John (guitar, keyboards and vocals), Ray Williams (bass guitar) and Jeff Jones (drums), in Merthyr Tydfil, out of previous local band The Bystanders. They were active through to 1976 with an ever-changing personnel, the last line-up consisting of Jones and Leonard with John McKenzie (bass), Terry Williams (drums) and Phil Ryan (keyboards). Amongst others, Martin Ace (guitar and bass) had a significant spell with group. They released nine studio albums, including the UK charting albums Back into the Future (#23), Rhinos, Winos and Lunatics (#24) and the live album Maximum Darkness (#25). Their musical style is rock encompassing elements of psychedelia and progressive, and they are noted for their extended live improvisations.

The group reformed in 1983 with Jones, Leonard and Ace being joined by new drummer John Weathers. The band are presently active, with Ace being the only ever-present member after further personnel changes. They have released a further eight studio albums.

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Entry requirements: no age restrictions

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