Manfred Mann's Earth Band
Manfred Mann's Earth Band is a British progressive rock group formed in 197… Read Full Bio ↴Manfred Mann's Earth Band is a British progressive rock group formed in 1971 by Manfred Mann, a South African born keyboard player best known as a founding member and namesake of 60s group Manfred Mann. After the demise of that older band, Mann went on to write advertising jingles. At the same time he continued to work in the group format. Initially he formed Manfred Mann Chapter Three, an experimental group that evolved into Manfred Mann's Earth Band.
The Earth Band was, from a pop perspective, almost deliberately contrary, but combined the stylistic approach of progressive rock with Mann's keen ear for melody. Mann's interest in English 20th century classical music saw him re-create Gustav Holst's Planets Suite, garnering an unlikely UK hit with a version of the "Jupiter" movement that had lyrics added and entitled "Joybringer". Their 1973 album The Good Earth tapped into ecological concerns, a recurring theme in Mann's music in later years, and had a free gift of a piece of land in Wales with each album sold.
The membership of the Earth Band was relatively informal; Mick Rogers originally performed lead guitar and lead vocal duties before being replaced by Chris Thompson on vocals and Dave Flett on guitar. Drumming duties were fulfilled by Chris Slade, who was later to be a member of AC/DC and Asia in a long and varied career which perhaps can be summed up by his being released by AC/DC despite being, according to the rest of the band, the best musician in the band. Similarly, the technically skilled bass player Colin Pattenden, after leaving the Earth Band, became a sound consultant, running his own company designing and installing sound systems. There was much about the Earth Band that was potentially successful, but the contrariness of the band's approach and Mann's perfectionism meant that albums frequently came out with different track listings in different territories, or in alternative versions.
The breakthrough for the band in the US came when they had a No. 1 pop charts hit in early 1977 with Bruce Springsteen's "Blinded by the Light". While the Springsteen original from 1973's Greetings From Asbury Park, N.J. album has a folky, acoustic sound, the Manfred Mann's Earth Band version is driving rock, combining Mann's Moog synthesizer and organ work with Flett's guitar. Manfred can be heard singing at the end of "Blinded By The Light", in the round, with Thompson - it was this feature of the song that initially attracted him. The band took advantage of the publicity and re-released another Springsteen song, "Spirit in the Night", which had been recorded the previous year on Nightingales and Bombers, originally with Rogers on vocals although for some territories it was re-recorded with a vocal from Thompson.
Nightingales and Bombers, The Roaring Silence, and Watch are considered the highlight of the Earth Band's achievement. Watch produced another hit single in "Davy's On The Road Again", and the albums were innovative and original despite the dependence on covers of other artists' songs. Nightingales and Bombers took its title from a World War II naturalist's recording of a nightingale singing in a garden as warplanes flew overhead; the recording appears in a track on the album. Roaring Silence featured a guest appearance by jazz saxophonist Barbara Thompson, and Watch included two stand-out recordings from the bands live performances of "Davy's On The Road Again" and "Mighty Quinn".
Flett left before 1979's Angel Station to be replaced by Steve Waller, sharing the vocal duties with Thompson who was also intent on pursuing a solo career. 1980's Chance showed a move towards a more electronic approach, and produced several cuts that were hits in the UK and/or saw significant airplay in both the US and UK. The songs "Lies (All Through The 80's)", "Stranded", and "For You" (another Springsteen song) still receive significant airplay over 25 years since their release.
Mann became very active in the international anti-apartheid movement, and was banned from entering South Africa, the country in which he had been born. Instead members of the band made journeys to South Africa to record African musicians for the album Somewhere in Afrika, pre-figuring Paul Simon's Graceland. The album included a cover of The Police's "Demolition Man" and a well-received version of Bob Marley's "Redemption Song", which remains in the band's set today. American versions of the album also included Ian Thomas's "The Runner", whose music video had images of the Munich and Montreal Olympic Games, and which enjoyed much airtime in the lead-up to the Los Angeles Olympics.
Manfred Mann's Earth Band has continued recording to the present day, covering tracks by artists as varied as Paul Weller, Robert Cray, Del Amitri, and The Lovin' Spoonful. Mann has also released a solo project, Plains Music, based on Native American music, and his latest album, 2006, includes collaborations with the German rapper Thomas D and tracks featuring the music of, amongst others, the Super Furry Animals. The Earth Band remain active in live performances in Europe, with a line up that includes both Manfred Mann and Mick Rogers.
Most of the band's albums have been re-released in recent years and a 4-CD set featuring many previously unissued versions of tracks was released in August 2005. This includes material from the unreleased (and thought to be lost) Manfred Mann ChapterIII Volume 3 album and the first Earth Band album, Stepping Sideways. The fourth CD in the package includes both unreleased studio material and live performances.
The Earth Band was, from a pop perspective, almost deliberately contrary, but combined the stylistic approach of progressive rock with Mann's keen ear for melody. Mann's interest in English 20th century classical music saw him re-create Gustav Holst's Planets Suite, garnering an unlikely UK hit with a version of the "Jupiter" movement that had lyrics added and entitled "Joybringer". Their 1973 album The Good Earth tapped into ecological concerns, a recurring theme in Mann's music in later years, and had a free gift of a piece of land in Wales with each album sold.
The membership of the Earth Band was relatively informal; Mick Rogers originally performed lead guitar and lead vocal duties before being replaced by Chris Thompson on vocals and Dave Flett on guitar. Drumming duties were fulfilled by Chris Slade, who was later to be a member of AC/DC and Asia in a long and varied career which perhaps can be summed up by his being released by AC/DC despite being, according to the rest of the band, the best musician in the band. Similarly, the technically skilled bass player Colin Pattenden, after leaving the Earth Band, became a sound consultant, running his own company designing and installing sound systems. There was much about the Earth Band that was potentially successful, but the contrariness of the band's approach and Mann's perfectionism meant that albums frequently came out with different track listings in different territories, or in alternative versions.
The breakthrough for the band in the US came when they had a No. 1 pop charts hit in early 1977 with Bruce Springsteen's "Blinded by the Light". While the Springsteen original from 1973's Greetings From Asbury Park, N.J. album has a folky, acoustic sound, the Manfred Mann's Earth Band version is driving rock, combining Mann's Moog synthesizer and organ work with Flett's guitar. Manfred can be heard singing at the end of "Blinded By The Light", in the round, with Thompson - it was this feature of the song that initially attracted him. The band took advantage of the publicity and re-released another Springsteen song, "Spirit in the Night", which had been recorded the previous year on Nightingales and Bombers, originally with Rogers on vocals although for some territories it was re-recorded with a vocal from Thompson.
Nightingales and Bombers, The Roaring Silence, and Watch are considered the highlight of the Earth Band's achievement. Watch produced another hit single in "Davy's On The Road Again", and the albums were innovative and original despite the dependence on covers of other artists' songs. Nightingales and Bombers took its title from a World War II naturalist's recording of a nightingale singing in a garden as warplanes flew overhead; the recording appears in a track on the album. Roaring Silence featured a guest appearance by jazz saxophonist Barbara Thompson, and Watch included two stand-out recordings from the bands live performances of "Davy's On The Road Again" and "Mighty Quinn".
Flett left before 1979's Angel Station to be replaced by Steve Waller, sharing the vocal duties with Thompson who was also intent on pursuing a solo career. 1980's Chance showed a move towards a more electronic approach, and produced several cuts that were hits in the UK and/or saw significant airplay in both the US and UK. The songs "Lies (All Through The 80's)", "Stranded", and "For You" (another Springsteen song) still receive significant airplay over 25 years since their release.
Mann became very active in the international anti-apartheid movement, and was banned from entering South Africa, the country in which he had been born. Instead members of the band made journeys to South Africa to record African musicians for the album Somewhere in Afrika, pre-figuring Paul Simon's Graceland. The album included a cover of The Police's "Demolition Man" and a well-received version of Bob Marley's "Redemption Song", which remains in the band's set today. American versions of the album also included Ian Thomas's "The Runner", whose music video had images of the Munich and Montreal Olympic Games, and which enjoyed much airtime in the lead-up to the Los Angeles Olympics.
Manfred Mann's Earth Band has continued recording to the present day, covering tracks by artists as varied as Paul Weller, Robert Cray, Del Amitri, and The Lovin' Spoonful. Mann has also released a solo project, Plains Music, based on Native American music, and his latest album, 2006, includes collaborations with the German rapper Thomas D and tracks featuring the music of, amongst others, the Super Furry Animals. The Earth Band remain active in live performances in Europe, with a line up that includes both Manfred Mann and Mick Rogers.
Most of the band's albums have been re-released in recent years and a 4-CD set featuring many previously unissued versions of tracks was released in August 2005. This includes material from the unreleased (and thought to be lost) Manfred Mann ChapterIII Volume 3 album and the first Earth Band album, Stepping Sideways. The fourth CD in the package includes both unreleased studio material and live performances.
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Manfred Mann's Earth Band Lyrics
"Belle" Of The Earth The road is empty, the subway lies ahead There is no…
'Belle' of the Earth "BELLLE" OF THE EARTH The road is empty Subway lies ahead Th…
99 lbs 25 lbs. of pure cane sugar In each and every kiss You…
Adolescent Dream Manfred Mann's Earth Band - Adolescent Dream You're not the…
Africa Suite a) Brothers and Sisters of Africa (Manfred Mann) B…
Africa Suite: Brothers and sisters of africa Brothers and Sisters of Afric…
Angels at My Gate Manfred Mann's Earth Band - Angels At My Gate There's a…
As Above So Below [Instrumental]…
Ashes to the Wind Blinded by the light, revved up like a deuce, another runner…
Banquet Manfred mann's Earth Band - Banquet Some get the gravy, som…
Be Not Too Hard Be not too hard for life is short And nothing is…
Billies Orno Bounce Manfred mann's Earh Band - Billy's Bounce You know it's har…
Black and Blue I been working so hard my backs near broke My brows…
Blended By The Light Blinded by the light, revved up like a deuce Another runner…
Blinded by the Light Blinded by the light Revved up like a deuce, another runner…
Blinded by the Light (single edit) Blinded by the light Wrapped up like a deuce Another runner …
Blinded by the Night Blinded by the light, revved up like a deuce Another runner…
Brothers and Sisters of Africa Brothers and Sisters of Africait still the samethe words the…
Brothers and Sisters of Azania Brothers and Sisters of AzaniaIt still the sameThe words the…
Buddah Saw Buddah walking down the street I said: "Hey man, I…
Bulldog Sheepdog standing in the rain Bullfrog doing it again Some k…
California How're you doing out in California Now that you've made the…
California Coastline Took off in San Francisco Hitching up 101 Ended up on a…
Captain Bobby Scout Brother why are you here? Brother why are you here? Captai…
Captain Bobby Stout Brother why are you here? Brother why are you here? Captain …
Chicago Institute Way back there an explosion of hope Hit out hard in…
Circles Manfred Mann's Earth Band - Circles Going round in circles…
Countdown [Instrumental]…
Crossfade Crossfade by Manfred Mann's Earth Band [Instrumental]…
Crossfire [INSTRUMENTAL]…
Davy's On The Road Davy's on the road again Wearin' different clothes again D…
Davy's on the Road Again Manfred Mann's Eart Band - Davy's on the road again Davy's…
Davys' On The Road Again Davy's on the road again Wearin' different clothes again D…
Demolition man Manfred Mann' Eart Band - Demolition Man Sting-Magnetic Pub…
Do Anything You Wanna Do I'm gonna' break out of the city, leave the people…
Don't Kill It Carol Manfred Mann's Earth Band - Don't Kill It Carol This wild…
Down Home My sister is a .................... dancer in the South The…
Drowning On Dry Land Manfred Mann's Earth Band - Drowing On Dry Land/Fish Soup S…
Drowning on Dry Land / Fish Soup Sitting in a silent room The walls around me screaming Rely …
Earth Hymn Listen all around Symphony of sound will take you Drifting d…
Earth The Circle Manfred Mann's Earth Band - Earth, The Circle Circle who be…
Earth the Circle Part 1 Circle who beneath my feet Also stand right above my head Ho…
earth the circle part 2 You hold the fire Your where we like You are the air You…
Earth, the Circle, Part 2 Earth, The Circle (Part 2) by Manfred Mann's Earth Band You…
Eyes of Nostradamus At night - they will think they have seen the…
Fat Nelly Fat Nelly was killed with a butcher's knife. Nobody laughed,…
Father of Day Manfred Mann's Earth Band - Father of day, father of…
Father of Day, Father of Night Father of night, Father of day, Father, who taketh the darkn…
Fish Manfred Mann's Earth Band - Drowing On Dry Land/Fish Soup S…
For You Princess cards she sends me with her regards Oh, bar-room ey…
Fritz the Blank [Instrumental] Written by Manfred Mann - Published Scalehand…
Geronimo's Cadillac They put Geronimo in jail down South Where he couldn't look…
Get Your Rocks Off Well, get your rocks off, baby Get your rocks off me It…
Give Me the Good Earth Give me the good earth that I was born on, Give…
Going Underground Some people might say my life is in a rut,…
Heart on the Street Manfred Mann's Earth Band - Heart On The Street I lay…
Hello I Am Your Heart Manfred Mann's Earth Band - Hello, I Am You Heart Hello,…
Hollywood Town Manfred Mann's Earth Band - Hollywood Town Down, down in Ho…
I'll Be Gone Someday I'll have money Money isn't easy to come by By the…
I'm Gonna Have You All The tall and the narrow The foolish or the shallow The .....…
I'm Up and I'm Leaving I'm up and I'm leaving Gonna spread my wings Gonna get out…
In the Beginning Manfred Mann's Earth Band - In The Beginning, Darkness Dark…
In the Beginning, Darkness Darkness Darkness Darkness In the Beginning Solar light warm…
It's All Over Now Baby Blue You must leave now, take what you want, you think…
Joy Bringer I bring joy, and I can take you through, All…
Joybringer Manfred Mann's Earth Band - Joybringer I bring joy, and I…
Jump Sturdy Some people say she used to dance with the fish Others…
Killer On the Loose Fear on the street, panic in the alley You mustn't walk…
Launching Place Up above a ball of fire Burns their bodies down below The…
Lies Manfred Mann's Earth Band - Lies (Through The 80's) Lyrics …
Lies (Through the 80's) Written by D. Newman -Published by Scalehand Ltd. We're all …
Living Without You The milk truck hauls the sun up The paper hits the…
Look Around Look around and start thinking What to do when the sun…
Lose the Touch Been running down the pavement From my sworn enemy He's righ…
Mardi Gras Day The big bass drum led the big parade All on a…
Martha's Madman Martha has a madman Standing hidden in the shadows He's go…
Meat You won't eat meat But the cat eat meat Jump, now turn…
Medicine Song Over the sky, across the horizon Clouds on the ridge The m…
Messin' Right now the world ain't looking too hot Unless you're dea…
Mighty Quinn Manfred Mann's Earth Band - Mighty Quinn Come all without, …
Miss You Manfred Mann's Earth Band - Miss You Lyrics Why's my face…
Nature of the Beast Manfred Mann's Earth Band - Nature of the Beast It's the…
Nightingales and Bombers Nightingales And Bombers by Manfred Mann's Earth Band [I…
No Guarantee Manfred Mann's Earth Band - No Guarantee We don't guarantee…
Nothing Ever Happens Manfred Mann's Earth Band - Nothing Ever Happens Post offic…
On The Road To Babylon Manfred Manns Earth Band - The Road To Babylon By the…
On the Run Manfred Mann's Earth Band - On The Run You're on the…
One Way Glass Give me a window with one way glass, Just look out…
Our Friend George Here you are once again With your soul on show And you…
Part Time Man It was in the evening paper under General Vacancy "Part tim…
Platform End [ INSTRUMENTAL ]…
Play With Fire Manfred Mann's Earth Band - Play With Fire Well you've got…
Please Mrs. Henry Well I'm down on my knees I ain't got a dime Down…
Pleasure & Pain Manfred Mann's Earth Band - Pleasure and Pain Lover, lover,…
Pluto the Dog Pluto The Dog by Manfred Mann's Earth Band [Instrumental…
Prayer Tell me, tell me, can it be right The thing I…
Questions In a dream it would seem I went to those who…
Quit Your Low Down Ways You can read out your Bible Go down on your knees Pray…
Redemption Song Manfred Mann's Earth Band- Redemption Song (No Kwazulu) No …
Redemption Song (No Kwazulu) Bob Marley-Blue Mountain Music Ltd. No Kwazulu, no Kwazulu N…
Rescue I shall be rescued someday So many empty days And nobody t…
Ressurection Manfred Mann's Earth Band - Resurrection Jesus Christ you'v…
Rivers Run Dry If I could have just one more night All I really…
Runner Manfred Mann's Earth Band - Runner Through the night...thro…
Saturn, Lord of the Ring / Mercury, the Winged Messenger Saturn, Lord Of The Ring - Mercury, The Winged Messenger by…
Shelter From the Storm Manfred Mann's Earth Band - Shelter from the Storm 'Twas in…
Sikelele I Many reeds, strong reeds and the strong hands to bind…
Singin' The Dolphin Through Manfred Mann's Earth Band - Singing the Dolphin Through Far…
Singing the Dolphin Through Farewell Plymouth, your morning cold and grey Is painting sh…
Sister Billies Bounce Manfred mann's Earh Band - Billy's Bounce You know it's har…
Sky High [ INSTRUMENTAL ]…
Solar Fire Manfred Mann's Earth Band - Solar Fire See the morning danc…
Spirits In The Night Manfred Mann's Earth Band - Spirit in the Night Crazy Janey…
Starbird Starbird, let your cry lead us all through the night Rising…
Stranded Manfred Mann's Earth Band- Stranded Stranded in Iowa Strand…
Telegram to Monica When I woke up today, I thought about the things…
The Complete History of Sexual Jealousy I'm jealous of the people, the people I fall in…
The Mighty Quinn Manfred Mann's Earth Band - Mighty Quinn Come all without, …
The Price I Pay Manfred Mann's Eart Band - The Price I Pay Out on…
The Road to Babylon By the waters of Babylon We lay down and wept and Wept…
The Runner Manfred Mann's Earth Band - Runner Through the night...thro…
The Time Is Right Sitting on this spinning top, Hoping time ain't gonna stop,…
Third World Service Manfred Mann's Earth Band - Third World Service Waiting for…
This Side of Paradise Life passes slowly just this side of Paradise Eyes watching …
Time Is Right Manfred Mann's Earth Band - Time is right Sitting on this…
Tribal Statistics Manfred Mann's Earth Band - Tribal Statistics Who are you ?…
Tumbling Ball Maybe I'll remember The old house standing on the avenue T…
Visionary Mountains Manfred Mann's Earth band - Visionary Mountains Visionary m…
Waiter, There's a Yawn in My Ear [INSTRUMENTAL]…
Waiting for the Rain Manfred Mann's Earth band - Waiting For The Rain Waiting fo…
We're Going Wrong Please open your mind Try to realise, I foud out today We'…
What You Give Is What You Get It's not important for you to know my name - Nor…
Who Are the Mystery Kids? Marcellino, Casanova, little angel from Laslow street Cinder…
You Angel You Princess cards she sends me with her regards Oh, bar-room ey…
You Are Manfred Mann's Earth Band - You Are - I Am You…
You Got Me Right Through the Heart Baby there are pretty young boys With shiny new toys that…