1) Man are a rock band… Read Full Bio ↴There is more than one artist with this name:
1) Man are a rock band from South Wales with a cult following. Originally the second incarnation of Welsh rock harmony group The Bystanders, they are a band with 'more history than the Greeks', who are celebrating their 40th anniversary this year.
Man's history is full of weird, colourful stories. Some stories include getting arrested in Belgium on both of their visits, brawling with an Icelandic audience, meeting the likes of Tommy Cooper and Bill Graham, their many line-ups, and so on. Man also have connections with bands like the Neutrons, Gentle Giant, Badfinger, Status Quo and Iceberg (Deke's band while he went solo).
The Bystanders had been a pop harmony group in the 1960s, signed to Pye Records and living in London, who had released a few singles to no great success. But with the departure of singer Vic Oakley and the arrival of guitarist Deke Leonard in 1968, the band - Leonard, Micky Jones, Ray Williams, Clive John and Jeff Jones - decided to change their style altogether, moving from pop to West Coast psychedelia, inspired by American bands such as Quicksilver Messenger Service and Frank Zappa and The Mothers of Invention.
From 1968 up to 1976 they rocked the UK, America and Germany with their gritty progressive rock. They have been hits with many radio DJs, producers, promoters, and John Lennon was (supposedly) a fan of Deke's album, Iceberg. Some of their most popular songs from this era include Spunk Rock, Bananas, Many Are Called But Few Get Up, C'Mon, Daughter of the Fireplace, and Romain.
1974 was probably Man's biggest year commercially. Rhinos, Winos & Lunatics was tipped to be the album which brought them international fame. Certainly, it was the best reproduction so far of their improvisational live format in the studio. They were subsequently joined by Quicksilver Messenger Service guitarist John Cippolina (or "Chippo" as they called him) for a live album, "Maximum Darkness" which featured two old Quicksilver gems, the Buffy Sainte-Marie song "Codeine" and "Babe I'm Gonna Leave You". Of course, they never did become famous, and in 1976, they broke up, swearing never to be "like one of those bands who reformed in a futile attempt to recapture past glories and maybe earn a buck or two along the way".
They reformed in 1983. The band this time was to stay constant until 1996(ish): Micky Jones and Deke Leonard on guitars, Martin Ace on bass, and John Weathers on drums. During this time, they produced more hits, such as "Feather on the Scales of Justice", "Mad On Her", "Wings of Mercury", "Call Down The Moon", and "Heaven and Hell".
Weathers was fired in 1996 and was replaced by returning former drummer Terry Williams, probably the most successful of the band, having served elsewhere in bands such as Dire Straits although this is not held against him (not much, anyway). Terry left the band in 1997 and was replaced by continuing incumbent Bob Richards. Bob's first gig was a welcome back to Deke who had suffered a mild stroke which required some time off the road for recovery.
Former keyboardist Phil Ryan returned in 1998 taking the band back to the classic 5-piece line-up. Phil played a major role in producing 2000's Endangered Species (which ranks amongst the strongest of the band's lengthy discography) but had to withdraw from the band for personal reasons. He was replaced by Gareth Thorrington who continued with the band until 2006 when he joined the list of sackees.
After surviving into the next millennium, Man produced another album, Undrugged which an attempts at an unplugged type album which started off when Terry Williams was in the band and was finalised by some fresh recordings. It's particularly noticeable for some covers, most notably on Brian Wilson's Sail On Sailor and the Ray Charles classic Georgia On My Mind - the lead vocals on both being handled by Micky.
It was during this time that Micky developed a brain tumour and had to take time off for numerous surgeries. Man continued though, and Micky's son George entered the band temporarily. When Micky recovered, he rejoined just as Deke decided to call it a day, so George became a permanent member of the group.
As before, just when you though a period of stability might ensure circumstance, damned circumstance conspired to intervene once again. In 2005, Micky's health deteriorated due to the re-occurrence of a brain tumour and was replaced by Martin Ace's son Josh. To this day, Micky remains in hospital and the chances of him ever being able to perform again are slim. This is a tragedy for an undervalued and underrated master of the guitar.
Meanwhile, Deke plays sporadic gigs with a reformed Iceberg band, which initially comprised of Deke, former Man member Will Youatt, Clive Roberts, and Bob Richards (Bob was still with Man, though). Sadly, Clive Roberts was diagnosed with lung cancer after their first gig, and died soon after. He was replaced by Brian Breeze, who featured in the original seventies Iceberg lineup (Brian has since been replaced by Ray "Taff" Williams - not to be confused with Ray Williams, the original Man bass player, who died in 1993). Deke is also adding to his literary record by working on a third book. His first two books documented the history of the Manband and also Deke's adventures prior to this. They have been the subject of award-winning radio broadcasts, and the rights have been secured with a view to transferring them to the big screen. Unlike Muhammed Ali, though, Deke is unlikely to be able to play his younger self in the resulting movie!
The latest album "Diamonds And Coal" was released in 2006, after which Gareth Thorrington left, and the band continued as a 4-piece. A 40th anniversary tour in 2008, saw the return of Phil Ryan on keyboards.
For 40 years, Man have delighted fans, angered police and rocked the world with their music. The incorporation of the younger generations of Jones' and Aces' might mean they are able to continue for the next forty.
2) MAN ™ is a free two-headed man, each head listening to the other, working as one with the music.
A duo consisting of multi-instrumentalists François Rasim Biyikli (piano, rhodes, melodica, guitars, noises) and Charles-Eric Charrier (acoustic bass, guitar, toys), MAN ™ produces a rare and elegant form of electro acoustic music that touches base with unchartered territories where anything is possible and that baffles all definition : it is unusual and smart, luxurious and special.
MAN ™ shapes climatic variations, invites jazz, repetitive music, pop music.
For the band, it is enough to deem its music to be stamped with freedom.
Website
MySpace Page
MySpace Page
DISCOGRAPHY
EP ^ (Entropic/GCB), 1999
LP ARTHUR (Autotomie/DSA), 2000
Compilation Test One (Nova Records/Wagram), 2001
LP MAIN GAUCHE (Man Music/DSA/Chronowax), 2002
Compilation Acuarela Songs 2 (Acuarela/Wagram), 2002
EP MAN & MOOSE HILL (333discs), 2004
LP HELPING HAND (Man Music/Sub Rosa), 2005
3) Once, the song Teh Gruwelijke Hardcore was played by MAN, which was formed from members of The Fat Men.
The Fat Men official site
DISCOGRAPHY
See The Fat Men.
4)
Man was an Italo Disco Artist with two Singles.
Romain
Man Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Tin badges and twisted laws
You can stand on the road to compassion
And never see where it goes
But even you are a human being
Where did we go wrong with you ?
You are living, breathing, touching, seeing
Well we're talking about the day
Romain, Romain
I'm not ashamed, you frighten me
You made me think just like you
The eye that you have got from me
I want to take it back from you
But even you are a human being
Where did we go wrong with you ?
You are living, breathing, touching, seeing
Well I'm talking about the way
That your mind went astray
Romain, Romain
Well I'll tell you what you did to me man
And I'm not talking about the punches thrown
You got me thinking about what's happening here
Where we are and where we're all going
But even you are a human being
Where did we go wrong with you?
You are living, breathing, touching, seeing
I was lying on the ground
And the crowd stood around
Romain, Romain
The song "Romain" by Man addresses the issue of police brutality and the fear that it induces in people. The opening lines "You can hide behind your nightsticks, tin badges, and twisted laws" are directed at the police force who have the power to use force and violence as a means of enforcing the law. The lyrics suggest that this force is often used inappropriately or excessively, and that the police can get away with their actions due to the authority they exercise, even if it is twisted. The song suggests that there is no empathy, compassion or understanding in the police force, as they stand on the road to compassion but never take it, and the singer questions where they went wrong.
The chorus of the song repeats the name "Romain", who is presumably one of the policemen involved in an incident that the singer is referring to. The song goes on to describe how Romain has influenced the singer's thoughts and feelings about the world. The lyrics suggest that Romain's ideas and opinions are at odds with the singer's, leading to fear and anger. Despite this, the song acknowledges that Romain is also a human being, and possibly hints at the idea that understanding and empathy on both sides could lead to a better outcome.
Overall, "Romain" is a powerful song that speaks to the ongoing issue of police brutality and the impact it has on individuals and communities. It highlights the fear and distrust that can arise from such incidents and makes a plea for empathy and understanding on all sides.
Line by Line Meaning
You can hide behind your nightsticks
You have the option to use your authority to conceal yourself behind the power of the law.
Tin badges and twisted laws
Your symbols of authority have been twisted and corrupted, and now they stand for more than just the law.
You can stand on the road to compassion
You can claim to embody the virtues of empathy and understanding.
And never see where it goes
But you are blind to your own hypocrisy and the injustice you perpetrate.
But even you are a human being
You may be an authority figure, but you are still a person with flaws and weaknesses.
Where did we go wrong with you ?
How did society fail to impart the values of justice and equality that should guide your actions?
You are living, breathing, touching, seeing
You have the same bodily senses and experiences as anyone else.
Well we're talking about the day
Let's discuss the moment when your actions had a profound impact on me and others around us.
When you took me away
When you arrested me, detained me, or otherwise restricted my freedom.
I'm not ashamed, you frighten me
I do not feel guilty, but I do feel fear in the face of your power and authority.
You made me think just like you
Your coercive tactics forced me to adopt your perspective and worldview.
The eye that you have got from me
The insight that you gained from me during our interaction.
I want to take it back from you
I regret sharing that piece of myself with you and wish I could undo it.
Well I'm talking about the way
Let's examine the process by which your beliefs and actions diverged from what is just and right.
That your mind went astray
Your thoughts and motives became corrupted, leading you down a path of injustice and abuse of power.
Well I'll tell you what you did to me man
I want to confront you about the harm you caused me personally.
And I'm not talking about the punches thrown
I am not referring to physical violence, but rather the emotional and psychological damage you inflicted.
You got me thinking about what's happening here
Your actions forced me to question the state of society and the fairness of the system we live in.
Where we are and where we're all going
What is the ultimate destination for our society, and how can we move towards a more just and equal future?
I was lying on the ground
I was helpless and vulnerable in the face of your power and aggression.
And the crowd stood around
Others watched as you exerted your authority over me, and failed to intervene.
Romain, Romain
Repeating your name in frustration and anger at the harm you caused and the injustice you embody.
Contributed by Wyatt Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.