Manfred Mann’s Earth Band Newcastle City Hall 1978 and 1979 (and Reading 1976)
Manfred Mann’s Earth Band were, to some extent, a natural progression from the highly successful Manfred Mann band which had all those 60s hits. The Earth Band saw a complete change of line-up, apart of course for Manfred himself, and a change in a style from straight pop to a rockier more progressive style. A hint of Manfred’s jazz influences, which he explored more fully in the predecessor band Manfred Mann’s Chapter Three, also emerged now and then. The Earth Band retained Manfred’s approach of reinterpreting the songs of other great artists (eg Dylan and Springsteen). I first saw Manfred Mann’s Earth Band at the Reading Festival in 1976. That was at the time of the “Roaring Silence” album. 
They had just released Springsteen’s “Blinded by the Light” as a single, which was to be their second UK chart entry (“Joybringer” was a hit in 1973). The line-up at the time was: Manfred Mann (keyboards, backing vocals); Colin Pattenden (bass); Dave Flettz (lead guitar); Chris Thompson (vocals, guitar) and Chris Slade (drums). Live favourites during this period were their interpretations of Springsteen’s “Spirit in the Night” and “Blinded by the Light”, and “Davy’s on the Road Again”. Manfred still played Dylan’s “Mighty Quinn” from his 60s catalogue, usually as part of the encore. 
I saw the band again at concerts at Newcastle City Hall in 1978 and 1979. The 1978 tour was promoting the “Watch” album and the 1979 outing was at the time of “Angel Station” (these were the Earth Band’s 8th and 9th albums). The line-up had changed a little by 1978 with Pat King playing bass. By 1979 John Lingwood was on drums, and Steve Waller was on guitar. My 1979 programme contains a flyer for a band called “Darling” who I imagine must have been the support act that year. Manfred Mann’s Earth Band were a great live act, and massively successful during the 70s. 
Manfred Mann’s Earth Band continue to play to this day, largely on mainland Europe with occasional visits to the UK; only Manfred remains from the 70s line-up. They are another band who I really need to make the effort to see again.
Typical set list (from a show in 1979): The Good Earth; Angels at My Gate; Davy’s on the Road Again; Chicago Institute; Spirit in the Night; Don’t Kill It Carol; Father of Day, Father of Night; Martha’s Madman; You Angel You; Blinded by the Light. Encore: Quinn the Eskimo (The Mighty Quinn); Eastbound Train (Hobo Bill); Step by Step.
23 Nov
Vintagerock's Weblog. 
Posted by Mitch on November 26, 2013 at 5:47 pm
As no-one has commented for a while Peter I thought I’d write to say I’m still thoroughly enjoying your daily blog……although artists beginning with ‘M’ seems to be going on forever – and the end doesn’t appear in sight either!
I saw MMEB only once, that was at Newcastle City Hall on 18th September 1976 on The Roaring Silence tour – probably just after you saw them at Reading. They were very good – Father Of Day, Father Of Night has always been one of my favourites. Racing Cars were good too as the support band on the 1976 tour.
Posted by vintagerock on November 26, 2013 at 6:16 pm
Thanks Mitch and you are right…still a long way to go with “M”….Paul McCartney, John Martyn, Morrissey, Muse, Men at Work, Magazine, Madonna, the Monkees (Hey Hey) and probably a few more …. Peter