AS ONE OF the most influential groups to burst out of England’s early 1970s glam-rock scene, Roxy Music stood head and shoulders above their fellow purveyors of sound. The group began with a musical cocktail that comprised art rock, prog and electronica, all laced with a pop sapidity, before it morphed into a more synth-laden framework. Roxy influenced a plethora of musicians in their wake and helped cue the new wave synth-pop sounds of the 1980s.
At the core of the group’s sound were the offbeat Latino-infused stylings of guitarist Phil Manzanera. His wide-ranging taste for musical diversity was instilled in him by the sounds he heard as child growing up in Cuba. While it was pivotal to the evolution of Roxy Music’s sound, it also found expression in other projects Manzanera undertook. These included solo outings as well as leading roles in groups such as 801 — where he performed alongside former Roxy Music synthesist Brian Eno — Quiet Sun, and the Explorers, as well as endeavors as a session musician and producer with artists such as Split Enz, John Cale, Nina Hagen and David Gilmour, for whom Manzanera produced 2006’s On an Island and 2015’s Rattle That Lock.
Roxy Music have called it a day on several occasions throughout their long run. The first time was in 1976; they reunited two] Bryan Ferry around his house in the country last Christmas and he said, ‘Do you fancy doing some gigs to celebrate the band’s 50th?’ And my default position is always, ‘Yeah, let’s go and play!’ So we then got in touch with Andy [] and Paul [], and they also said yes”.
