Revolución to Roxy

by Phil Manzanera

I've written this memoir for my English and Colombian family, dear friends and music fans, who have followed my musical twists and turns for over half a century. We all have different memories of the same events, and these stories are my stories. It's a memoir that spans my 50's childhood in Cuba, Hawaii and Venezuela, when everything seemed in the brightest technicolor, to grey but very cool '60's London and the start of a music career that continues to enrich my life, some 50 years later. Roxy Music is an important part of the story and I will be forever thankful to the doors it opened for me to a global world of music and musical collaborations. But I hope you'll find my family history every bit as fascinating as my music adventures, I'm proud to be related to a Colombian pirate, a spy and and an Italian opera musician. Phil Manzanera is one of the UK's best-known musicians, record producers, having shot to prominence in the early '70's as the lead guitarist with the seminal band, Roxy Music. In 2022 the band celebrated its 50th anniversary with a critically acclaimed tour of the US and UK. Phil combines his live playing with writing and producing new music, as well as contributing to other artist's albums. Manzanera, born to a British father and Colombian mother, has always taken a global approach to his music making, collaborating with musicians from South and Latin America, South Africa, Cuba and continental Europe. He has worked with many of the greats of popular music, including Bob Dylan, David Gilmour, Robert Wyatt, Tim Finn and Brian Eno.

Genres: Music, Book Club, Biography

326 pages, Hardcover

Published March 22, 2024

Reviews

[Aaron Badgley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful book, great photos and great stories. Manzanera is very honest about his career and his own history. I could not put it down. Told with humour and loe.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a fan of Roxy Music and Phil's 801 solo project (which, by the way, is SO GOOD and seemingly influential - check it out!!!), I really enjoyed this book. It was well-written and engaging, especially Phil's early family history. Wow! Just about as exciting, if not more so, than his professional life which, as you can imagine, is hard to beat.

I like how it had photos throughout instead of just one chunk in the middle of the book, but the way that it was bound and printed made it seem like a textbook, which I thought was odd.

That didn't get in the way of my enjoyment, though! Highly recommended and not only to Roxy fans. Phil's story is fun and surprising enough that it will hold anyone's attention.

[Roger Irish · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable read, even if it won't change my life!

There are appearances by many musicians of interest, including Robert Wyatt, Dave Gilmour and Brian Eno, who Phil worked with across his career.

The early sections about Phil's childhood in South America, and his start in music were interesting. I hadn't realised how many musical projects he'd been involved in or been aware of the extent to which he'd worked with the later Pink Floyd lineup. References to the 'Diamond Head' album and the band Quiet Sun sent me back to the records.

There's a lot about Roxy Music, naturally, and I was pleased to be reminded (or should that be to learn?) that Phil wrote one of my favourite Roxy numbers, 'Out Of The Blue'.

Overall, it's a rock star autobiography(-ish), so if the music doesn't interest you, the book probably won't. Not much else to be said.

[Neil · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting and entertaining short memoir from ace guitarist and music producer Phil Manzanera covering his family life / history as well as his music career. Some interesting insights into his time with Roxy Music and with Pink Floyd which are the periods he is best known for, but I would have liked some more insight. Anyway an enjoyable read and I learned more about Phil's music career but I would have liked more depth. Also I was pleased that he mostly gave a balanced account of events rather than trying to settle any old scores. Well worth reading - not just for Roxy fans.

[Michael Hillman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed every minute of this book. Phil you are a gentleman, a scholar and a maestro. To read about your Jewish heritage was a delight and I hope your enquiries succeed. Thank you for sharing your life story. Thank you for the music.

[donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous read

What a fantastic read. An amazing life lead. I couldn't put it down. Such history and a very unassuming man .

[Hank · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book, Phil is truly a scholar of great musical variety! Diamond head is still a great album!