As a small boy in the mid 'sixties, I first heard Manfred Mann classics such as "5,4,3,2,1," "Doo Wah Diddy Diddy" and "Pretty Flamingo." I have always enjoyed these and many other songs from the band's repertoire and also remember as a 'seventies teenager, appreciating the work of Manfred Mann's Earthband.  For many years now, The Manfreds have been performing those early hits, with original lead vocalist, Paul Jones, at the helm and it was great to be able to see them at the Swan. An added bonus was the appearance of Noel McCalla, former lead vocalist of the Earthband and so the evening combined hits and album tracks from two different eras, along with Manfred Mann original, Tom McGuinness, taking us back to his days in McGuinness Flint (another reminder of my adolescence). 

This was an excellent concert, with plenty of nostalgia, superb musicianship and great vocals, recapturing brilliantly songs that have stood the test of time and sound as good as they did when first released. The audience was appeciative and we had plenty of opportunites to sing along (and even to get on our feet). The evening culminated in a well deserved standing ovation and it seemed that "If You Gotta Go, Go Now" was a  fitting song with which to end the encore. 

All in all, a very enjoyable way to spend an evening in High Wycombe and many thanks to Lauren at the theatre and to Mungo at Deacon Communications for organising my visit. I always enjoy attending events at the Swan and the staff on duty were friendly and helpful as ever. The Manfreds perform regularly in various parts of the country and a concert by them is one well worth catching. I wish them continued success for many more years to come.