#MusicExchange: Phil Manzanera

He is one of the UK’s best-known musicians and record producers, having shot to prominence in the early ‘70s as the lead guitarist with the seminal band Roxy Music. He is widely acknowledged as one of the world’s leading guitarists and is in much demand both as a performer and record producer.

#MusicExchange: Dan Chiorboli

Martin Myers  15 May 2018

In the last 12 months, Manzanera has released Live at The Curious Arts Festival and Corroncho 2, which he launched in Cartagena, Colombia with a live gig after speaking at The Hay Festival. In July 2017, he played eight concerts in Tokyo and Osaka in Japan, recording a live double album to be released in late October.

Over the last four years he has co-produced Pink Floyd’s The Endless River, which was a global hit, achieving number one in over 20 countries; he released The Sound of Blue, his own autobiographical album; co-produced David Gilmour’s new album Rattle That Lock, which again topped the charts in 12 countries, including the UK; and was Maestro Concertatore of La Notte Della Taranta, Italy’s largest free festival.

A chat was essential and Phil had lovely crisp answers. As they say in the classics, ‘the bigger the star the more humble and nice’.

When are you happiest?

Snorkelling with my wife, Claire, in a warm sea.

What does music mean to you?

Communication.

What is the most enjoyable aspect of your work?

Having musical conversations with other musicians from other countries around the world.

What drives you: ego or humility?

Both in equal measure.

Any funny moments on stage?

Wondering whether Bob Dylan would come out onstage in Seville 1992 live on TV around the world. It’s on YouTube; the relief on our faces.

Which living person do you admire most and why?

Obama, he is the coolest and our only hope for sanity and voice of reason in this crazy world at present.

What is your most treasured possession?

My Gibson red Firebird v11 from 1965.

It’s your round what are you drinking?

Margarita.

Dream gig to do?

Playing with David Bowie again; in my dreams of course.

If you were not a musician, what would you do?

Teach children.

Pick five words to describe yourself?

I think the ad I answered to join Roxy Music in the Melody Maker in 1972 sums it up: elegant, creative, witty, tricky, adaptable.

What is your favourite word?

Please.

Favourite fashion garment?

Panama hat.

Give us some real proper slang and what it means?

Hijo der puta - son of a b*tch.

Top of your bucket list?

Staying alive.

Your greatest achievement?

Rehearsing and playing with Bob Dylan.

What do you complain about most often?

Brexit and /or Trump.

What is your fear?

Mosquitoes.

Wishes and dreams for 2018?

How long have you got?