MIKE d'ABO's highly enviable musical pedigree began in 1966 when he replaced PAUL JONES as lead singer with MANFRED MANN. Seven Top 10 hits followed - 'JUST LIKE A WOMAN', 'SEMI DETACHED SUBURBAN MR JAMES', 'HA! HA! SAID THE CLOWN', 'FOX ON THE RUN', 'MY NAME IS JACK', 'RAGAMUFFIN MAN' - with 'THE MIGHTY QUINN' becoming the band's 3rd No.1 hit, (after 'DO WAH DIDDY' & 'PRETTY FLAMINGO').
However, Mike was to achieve even greater success as a songwriter, producing and composing the legendary 'HANDBAGS & GLADRAGS' . . . firstly with CHRIS FARLOWE (1967), and then with ROD STEWART (1969) for his first solo album 'AN OLD RAINCOAT WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN'. Then, in 2000, the song was subsequently covered with even greater success by THE STEREOPHONICS.
He also wrote 'BUILD ME UP BUTTERCUP' for THE FOUNDATIONS, which has just received a BMI Award for notching up 6 million plays on American radio. He's also composed several award winning jingles, (including CADBURY'S 'FINGER OF FUDGE'), and wrote the film music for 'THERE'S A GIRL IN MY SOUP'. Reverting to his role as singer, he was specially chosen by TIM RICE & ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER to sing 'KING HEROD'S SONG' on the original cast recording of 'JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR'.
Mike remains a highly respected musician & songwriter, and is every bit as active today as he was back in his heyday of the 60's. He can still be seen regularly performing with 'THE MANFREDS', (alongside former MANFRED MANN members PAUL JONES, TOM McGUINNESS & MIKE HUGG,) and also fronts his own band 'MIKE d'ABO & HIS MIGHTY QUINTET'.
Mike continues to display a great stage presence, always turning in a highly engaging performance - whether alone on stage at the piano, or playing with the other bands he works with (THE MANFREDS, NEW AMEN CORNER, and THE MIKE d'ABO TRIO).
Happily sharing his wealth of stories and anecdotes about the ups and downs of his varied career, Mike quickly draws in his audience with the combination of a disarming personality and a familiar nostalgic repertoire. His appearance at Holborn's PIZZA EXPRESS on Friday Jan 24th is sure to reinforce this experience - as he shares the stage and renews his friendship with 60's folk legend JULIE FELIX.
