Roxy Music guitarist presents memoir at Rock Hall event
Renowned Roxy Music guitarist, Phil Manzanera, has been engaging in a different kind of musical endeavor since the release of his memoir, “Revolucion To Roxy,” two years ago. Titled “An Evening of Words and Music,” the event, scheduled for May 14 at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, features Manzanera performing a few songs and delving into discussions about his book, life, and career, along with signing copies for attendees. Unlike the large concerts he used to play with Roxy Music, these intimate gatherings offer a unique experience that Manzanera finds enjoyable due to the close interaction with the audience.
At 75 years old, Manzanera finds joy in sharing anecdotes and stories from his memoir, which covers a vast timeline from 1492 to 2022. The book not only traces his family lineage, which includes being related to the 17th-century pirate Moses Cohen Henriques, but also recounts his diverse upbringing in London, Cuba, Hawaii, Venezuela, and Colombia. His early exposure to Latin American music fused with his fascination with rock ‘n’ roll during his teenage years influenced his musical journey. Starting with playing in bands during his school days, Manzanera’s career took off when he joined Roxy Music in 1971 and contributed to various solo and collaborative projects alongside other music luminaries.
Having been appointed to the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2024, Manzanera expresses a deep appreciation for history in understanding the world’s current state, both personally and globally. However, “Revolucion To Roxy” was a personal endeavor aimed at imparting his family history and life experiences to his relatives and future generations. Reflecting on his endeavors within the music industry and his personal life, the memoir serves as a compilation of anecdotes and moments that have shaped his journey.
Through discussions at events such as the Rock Hall gathering, Manzanera gains insight into which aspects of his story resonate with fans and readers. Often, the audience is intrigued by his accounts of growing up in London during the ’60s, encountering iconic figures like David Gilmour and Robert Wyatt in his formative years, and the serendipitous moments that defined his musical career, including interactions with legends like Bob Dylan and experiences touring with Roxy Music in the U.S.
Despite uncovering more about his family’s musical legacy through the process of writing his memoir, Manzanera considers the difficulty of penning a book and expresses admiration for authors and writers for their craft. While he doesn’t have plans for another volume, he relishes the opportunity to further explore elements of his story during live discussions. As he continues to engage with audiences through music and storytelling, Manzanera’s memoir stands as a testament to his remarkable journey in the world of music.