Sunday, 27th September 2015
Pic by dltourhistory
Def Leppard guitarist Phil Collen played the first ever show with his band Manraze ten years ago on this day 27th September 2005.
The show took place at The Spitz at Spitalfields Market in East London very close to where Phil grew up.
The band were formed by Phil and ex-Girl band mate Simon Laffy (bass) in July 2004. They added ex-Sex Pistols drummer Paul Cook to become a three piece.
This show was their first ever public performance and was attended by only 200 fans packed into the tiny venue.
The triumphant performance featured songs that would eventually be released on their debut album 'Surreal' released in 2008.
The event doubled as a release party for their first single 'Skin Crawl' which would be released on 31st October 2005.
Read some fan and media review quotes below.
DefDazz/Darren - Fan Review Quote
"Runnin' Me Up' was the next song and I believe their best song. It's got a great mix of Police-type reggae influence with rock mixed in. Some superb guitar work by Phil. The studio version has lots of different parts going on at the same time but you hardly noticed the difference live. Wait until you hear the Instrumental Dub and you'll agree with how good it is! And again this would be good as a single to showcase their range of songs."
Amy - Fan Review Quote
"Phil obviously has an easy rapport with the fans and his ebullient personality makes him the perfect front man, not to mention his trademark fast fingers on that famous Jackson fretboard. For the ladies who are dying to know, yes, the shirt came off about three songs into the set, as Phil was right, "it really is hot in here." :) The still-shirted Simon sang backing vocals on several tunes, and the two of them harmonised brilliantly."
Kelly - Fan Review Quote
"I can't remember the order that tracks were played but I can tell you all that they sounded awesome! I really enjoyed hearing Skin Crawl live and it was also great to hear Low, I really enjoyed this track although they sounded consistently good."
Paul - Fan Review Quote
"Yes it was a short set, and It's a shame they didn't do an encore, but it was just unbelievable to be that close in a little room to these guys and see them play so well. I hope they get the band out and in front of as many people as possible, it deserves to be seen by people outside of the obvious Def Leppard circle."
Peter Makowski/Classic Rock - Media Review Quote
"Chest bared and muscles pumped, Collen looks totally comfortable in this cramped and (for him) by now very unfamiliar setting. His playing is tight and economical, and although he was undoubtedly the frontman the music had enough space and scope to allow all three band members to assert their own identities."
This and other archive concert reviews can be found on the show pages in the Tour History.
Fan photos and reviews from any past tour can be submitted - Here
- Read more and view photos at - Manraze London 2005 Show Page
- Phil Collen - Manraze Tour 2005
- Def Leppard - 2015 Tour News
- Previous News - 27th September 2015