Def Leppard News - 11 Years Ago Phil Collen's Manraze Play First Show In London, England

11 Years Ago Phil Collen's Manraze Play First Show In London, England

Tuesday, 27th September 2016

Manraze 2005.
Pic by dltourhistory

Def Leppard guitarist Phil Collen played the first ever show with his band Manraze 11 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.

The live show started at around 10pm and saw them play nine songs including 'Skin Crawl' and 'Runnin' Me Up', the only two songs heard by fans before the show.

A cover of Jimi Hendrix song 'Fire' was also played along with B Side 'You're So Wrong' .

The short 40 minute set ended with 'It's Entertainment' and they decided not to play the planned Iggy Pop cover 'Cold Metal' which was on the printed setlist.

Due to the various album delays and re-recordings (and Phil's day job with Def Leppard) they would not play live.

Read some fan and media review quotes below.

Manraze 2005.
Pic by dltourhistory

DefDazz/Darren - Fan Review Quotes

"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."

"I think for a first show this was a great success and I'll definitely go and see any Man-Raze show that I can in England (or beyond). As you'll see from the pics the stage was VERY small. Probably one of the smallest Phil's played on since the early 80s. Not sure when their next gig will be but I hope to be there. It was a pleasure to see their live debut."

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."

Manraze 2005.
Pic by dltourhistory

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

Footage taken from the short video clip of 'Connected To You' posted online by the band in 2005.