THE Manfreds will be continuing their heavy workload throughout 2017 by touring the country, most extensively throughout March and June, with more dates to follow later in the year.

But what makes this tour different from recent one is that the band has a brand new album out, Makin' Tracks', and will be playing tracks from it in their set writes Martin Hutchinson.

For the uninitiated; in the beginning was Manfred Mann, a band whose hit catalogue is the envy of many; Pretty Flamingo, Mighty Quinn, Do Wah Diddy Diddy, Ha Ha Said The Clown and Just Like a Woman are just a few of their many hits.

Part-way through the string of hits, the band survived the departure of their singer and front-man Paul Jones. His replacement, Mike D’Abo, kept the momentum going, but eventually the band – who had veered away from their original R’n’ B and jazz leanings into the murky world of commercial pop – broke up.

The members of the band enjoyed solo success, but in 1991 the band reformed (without Manfred Mann – who was the bands’ keyboard player) for guitarist Tom McGuinness’ 50th birthday.

They enjoyed it so much that they have continued touring to this day.

Original members Paul Jones (vocals and harmonica), Tom McGuinness (guitars) and Mike Hugg (keyboards) are joined onstage by stalwarts Marcus Cliffe (bass), Simon Currie (flute and sax) and Rob Townsend (drums). Sometimes, they appear with Paul’s replacement as singer Mike D’Abo in a show that encompasses the whole of the band’s output.

The Manfreds will be appearing at Pontardawe Arts Centre on April 1.

Tickets are available from the Box Office on 01792 863722 and all the usual agencies.