Everything from John Mayer, David Gray, Rod Stewart, Jellyfish, The Killers, Ben Folds, Jason Mraz, Lemar to Coldplay, The Kooks, Razorlight, The Beatles, Radiohead, Jeff Buckley, Nick Drake, Stevie Wonder, Al Green, Ray Charles to Sissor Sissters, JT, Jimiroquai, Michael Jackson, Earth Wind & Fire, Frank Sinatra to Paul Weller.. and more!
CHRIS MANNING
Singer songwriter Chris was born in Inverness in 1978, Drama and English A-levels helped Chris develop as a song writer as well as a showman. At 18 Chris got his first professional break as a “Show-Red” at Butlins in Minehead. Singing, dancing, acting and comparing everyday - and getting paid for it - Chris was in his element. After two busy years he formed his first band ‘Red Alert’ with four of his colleagues and left his happy holiday home to perform at high profile events, across the UK and Europe. They signed a management deal with Stock Akin & Waterman’s first signing - Hazel Dean and made TV appearances on Carlton Kids - Up 4 It, BBC’s ‘Jane Macdonald’s’ “Star For A Night”, packed out gigs at G.A.Y. London and regularly supported pop sensations like Blue, Atomic Kitten and Five.
After an intense few years touring Chris decided that a change was necessary and moved home to focus on writing his own music. He tested his fresh material on audiences at local acoustic sessions and in 2002 entered UK club venue Jumpin Jaks ‘Search For A Star’ competition, beating over 12,000 hopefuls to the top spot at the finals in Coventry. Not long afterwards he fought off 50,000 applicants to become one of 12 students in BBC’s reality show Fame Academy. After the TV experience came a hectic tour - 21 dates of sold-out shows at the biggest and most prestigious arenas across the UK from Glasgow to London Wembley, drawing thousands every night.
Having already recorded his own version of Van Morrison’s ‘Brown Eyed Girl’ for the Fame Academy album (which sold nearly 400,000 copies and went gold and silver) Chris came off the tour, exhausted, yet exhilarated and keen to get back in the recording studio.
Chris has started gigging again full time up and down the country, performing at big venues nation-wide, launched The Party In The Park in his home town of Inverness and rocked a Bournemouth Crowd of 10,000 alongside Amy Studt for Party At The Pier.
Chris continues to perform in and around the South with his new 7 piece Disco - Soul - Funk band “The Funkahloics” and is currently developing his debut record from his studio at home with his friend and song writing producer Gianni Chiarello which will be ready for independent release later this year! For more details on that - check out WWW.MYSPACE.COM/CHRISMANNINGMUSIC
Helloooo! On Tuesday the 27th Nov, we're playing at The Old Firestation in Bournemouth We're supporting signed band Milburn. If you'd like to know how to get tickets from us, then just msg us back :) We're 1st on, Doors open at 7:30pm
Chris manning you rocked at Littledown. We loved your songs from your forthcoming album Spirit Divided, also you sang fantabulous with your keyboard.. We want copies.... We will all be down for your next Centre Stage gig..when is it?. Love and luck from all the gang at Bournemouth.xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
I gotta say i think that the memory of our Bohemion Rhapsody will live strong forever for those that heard it that night in Stevenage!! I have never laughed so much, too Funny buddy. Great to see your ok and doing well, have to catch up properly soon.
What a fantastic performance last night Chris Manning, it was good to hear you sing your own songs, glad we made it to the gig. Time for a Record Deal, you are talent undiscovered looking forward to the Album release. Love and light from all your fans in Poole and Bournemouth.xx
Hiya,Good Luck for the 19th. Ummm yeah we do like the food there but not sure if we are going back too soon as my friend has been scared off by the over friendly manager!!! Maybe have to come and see you elsewhere!x
Hello mate, hope you are well. May be in Bournemouth on June 2nd if your about. Down with a couple of lads from football. Need to have a look at you and the band at some stage.
"our gang" thought you were fanatastic last night,and, the band all jelled together to make it a powerful performance.
yesterday was the past - tomorrow is the future.xxx
Well played last night, got some good photos from it. I'll give the to Sam to pass on unless you can pop down to Mint tonight.
Keep up the good work, if you are in need of a sound engineer just give me a call, got a 2k rig and plenty of kit available to me to do a full band pa.
Hi Chris... We went to see you last night... we thought you were amazing and will definitely be coming to the next one and we are going to get a load more of us!! xx PS... Who is the guy on the keyboards then..? Very sexy indeed!!! x
Just wanted to say thanks for having us, Frankie and I really enjoyed ourselves, special thanks to Sam for sharing his keys. Your set was great, looking forward to catching you again soon.
