1973

poster supplied by Mick Mepham

Andy Qunta… As I recall, although my timeline could be off, Factory had supported MMEB in Brighton not long before this. I thought they were interesting, but I wasn’t quite sure if I liked them that first time (the music, not the band – they were fine). This 2nd time, at the Pier, I decided I definitely liked them. They had a big hit with Joybringer at this time, and I think that due to what I have since learned is Manfred’s quirkiness, they did not play that song live!

Dave Nattress… From the sketchy memory….Joybringer was a nice single and partly based or maybe it “sampled” a classical piece – could it be from the Planets Suite? I did have the single. I also have “The Good Earth” vinyl LP which came with a certificate (I think) but anyway if not a certificate as such, some blurb about the band having purchased a plot of land in deepest Wales and that each owner of the album was the owner of a one square foot of this plot – a bit small for a house – unless it was a Lego House. “The Roaring Silence” was the next album which I have on vinyl which contains I think “Blinded by the Light” – I’ve forgotten who wrote it – was it “The Boss”. Am I right, Steve Kinch has been in the MMEB for some years? Just one more thing as a connection obviously, “The Manfreds” – who’ve done The White Rock a good few times and The Congress are excellent.

Gerry Fortsch…I saw this line up on many occasions at the Fairfield Halls in Croydon, I cant remember why not on the pier?

Andy Qunta… I was at this gig. Wasn’t sure if I liked them or not, although it was interesting. They didn’t play Joybringer as I recall. However I kept thinking about it. Shortly afterwards, Factory supported them in Brighton. After that I was a big fan & still am. Later on they recorded my song “Tribal Statistics” on their Somewhere in Africa album. I got to know the singer, Chris Thompson, & we started writing songs, eventually including You’re The Voice, which we wrote with Keith Reid & Maggie Ryder. At some point Chris told me MMEB were going have auditions for a new bass player. I played keyboards with the band for them at the auditions as Manfred was busy or didn’t want to. Of course I told Steve Kinch he should try out. He came in & was his usual fabulous self & got the job, beating out many other top notch players!

Ernest Ballard… Great piece of rock history there Andy.