About - Roxy Music
Roxy Music emerged in 1972 as one of the most innovative and instantly influential groups in modern popular music. At a time when much British rock was entrenched in blues tradition and countercultural sincerity, Roxy introduced something more sophisticated. Simultaneously playful and serious, the giddy whirl of their work mixed art-school theory with glistening pop, experimentation with
romanticism, and high-fashion flair with avant-garde sensibilities. Over the next decade, with a string of classic singles and a run of extraordinary albums, they
transformed not only the sound of rock music, but also its look, and its possibilities. The band formed in London in 1971, when Bryan Ferry and bassist Graham Simpson joined forces with Andy Mackay, soon followed by Brian Eno, Phil Manzanera, and Paul Thompson. From the beginning, this collective was unlike anything in British music. Ferry’s archly poised and enigmatic vocals, Mackay’s expressive saxophone and oboe, Eno’s electronic manipulation and sonic sabotage, and Manzanera’s ever-exploratory guitar created songs that ignored conventional rock structures.
Anchored by Thompson’s brilliantly steadfast drumming, Roxy tracks could drift and shift suddenly in mood, tempo and texture, blending noise and melody, irony and sincerity, elegance and disruption. The music felt futuristic, yet rooted in cinema, classic pop, fashion and art. Choruses arrived sideways. Solos interrupted themselves. Glamour itself became another instrument in the mix. Released in 1972, their first LP, Roxy Music, is regarded as one of the greatest debut albums ever made. Hot on its heels, breakthrough single “Virginia Plain” brought the avant-garde to the charts. Like this, without compromising, Roxy managed to become both cult critical darlings and genuine pop stars. Their second album, For Your Pleasure (1973), remains for some the masterpiece: darker, deeper and more atmospheric than the debut, an expressionistic exploration of desire, modern alienation, glamour, and dislocation, it exemplifies the band’s ability to combine bold experimentation with genuine emotional resonance. After Eno left in 1973, Roxy Music continued to evolve. Albums Stranded (1973), Country Life (1974), and Siren (1975) – featuring the world-conquering
single “Love Is The Drug” – expanded and deepened their sound while maintaining the sophistication and unpredictability that always defined them.
Following a four-year hiatus, Manifesto (1979) and Flesh + Blood (1980) saw Roxy pushing forward with evolving interests in rhythm, groove and the dancefloor. Their impact extended beyond music. With designer Antony Price as a key member of the extended team, Roxy treated music, fashion, photography, and artwork as integral parts of the whole artistic experience. Their stage shows and a run of provocative album covers that famously mixed irony and iconography helped redefine the relationship between rock music and its representation, blurring distinctions between high art and pop culture so completely that later
generations simply accepted the fusion as normal. Long before “branding” became a corporate obsession, Roxy understood the complete aesthetic gesture. Roxy’s final studio album, Avalon (1982), represented the culmination of one of the most remarkable transformations in popular music. The jagged, racing, art rock experimentation of the early years evolved into another kind of experiment: a smooth, dreamlike, highly refined sound, built around space, atmosphere, hesitation, and emotional restraint.
Although radically different from their earliest work, Avalon is also unmistakably Roxy Music. Another
masterpiece, it remains one of the defining albums of its era, and a record
whose influence continues to echo through sophisticated pop and electronica.
After ceasing regular activity in 1983, Roxy reunited periodically for live
performances beginning in 2001. In 2019, they were inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame, a belated acknowledgment of their lasting impact. Am fiftieth-anniversary tour in 2022, featuring Ferry, Mackay, Manzanera and Thompson alongside longtime collaborators, brought the story full circle with acclaimed performances in North America and the UK.
Roxy Music remain something exceptionally rare, combining experimentation with mainstream
success, innovation with enduring popular appeal, and intellectual ambition with emotional immediacy. More than fifty years after their debut, they endure as genuine pioneers whose influence continues to shape artists across rock, pop, electronica, and beyond.
Founding Members
Bryan Ferry first gained recognition in the 1970s as creator, singer and principal songwriter of the legendary Roxy Music. Always creatively restless, drawing on art, cinema, poetry, literature, love and the price of love – and music of all description – with Roxy and as a solo artist he has recorded twenty-four albums over the course of a career that has now spanned six decades.
Born in Washington, Co Durham, Ferry studied fine art at Newcastle University. That training profoundly influenced his vision for Roxy Music, a group he once defined as “a state of mind.” At once timeless and ultra-modern, across eight constantly evolving albums Roxy became known as much for combining ideas about art, design and fashion in the performance and presentation of their music as the trailblazing music itself. Released in 1972, their self-titled first album is regularly hailed as one of the greatest debuts of all time. Roxy’s last studio album, 1982’s Avalon, has similarly been canonised among the landmark recordings of its era.
Ferry began his solo career in 1973, in tandem with his work with Roxy. As songwriter, in tracks like 1985’s “Slave To Love,” he again created some of the key records of the period. Simultaneously, through an unpredictable series of cover versions, he has carved a reputation as one of the great modern interpreters of song, with the ability to make other people’s songs practically his own, as demonstrated by his definitive version of Wilbert Harrison’s “Let’s Stick Together,” and Roxy’s remake of John Lennon’s “Jealous Guy.”
A unique and abidingly influential figure worldwide, in 2011 Ferry was awarded a CBE for his contribution to British music. In 2012, he received the French national honour of Officier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres. In 2014 he was made an Honorary Doctor of Music by Newcastle University. Roxy Music were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame in 2019.
Phil Manzanera is one of the UK’s best-known musicians and record producers, having shot to prominence in the early 1970s as the lead guitarist with the seminal band Roxy Music. He is widely acknowledged as one of the world’s leading guitarists and record producers, combining his live playing with writing and producing new music. He was awarded the OBE in the 2024 King’s Birthday Honours List: ‘Musician and Producer. For services to music.’
In the autumn of 2022, Roxy Music celebrated its 50th Anniversary with a
ten-date, critically acclaimed tour of the US, followed by three dates in the
UK. The triumphant ‘victory lap’ with original members Bryan Ferry, Andy
Mackay, Paul Thompson and Phil culminated in a sell-out concert at London’s O2 Arena.
Over the last 50 years he has released 10 solo albums starting with Diamond
Head, then projects such as 801 Live Quiet Sun.
In the last 5 years ,working with Andy Mackay, Phil has released a live
orchestral album, Roxymphony, an Avante-rock album, AMPM, featuring PaulThompson, followed by AMPM Soho Live. In March 2024, Phil self-published Revolución to Roxy, his compelling memoir, and has performed a series of ‘Words and Music’ talks in the UK and across America, from The Roxy in Los Angeles to the Cat Club in Pontefract. In 2024 he released 50 Years of Music, an 11-CD box set with a 100-page book, through Universal Records.
During the global pandemic, Phil reconnected with his old Split Enz and Crowded House friend, New Zealand legend Tim Finn, and together they wrote and produced two stunning albums: Caught by the Heart (2021) and The Ghost of Santiago
(2022).
Manzanera, born to a British father and Colombian mother, has always taken a
global approach to his music-making, collaborating with musicians from the UK, South and Latin America, South Africa, Cuba, continental Europe and New Zealand.
Over the last 20 years he has co-produced Pink Floyd’s The Endless River, and David Gilmour’s albums On an Island, Rattle That Lock and Live in Gdańsk, which have topped the charts in 12 countries. He also toured with Gilmour in the UK, USA, Europe and South America. In 2015 he was Maestro Concertatore of La Notte della Taranta, Italy’s largest free festival.
Phil’s musical influence stretches far and wide, but even he was taken by
surprise when his guitar riff from 1978’s K-Scope was sampled by Jay-Z and
Kanye West and became the Grammy-winning smash hit ‘No Church in the Wild’, the first track on their multi-million-selling album Watch the Throne.
Manzanera is now in his fifth decade as a professional musician. He joined Roxy
Music in 1972, aged 21, as lead guitarist and continues as such. He co-wrote
many Roxy Music songs, most notably ‘Amazona’, ‘Out of the Blue’, ‘Manifesto’,
‘Over You’ and ‘Take a Chance with Me’.
As a writer, producer, musical director and solo artist, Phil Manzanera has
worked with many of the luminaries of modern music, including Bob Dylan, Jack Bruce, Steve Winwood, David Gilmour, John Cale, Godley and Creme, Nico and John Wetton (King Crimson, Asia).
He has co-written material with many artists, including Brian Eno, Tim Finn,
Robert Wyatt and David Gilmour. Manzanera co-wrote Pink Floyd’s single ‘One Slip’ from their 1988 album A Momentary Lapse of Reason. In the world of Rock en Español, Manzanera has also produced seminal albums for Latin Grammy winners Draco Rosa, Enrique Bunbury, Héroes del Silencio, Aterciopelados, Paralamas doSucesso and Fito Páez.
Phil Manzanera has his state-of-the-art Gallery Studios in west London. Artists
who have recorded there include Robert Wyatt, Roxy Music, Brian Eno, Hot Chip,
David Gilmour, Annie Lennox, Paul Weller, Kevin Ayers and Chrissie Hynde.
Andy Mackay is a saxophonist, oboist, composer, and co-founder of the legendary band Roxy Music. Born in Cornwall and raised in London, he studied music and English literature at Reading University, where he developed interests in avant-garde and electronic music and met future collaborator Brian Eno.
In 1971, Mackay co-founded Roxy Music with Bryan Ferry, helping shape the band's distinctive blend of art rock, glamour, and experimentation. As a saxophonist and oboist, he became a defining part of Roxy Music's sound across their classic albums and contributed to landmark recordings including their chart-topping version of Jealous Guy.
Alongside his work with Roxy Music, Mackay built a successful career as a solo artist, recording albums such as In Search of Eddie Riff and Resolving Contradictions, and as a highly respected composer for film and television. His credits include the BAFTA-winning TV series Rock Follies, as well as numerous drama and documentary soundtracks.
A versatile musician and author, Mackay has collaborated with artists including Brian Eno, Pet Shop Boys, and Duran Duran. He has also written on electronic music and continues to compose, record, and perform through projects including Andy Mackay and The Metaphors.
Paul Thompson was born in Newcastle on 13th May 1951. His family moved to nearby Jarrow when he was six months old. Paul then went to West Simonside Infants and Junior Schools where his interest in drumming first showed through. Aged 11 Paul was bought his first ever drum and cymbal - a 14"x3" snare drum plus a 10" cymbal. Not possessing a bass drum , Paul resorted to stamping his foot on the floor, undoubtedly making himself hugely popular with the rest of the family.
As the 60's developed, Paul learnt his trade playing along with Beatles, Stones and Hollies songs. In 1965 Paul joined a local group 'The Tyme' and, under pressure from the rest of the band, he begged, pleaded and cajoled his parents into buying a £70 drum kit on the 'never, never' (a hire purchase agreement to our Transatlantic cousins). Gigs were at local youth clubs and transport was the guitarist's dad's wheel barrrow!
Aged 15, Paul left school and went to work in the Palmer's Shipyard at Hebburn, training to be a metalworker. Responding to an advert in the local paper, Paul then joined 'The Urge', a hard gigging local working men's club band. Playing most nights of the week and working during the day didn't mix and, aged 17, Paul was fired by Palmer's for falling asleep at work and became a professional musician.
Paul carried on working with local bands for the next four years, honing his skills and developing the powerful. driving technique that was to become his trademark and Roxy's foundations. In 1972 Paul headed south in search of fame and fortune and, oh happy day!, was in town the week when Bryan Ferry's advert in the Melody Maker appeared appealing for a 'wonder drummer'. Borrowing a drum kit from Matthews Southern Comfort (his own being locked in a studio in Denmark Street), Paul did the audition, got the gig - and the rest is history, as they say.
In 1980, Paul and Roxy went their separate ways. In the following years, Paul played with Gary Moore, JonathonPerkins and Concrete Blonde, who gave him his first ever US Gold album. More recently, Paul has played with local bands in the Tyneside area where he lives. He's kept himself busy and fit by taking up parachuting and scuba diving whilst continuing to thrash his drums on a regular basis.
His return to the drum seat with Roxy Music brings Paul full circle. He's back in his rightful position as the drummer who powered Roxy to their greatest heights and his performances on tour have excited and delighted his legions of fans.
He is, without doubt, The Great Paul Thompson. We need say no more.
Musician, producer, visual artist and activist, Brian Eno first came to international prominence in the early seventies as a founding member of British band, Roxy Music, followed by a series of solo albums and collaborations. His work as producer includes albums with Talking Heads, Devo, U2, Laurie Anderson, James, Jane Siberry and Coldplay, while his long list of collaborations include recordings with David Bowie, Jon Hassell, Harold Budd, David Byrne, Grace Jones, his brother, Roger, on Mixing Colours, and recently with Fred Again. In January 2024, ‘Eno’, a generative film about his life was screened at Sundance film festival to critical acclaim. It was accompanied by a soundtrack release with new unreleased songs and classic Eno recordings spanning five decades.
Eno’s visual experiments with light and video continue to parallel his musical career, with exhibitions and installations all over the globe. He has exhibited extensively, as far afield as St. Petersburg’s Marble Palace, Ritan Park in Beijing, Arcos de Lapa in Rio de Janeiro and the sails of the Sydney Opera House. He is involved in multiple activist work, such as the climate charity Earth Percent and HardArt, both of which he co-founded, as well as the Stop The War coalition. He is a founding member of the Long Now Foundation, a trustee of Client Earth and patron of Videre est Credere. In 2023, Brian was awarded the Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement by the Venice Biennale Musica. He has written his second book, “What Art Does” co-authored with Bette A. and based upon his experience as an artist. Published by Faber, it was released in January 2025. Eno has most recently co-organised ‘Together for Palestine’, a completely sold out fundraising concert featuring multiple artists which takes place at London’s OVO Wembley Arena on September 17th, 2025.
Graham Simpson was the original bassist and a founding member of Roxy Music. Born in England, he studied at Newcastle University, where he became friends with fellow student Bryan Ferry. When Ferry moved to London in the early 1970s, Simpson joined him, along with Andy Mackay, in forming what would become Roxy Music.
As the band's first bassist, Simpson played a key role in the group's formative rehearsals and early live performances, contributing to the development of Roxy Music's distinctive sound. He performed on the band's influential self-titled debut album, released in 1972, before leaving the group shortly afterwards.
Although his time with Roxy Music was brief, Simpson's contribution was instrumental in the band's earliest evolution. His melodic bass playing helped lay the foundations for one of the most innovative and influential acts of the era, securing his place in the history of Roxy Music and the wider development of British art rock.
