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Paul Manzi
English singer and musician (born 1963) From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Paul Manzi (born 6 May 1963)[1] is an English singer, best known as a member of Sweet, Cats in Space and Arena, and for performing with the likes of Ian Paice, Gordon Giltrap and Oliver Wakeman.[1]
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Career
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Early career
Manzi chose performing arts over his other love, tennis. Manzi got his first guitar at 15 and played guitar in a school band. He originally wanted to be a guitarist like Jimmy Page, but became a singer after his distinctive voice[1] was discovered at age 23.[2] Other early influences include Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple, Rush and Queen.[3] 2 years after he started singing he joined progressive rock band Barchetta[3] and gained valuable recording experience at Abbey Road Studios and live experience at the Marquee Club.[2][3]
He did some vocal session work and also performed with various cover bands as well as with trios/duos and as a solo singer/guitarist.[2] he performed on lead vocals on soundtracks for musicals Phantasmagoria and Space Family Robinson.[2] Manzi joined Oliver Wakeman (son of Rick Wakeman, later of Yes)'s band in 2004, he continues to perform with both the band,[4][5] including guitarist Gordon Giltrap, and with Wakeman as a duo.[2][4][6]
Manzi joined supergroup Raw Glory in 2006 with members of Judas Priest, Gillan and Heavy Metal Kids.[2]
Arena
He joined neo-prog band Arena in 2010, replacing Rob Sowden. He wrote and recorded three acclaimed albums with them before his departure in 2020.[1][7] Drummer and band leader Mick Pointer praised Manzi's vocal ability saying "clearly Paul Manzi has a much better voice range than any of the others [previous singers in the band] put together."[8]
Sweet
He first joined Sweet temporarily on the 2014 tour in Australia, playing guitar and keyboards, covering for Tony O'Hora, who was absent for personal reasons.[1][9] He next performed with the band in 2019, again on keyboards and guitar with O'Hora taking on vocals/bass duties as he had in previous years.[10][11] He joined Sweet full time as lead singer later that year after O'Hora and Peter Lincoln's departure, he also contributed bass until Lee Small joined.[12]
Cats in Space
Manzi joined newly formed rock band Cats in Space in 2016, he recorded four albums with the group as well as touring with the group which included highlights including British Summertime at Hyde Park with Phil Collins and support tours with Thunder, Deep Purple and Status Quo.[1][13] In 2019 he left Cats in Space to join Sweet full time.[14]
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Discography
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References
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