Monday 10 October 2011

Tim Leadbeater retires! The hunt for a new KEYS player starts

We have to report the sad news that our principal keys player Tim Leadbeater has announced his intention to leave the band at Xmas.

Here is a statement from Tim.

"I joined Manning in the nick of time to rehearse up for Rosfest 2010 and (writing the day after Steve Jobs died)
that was a great opportunity seized and a dream come true.

But even then, I knew it was a commitment piled on top of much else - not least running a whole other, 11-piece, band.

And so, having hung in there to support production of a new album and bed in new drummers (metaphorically you
understand), it is finally time to give myself a break.

I'm told you can check out but never leave. (This is very true! Ed.)

I'm certainly not trying to prove something different, but there must be somebody out there whose time has come to 'fire up the Fantom G8!' "

"On behalf of all the members of MANNING, I want to wish Tim continued success with the Beatleaders and a restful dotage!" GuyM

Tim has kindly agreed to stay with us while we find someone to take on his duties but, if we can manage a transition switfly, then the December gig will be his last with us, sadly. Please come along and wish him Bon Voyage!

Some names have already been put in the hat for this role but we would of course like to hear from any suitable KEYs players that want to work with us.

Gigs are already booked for 2012, a long awaited live album is now firmly under discussion too.

The band is gaining ground daily and the critcial success of the 11 albums released and the buzz about the new album #12 is testament to the fact that this is a golden opportunity for someone!

Email guym@guymanning.com