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The future of MMEB was looking very prosperous indeed. Chris Thompson was fronting his own band 'Filthy McNasty' as a sideline project and
secured a residency at The Bridge House pub, East London. Thompson's unique set of pipes had rewarded him with a steady flow of new admirers such as the late Rory Gallagher and future Iron Maiden front man Bruce
Dickenson. Thompson's new band boasted the hugely under rated co-vocalist Stevie Laing, keyboard player Nicky Hopkins – the only musician who can claim to have guested with The Beatles, The Who and The Stones (not a bad track
record) – and red hot guitarist Robbie MacIntosh (more about him later). In addition to all this Chris Thompson also toured and guested on Elton John's 'Single Man' tour and album. February saw the release of the eagerly
awaited new album 'Watch', which, in my opinion rates as the very best, post Mick Rogers Earth Band offering. It is an album of memorable songs and outstanding playing from beginning to end. In fact 'Watch' was so
popular amongst the fans that the entire second side of the album is still a high point of the live set today. In Germany 'Watch' was the Earth Band's biggest selling album of all, reaching an impressive chart position of
number two and shifting over a million copies, one behind Saturday Night Fever! Once again, a highly memorable UK tour followed, complete with visuals. I only managed to make four gigs as I had pre-booked an extended
holiday. However, upon my return I was thrilled to bits to discover that my boys had another Top 10 hit under their belt with 'Davy's On The Road Again'. Nothing could physically stun me more than when I bought the
Melody Maker at the airport, and seeing the headlines in the news pages, 'MANN'S EARTH BAND SPLIT', and retaining just singer, Chris Thompson. I could not believe my eyes! Surely this could not be true – there must be
some horrible mistake! Reading on with disbelief, I found that those axed were Pat King (who was later re-instated), dave Flett and Chris Slade. An Earth Band without Chris Slade would be like a bird without wings, and
Dave Flett who fitted in so brilliantly, gone forever, never to return, was a devastating blow. After all, two such important band members seemed like a huge task to replace. Could they ever be replaced? Yes, it
was Mick Rogers' scenario all over again! (Sob Sob).
In 1983 I avidly remember going to The Workhouse, Manfred's secretary, Jane Curtis had called to inform me that Manfred had a rather large pile of albums that he was disposing of
and enquired whether I would be interested in having a shift through them. I jumped at the opportunity! Upon my arrival, I think some crafty bugger had cherry picked through them, as
the majority of ones on offer were South African releases and meant that little or nothing to me. However, upon entering into Studio One, where John was busy mixing 'Budapest Live',
he looked at me and said in a rather cynical tone of voice, 'I bet you don't know much about rock music apart from Manfred Mann, do you Barry?" The cheek of the man! I rather
sheepishly offered John a challenge of our knowledge of the rock music scene (no bets!). I asked Jane to referee a friendly contest between John and myself. To say the least I got
more than just a small delight of pleasure in thrashing the drummer (mercilessly!), and answering every question he threw at me with ease, leaving him virtually dumbfounded! The last laugh was on him, when I put my arm around
him with genuine affection and said, "Better luck next time, Johnny Boy", and gleefully left the studio with a big smile of supreme victory on my
Chris Thompson had handed in his resignation and was to make the forthcoming album 'Angel Station' his final with MMEB. What was needed at this stage was to find
a worthy successor. Manfred was recommended to check out a popular South London circuit musician – a singer and guitarist – at the Half Moon pub, Herne Hill. He
went by the name of Steve Waller, who had a growly, bluesy style and was a natural born comedian, showman and entertainer. Waller was indeed the right man for the
job. One quick audition and it was all settled. Manfred's original intention was to tour with Waller and Thompson, combine the duo of vocalists and guitarists to alternate the
leads. It was Manfred's wishes to eventually move Waller up to the front line following Thompson's eventual departure. Sadly this was not to be, as Waller was more than just fond of a tipple of gin.
I have to be very honest here – although I felt that Steve was a colourful figure and was very entertaining live, I did not however, rate him as much musically as his two
predecessors. On a heartfelt personal note, Steve was the most wonderful person who has a heart the size of the Empire State Building. I stayed in touch with him long
after his MMEB days, seeing him perform virtually very week at the Father Red Cap pub in South London. I well remember celebrating my 25th birthday. He decorated the
stage with balloons, presented me with a magnum of champagne, and made an excellent speech, for which I will always be eternally grateful. I anxiously awaited to hear the enigmatic 'Angel Station' album, and hate to admit that
for the first time I was slightly disappointed, finding the material different and less rockier than anything they had previously submitted to vinyl.
My initial reaction was "UM…!!! Not sure about this one". However I readily admit it steadily grew on me after several listens. Incidentally, this
very publication was taken after the short instrumental which closes side one. The first time I saw the new lime up was at a low key warm up at the Queen Mary's College. It was a monumental come back performance. My
faith in MMEB was immediately restored (not that it was ever really lost). I managed to make every date on the official UK tour! At the opening night at Bristol Colston Hall, I met Manfred's business manager Dave Clarke
backstage, who very kindly drove me back to London. A third party joined us, an American singer who was especially flown over to check out
the band in order to fill in for the shortly-to-depart Chris Thompson. His name was Huey Lewis, I was informed the band were having problems
with Steve Waller's over fondness for a beverage which resulted with him being given the big 'E' at the end of the tour. Although it was thought Huey Lewis was very good, he was not proven suitable for the Earth band.
For the first time MMEB were down to a trio of Mann, King and Lingwood. The application list for the vacant vocalist position was alarming.
Although the best they had so far seen was Huey Lewis and he was offered the job, he declined in order to start his own band, 'The News'.
Paul Young, Brian Johnson (later with AC/DC), ex Atomic Rooster and Cactus vocalist Pete French all tried their luck and failed. Eventually to
give every would be hopeful a fair crack of the whip, an advert was placed in the Melody Maker, and they received literally hundreds of demo
tapes. Fortunately Thompson and Waller both returned as guest musicians, plus a further array of session singers and guest musicians who contributed towards manfred's next project. To be continued….
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Not Quite Overnight Sensations - Part 4 
Fortunately for me, it wasn't long before two new comers were recruited. Geoff Britton, an
adequate drummer and an able sax player, although more renowned as a martial arts and karate expert, was eventually brought in to replace Chris Slade. Geoff had a good credibility,
and had previously bashed the skins for prog rockers 'Gun', 'East Of Eden' (who had supported Chapter III on tour), 'Rock and Rollers', 'The Wild Angels' and a short lived spell with
'Wings'. He performed on the Earth Band's ninth studio album entitled 'Angel Station'. Sadly however a re-occurring illness prevented him from meeting the band's scheduled touring
commitments and the reliable John Lingwood shortly replaced him. Wembley born John had turned down a career as a professional footballer in order to become a full time musician. He
had an impressive list of session work under his belt, having performed in the London production of Hair, and also with 70's progsters, 'Steamhammer', and the god of hellfire himself, Arthur Brown.
face. I was very glad that John and I shared a mutual admiration for the early 70's hugely under rated band 'Patto'!
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