:: The Shattered Room ::

Official ARENA Forum => General Discussion => Topic started by: johninblack on Sat, 2010-10-23, 09:11:08

Title: New Singer.......
Post by: johninblack on Sat, 2010-10-23, 09:11:08


Quote from: Clive's facebookClive Nolan Wow... you people are like hungry wolves... Oliver?? Was he kneeling in that picture?..;) Tell what... we will announce Mr X on November 1st.... that's official :)



Not too long to wait. Personally I'll be really delighted if it turns out to be Alan Reed, but whoever it is I'm sure they will be welcomed by all here. *horns*
Title: Re: New Singer.......
Post by: Teunis on Sat, 2010-10-23, 12:58:48
Yeah, I've read that too on FB. I'm with you, hoping for mr. Reed as singer, but the distance (the reason that he was sacked with Pallas) could be a problem.
Title: Re: New Singer.......
Post by: maddox on Sat, 2010-10-23, 16:29:52
Quote from: Teunis on Sat, 2010-10-23, 12:58:48
Yeah, I've read that too on FB. I'm with you, hoping for mr. Reed as singer, but the distance (the reason that he was sacked with Pallas) could be a problem.

I'm not!  ???

Sorry, folks but I really can't picture Alan with Arena.
Title: Re: New Singer.......
Post by: PH on Sat, 2010-10-23, 17:49:42
Quote from: johninblack on Sat, 2010-10-23, 09:11:08Alan Reed

A big possibility.
I wouldn't mind if it were him, although I cannot imagine him singing Arena songs yet...
Could it also be Mac (ex-Threshold)? (I was listening to some Threshold today :D)
Title: Re: New Singer.......
Post by: johninblack on Sun, 2010-10-24, 09:55:03
Quote from: PH on Sat, 2010-10-23, 17:49:42
A big possibility.
I wouldn't mind if it were him, although I cannot imagine him singing Arena songs yet...
Could it also be Mac (ex-Threshold)? (I was listening to some Threshold today :D)

Mac would be my second favourite :)
Title: Re: New Singer.......
Post by: johninblack on Sun, 2010-10-24, 09:56:40
Actually my first choice for Arena singer would be Damian Wilson.
Title: Re: New Singer.......
Post by: maddox on Sun, 2010-10-24, 09:59:14
Mac or Wilson?

Hmm....

Would you both consider them as neo-prog singers?
Title: Re: New Singer.......
Post by: JJ II on Mon, 2010-10-25, 16:36:46
In the past Arena have never chosen any member with much of a history or back catalogue. John Jowitt was the only one, simply because he sort of offered himself (and he had worked with Clive before). Remember: even Mitchell was a name without a face back in 1996. So: no Wilson, Reed or Mac, I'd say.

Secondly: their usual 'modus operandi' is "to go through word of mouth, rather than advertise, because although you might find someone, you don't really know them for a long time (source: C.Nolan in "The Salt and The Sand")."

They found Mitchell through Mark Westwood (their roadie, businesspartner to Jowitt) and Rob through Mitchell. Ian was in Shadowland with Clive.

If this modus is consistent, the new singer will be: someone known to a member of the band but with little or no work of his own.

:-\

Title: Re: New Singer.......
Post by: maddox on Mon, 2010-10-25, 21:11:12
Quote from: JJ II on Mon, 2010-10-25, 16:36:46
In the past Arena have never chosen any member with much of a history or back catalogue. John Jowitt was the only one, simply because he sort of offered himself (and he had worked with Clive before). Remember: even Mitchell was a name without a face back in 1996. So: no Wilson, Reed or Mac, I'd say.

Secondly: their usual 'modus operandi' is "to go through word of mouth, rather than advertise, because although you might find someone, you don't really know them for a long time (source: C.Nolan in "The Salt and The Sand")."

They found Mitchell through Mark Westwood (their roadie, businesspartner to Jowitt) and Rob through Mitchell. Ian was in Shadowland with Clive.

If this modus is consistent, the new singer will be: someone known to a member of the band but with little or no work of his own.

:-\



Like I said: Brian Cummings. ;D
Title: Re: New Singer.......
Post by: Bupie on Tue, 2010-10-26, 08:33:04
I don't know whether Mac and Threshold parted in good terms, despite the official announcement, since he left the band at the beginning or in the middle of a tour (if I remember correctly).

Since Karl Groom is a close friend of Clive, a founder member of Shadowland and has worked on P&G, maybe Mac would not be welcome  ::)

Anyway, JJII demonstrated that the new singer is still an unknown hero  :)
Title: Re: New Singer.......
Post by: Nicky007 on Tue, 2010-10-26, 12:03:53
I had the impression that Mac simply got tired of being the singer of Threshold with all that it implied.

The thesis that Arena takes unknown singers has some modifications. E.g. Clive recorded Caamora She with Alan and Christina and toured with them. Clive and Alan seem to work very well together.

Certainly Alan sings differently from Rob, but he doesnt need to do all the earlier songs. This could be a new phase for Arena. If Alan gets into the mix now, he could bring his enormous talent to bear  *horns*

I would also be happy with Mac or Damian  8)

Nicky.
Title: Re: New Singer.......
Post by: JJ II on Tue, 2010-10-26, 16:28:08
QuoteThe thesis that Arena takes unknown singers has some modifications. E.g. Clive recorded Caamora She with Alan and Christina and toured with them.

She is a musical/rock-opera, not a band. So any comparison goes down the drain....

Out of all Arena-members, only the bass-players had some name in prog-circles. Three singers and two guitarists didn't. Of course I can be mistaken, but I seriously doubt whether Clive and Mick will bring someone with a big name and song-catalogue.

PS: Mac's departure from Threshold was far from friendly.
Title: Re: New Singer.......
Post by: Nicky007 on Tue, 2010-10-26, 17:52:42
Quote from: JJ II on Tue, 2010-10-26, 16:28:08
She is a musical/rock-opera, not a band. So any comparison goes down the drain....

Down yours (not up yours  ;D ), but not mine. Arena is very much Clive, as we all know  ;)


Quote
Mac's departure from Threshold was far from friendly.

OK. I didnt know much about it, but you obviously do, JJ II. Sad  :(

Mac is a great singer. Hope he soon gets another chance.

Nicky.
Title: Re: New Singer.......
Post by: johninblack on Tue, 2010-10-26, 20:03:39
I'm quite sure whoever "Mr X" is he will be a welcome addition to the Arena family be it a "known" person or an "Unknown" person.
I believe Mac left Threshold two or three days before the start of a major tour, that implies to me a far from "friendly" parting of company.
Anyway, six more days and all the speculation will be irrelevant :)
Title: Re: New Singer.......
Post by: Nicky007 on Wed, 2010-10-27, 12:36:45
Here's Mac's statement on Threshold's official chatforum at Ultimatemetal:

Mac's Statement

Sorry it took so long to give this statement. But, I'm also sorry it took me so long to realise I had to get on with the rest of my life and eventually make a decent living. I know the timing was bad and I'm very grateful to Damian for standing in for me. Unfortunately it's absolutely impossible to live on fresh air alone. Next time you listen to a Threshold album picture my girlfriend having to work overtime to make it possible for me to go on tour, not to mention all the jobs I chose to give up to continue with Threshold. Once again, the timing was bad.... I was up all Friday night (13.07.2007) considering this and decided it was time to support my family 100%. For all the Fans out there take what you have and enjoy it (I know I was devastated when Led Zeppelin came to an end). Thanks for all your support, all the best for Threshold and Threshold Fans for the future, Cheers Mac.


This is actually very much the impression I had.

He has been criticized by many for his timing, informing the Threshold guys of his decision to leave the band few days before a major tour.

Fortunately Damian could take over.

Did any Roomie experience a concert on this tour ? (answer in the Threshold thread)  ;)

Nicky.
Title: Re: New Singer.......
Post by: Teunis on Wed, 2010-10-27, 20:00:53
The waiting is almost over, this is what Clive Noland wrote today on his Facebook:
"Arena rehearsal in a couple of hours... After that I think we'll introduce the singer - he's been wearing that bag on his head for too long! Announcement this evening....;)"
Title: Re: New Singer.......
Post by: Niquicho on Wed, 2010-10-27, 20:55:10
It's been evening for quite a while but no news yet on Facebook.
Title: Re: New Singer.......
Post by: Teunis on Wed, 2010-10-27, 21:30:21
At last:

Quote Clive Nolan:
"Meet Arena's new singer, Paul Manzi. Known for his work with 'Raw Glory' and, of course, 'The Oliver Wakeman Band'... and now he has taken up the challenge of being the Arena frontman! Good luck Paul!..;)"

Don't know him, but I'll check him out as soon as I find time  ;D.
Title: Re: New Singer.......
Post by: Teunis on Wed, 2010-10-27, 21:42:44
Judge for yourself  ;).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=frve4DOSUsI
Title: Re: New Singer.......
Post by: The Butterfly Man on Wed, 2010-10-27, 21:50:03
Quote from: Teunis on Wed, 2010-10-27, 21:42:44
Judge for yourself  ;).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=frve4DOSUsI

Teunis, you beat me to it! ;D

HereĀ“s another sample: http://www.myspace.com/oliverwakemanband

Tom
Title: Re: New Singer.......
Post by: ironcow2103 on Wed, 2010-10-27, 23:10:49
Not too dissimilar to Rob. Saw him in the OWB a few years back and thought he was quite good...
Title: Re: New Singer.......
Post by: JJ II on Thu, 2010-10-28, 09:36:09
Great voice! Personally, he reminds me more of Paul W. than of Rob... I can hear him sing The Visitor, or even Sirens!
Title: Re: New Singer.......
Post by: PH on Thu, 2010-10-28, 11:57:35
Don't know him, but he sounds really good. He has a powerful voice.
And yes, I can imagine him singing Arena songs! :D

Quote from: JJ II on Thu, 2010-10-28, 09:36:09
Great voice! Personally, he reminds me more of Paul W. than of Rob... I can hear him sing The Visitor, or even Sirens!

Yes definitely!!

Good luck to Paul the 2nd! ;)
Title: Re: New Singer.......
Post by: ironcow2103 on Thu, 2010-10-28, 13:18:53
Quote from: JJ II on Thu, 2010-10-28, 09:36:09
Personally, he reminds me more of Paul W. than of Rob...
Listening back to the OWB album he sounds much deeper and Rob like than the live DVD which I can see what you mean about the Paul similarity! Obviously Clive has picked the perfect half way house to sing both eras!  :)
Title: Re: New Singer.......
Post by: JJ II on Thu, 2010-10-28, 13:44:26
QuoteListening back to the OWB album he sounds much deeper and Rob like

What do you mean by 'deeper': lower, or more intimate?
Title: Re: New Singer.......
Post by: maddox on Thu, 2010-10-28, 14:57:11
Quote from: Teunis on Wed, 2010-10-27, 21:42:44
Judge for yourself  ;).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=frve4DOSUsI

So it isn't Brain.  :o

But than again, I quite like his voice.  *horns*
Powerful, melodic. He indeed reminds me of Paul W. from time to time but this dude has more power.

Looking forward to the 13th November!!!!  *horns*
Title: Re: New Singer.......
Post by: ironcow2103 on Thu, 2010-10-28, 15:33:13
Quote from: JJ II on Thu, 2010-10-28, 13:44:26
What do you mean by 'deeper': lower, or more intimate?

Lower...
Title: Re: New Singer.......
Post by: Nicky007 on Thu, 2010-10-28, 16:17:34
Quote from: maddox on Thu, 2010-10-28, 14:57:11
So it isn't Brain.  :o

Fortunately not yours, Mad  ;D

Hm, hard to gauge. OWB is not really my style of music  :-\

I would'v liked to see a powerful singer like Alan, Mac, or Damian as frontman for Arena ... but let's give Paul Manzi a solid handshake and bid him welcome as the new singer, and wish all the Arena guys good luck with their work together  :)

I'm also curious to see what Rob will turn up with .....  ;)

Nicky.
Title: Re: New Singer.......
Post by: JJ II on Thu, 2010-10-28, 16:44:33
QuoteLower...

Maybe because on the album it's a different singer?? (being Moon Kinnaird)  :-\
Title: Re: New Singer.......
Post by: erik on Thu, 2010-10-28, 20:59:50
Some background info from Oliver Wakeman's website:

QuotePaul Manzi was born in 1963, London. He bought his first guitar when he was fifteen (A Flying V copy inspired by KK Downing of Judas Priest) and proceeded to play guitar in his school band. Paul's early influences were Led Zepplin, Deep Purple, Rush, Queen to name but a few.

Paul found his voice and started singing at age 23 (late starter) and 2 years later joined progressive rock band 'Barchetta'. He gained notable recording experience at Abbey Road Studios, (only because Pete the guitarist worked as an accountant there) and equally notable live experience including playing at the Old Marquee supporting progressive rock band 'Pallas'.

Since then Paul has kept busy doing session vocals and working in various successful cover bands/trios/duos/solo as a singer/guitarist (one has to pay the rent). More recently Paul has performed lead vocals on the soundtrack of 2 rock/pop musicals 'Phantasmagoria' and Space Family Robinson, which was in production in 2003. He is also an aspiring actor, and has performed in theatre and on film.

Paul joined Oliver's band in mid 2004 and has proved himself to be a fantastic frontman. He first performed with the band for their concert at the Classic Rock Society on the 18th September 2004. He has continued to perform with both the band and with Oliver as an acoustic duo. In 2007 Paul got to record with Oliver on the Mother's Ruin ep.

Although Paul's versatility as a musician has enabled him to cross musical styles including soul, jazz, latin, pop and musical theatre, he has now come full circle back to his rock roots.
Title: Re: New Singer.......
Post by: erik on Thu, 2010-10-28, 22:19:00
Here you can listen to his work with British rockers Raw Glory, four tracks from their album City Life (2007): http://www.rawglory.co.uk/music.htm
Title: Re: New Singer.......
Post by: erik on Fri, 2010-10-29, 12:00:27
And his personal official website, although still under construction and not giving any info yet: http://www.paulmanzi.co.uk/
Title: Re: New Singer.......
Post by: johninblack on Fri, 2010-10-29, 12:53:59
Seen Paul performing in Rotherham (CRS), he has an excellent voice both soulful and powerful and is an excellent choice for Arena.
Title: Re: New Singer.......
Post by: The Butterfly Man on Fri, 2010-10-29, 13:50:08
After hearing some samples of Paul's voice I'm even more excited to finally see Arena again next month!

Bring it on! *horns*

Tom
Title: Re: New Singer.......
Post by: JJ II on Fri, 2010-10-29, 14:16:16
I love that 'In Control'-track. I can imagine his voice with the 'ever darker direction' towards which Arena is heading...
Title: Re: New Singer.......
Post by: Draco chimera on Tue, 2010-11-02, 18:13:09
Quote from: ironcow2103 on Thu, 2010-10-28, 13:18:53
Obviously Clive has picked the perfect half way house to sing both eras!  :)
I agree with that ! I was wondering how Clive and the band were going to find a singer able to sing closely to Wrightson's style and Rob's one, and it seems they did it !  :)
Welcome to Paul the 2nd, looking forward to hear your voice on stage and on the next album !
Title: Re: New Singer.......
Post by: The Fury on Sun, 2010-11-07, 01:44:37
Just listened to a piece of the Oliver Wakeman Band starring Paul M. Must say I like
his voice. Reminds me a bit a somebody, but I can't remember who...
Title: Re: New Singer.......
Post by: Deenfan on Tue, 2012-01-24, 00:16:01
.....and this time, Clive found someone able to sing the melodies.

I'll say no more on this old thread, but I must be allowed a bit of slack, after all this time away!

:P