Phil Manzanera

Early Life

Phil Manzanera, born Phillip Geoffrey Targett-Adams on January 31, 1951, in London, England, grew up in a multicultural environment, thanks to his Colombian mother and English father. His childhood was spent across various parts of the Americas, including Hawaii, Venezuela, Colombia, and Cuba. It was in Havana that he first encountered a guitar, sparking his musical journey. By the age of eight, he was experimenting with electric guitar sounds in Venezuela, influenced by the vibrant rhythms of Latin American music and the rock and roll of the 1960s. During his teenage years at Dulwich College, he formed several bands with friends, laying the groundwork for his future in music.

Music Career

Manzanera's professional career took off when he auditioned for the art rock band Roxy Music in 1971. Initially hired as a roadie, he soon became the band's lead guitarist after a member left. Roxy Music quickly rose to fame, releasing a series of best-selling albums and becoming a significant influence in the music scene of the early 1970s. Manzanera contributed to the band's success not only as a guitarist but also as a co-writer on several tracks. His collaborations extended beyond Roxy Music; he co-produced David Gilmour's album "On an Island" in 2006 and toured with Gilmour's band.

Personal Life

In 1977, Manzanera purchased St. Ann's Court in Chertsey, which he transformed into a recording studio. This space became instrumental for both his solo projects and Roxy Music's albums, including "Flesh & Blood" and "Avalon." The property, designed by architect Sir Raymond McGrath, was later sold in 1997.

Legacy

Phil Manzanera's contributions to music have been recognized with various honors, including the naming of asteroid 72801 Manzanera in his honor in 2019. In 2024, he was appointed to the Order of the British Empire for his services to music, following in the footsteps of his father, who received the same honor.