Proof that spending 15 years as a Mama’s Boy is no bad thing, Pat McManus has triumphed as both a guitarist and writer. Originally chief shredder for Pulse – alongside brothers John and Tommy – the trio famously changed their name after Radio Luxembourg DJ Tony Prince, marveling at their combination of youth and talent, jokingly referred to them as “mama’s boys”. Rather than become offended by the phrase, the brothers McManus adopted it is as their new and permanent moniker.
A lengthy career followed, taking in eight albums, nine singles and countless raucous gigs along the way. Notable tours included playing support to hard rock heavyweights Bon Jovi, Ratt and Deep Purple, the last of which taking place at Knebworth in front of 100,000 people. Last year marked a very special occasion for the Boys as they played took to the Spring & Airbrake stage for a benefit show in aid of local cancer charities, a poignant nod of the head to original member Tommy McManus, who passed away from the disease in 1994. Now fronting his own Pat McManus Band, the battle-hardened axeman continues to shred like the best of them in front of audiences around the globe. As skillful with a pen as he is with a guitar, McManus released the excellent Runaway Dreams: The Story of Mama’s Boys and Celtus last August.
