FRED MANT

I would like to take this opportunity pay tribute to Fred Mant who recently passed away. Fred was the father of my former manager Ivan Mant. Ivan and I were reminiscing about the days back in the late 60s early 70s when the band were just starting to get out on the road.

All the band were too young to even drive a car yet alone think about how to fix vans. Our first proper band van was an old customised Austin van which I believe was previously owned by a circus. Winter gigs were always cold because the heater never worked properly. Good job 'Fairisle jumpers' and Afghan coats were the fashion! Fred knew about vans and engines and Ivan reminded me of a couple of stories where Fred came to the rescue.

We were playing a gig up in Stoke on Trent and we'd been having both engine and brake problems, but you know how it is 'The show must go on'. Fred came with us to the gig in case we had problems. While we were inside playing the gig, he was outside apparently fixing the van. When we came off stage, there was Fred, black from head to foot covered in dirt and oil. He'd been fixing the brakes and heaven knows what else!

Then there was the time when the band played a gig in Southgate, London. We'd got to the gig only to find we had electrical problems and consequently the van had no lights. Once again it was Fred to the rescue. Just picture the scene... in order that we could drive home he'd brought four torches with him and tied them to the van. Two white ones at the front and two red ones on the back, so we were able to get home from the gig in the dark!

Like my dad, Fred was from the generation who grew up and found themselves in the heat of the second world war. While in Greece he was taken prisoner by the German army and some time later was freed after being transferred to Austria. I cannot imagine living through times like that. In their own way they were humble and never made a fuss or spoke much about what they must have been through. It's been three years now since my Dad passed away and I still miss him even though he could be an old sod at times.

I would like to send my condolences to Ivan and his family Wendy, Gemma and Craig - my thoughts are with you at this time. I wrote the song 'Lucky Man' about my dad, but others have told me they can relate to the words of the song. I knew Fred Mant..... "Oh a lucky man am I"

Fred Mant - R.I.P 7th July 2006