Entertainment news and discussion on TalkFuse.
“We could have been bigger had we had an amazing manager. We’re our own worst enemies”: How Roxy Music got it together despite themselves
Roxy Music's self-titled debut album, released in 1972, made an immediate and powerful impact on the music scene, arriving on the back of the success of the standalone single "Virginia Plain". In 2018, band members reflected candidly on both the strengths and shortcomings of their arrival, acknowledging that a lack of clear career strategy and management may have limited how big the band ultimately became.
Guitarist Phil Manzanera discussed the long-delayed super deluxe reissue of the debut album, which features a new 5.1 surround mix by Steven Wilson, sleevenotes and sketches by fashion designer Antony Price. He noted the project had been talked about for eight years before finally being released, reflecting what he described as the band's chaotic, non-existent approach to career planning. Manzanera suggested Roxy Music could have achieved even greater success with stronger management, remarking that the band was often "its own worst enemy".
In short
- Roxy Music's 1972 debut got a super deluxe reissue with a Steven Wilson 5.1 mix
- Members reflected in 2018 on the album's impact and the band's chaotic approach
- Phil Manzanera says poor management held Roxy Music back from bigger success
Explained simply
Roxy Music were a British rock band who achieved immediate success with their self-titled debut album in 1972, backed by the popular single "Virginia Plain". The album established them as an important force in contemporary rock music, gaining significant attention from critics and audiences alike.
Decades later, members of the band reflected candidly on their early career. They acknowledged that whilst their debut had been genuinely impactful and successful, they believed a lack of professional management and clear career planning may have prevented them from achieving even greater success.
Guitarist Phil Manzanera remarked that the band had sometimes worked against their own interests during those formative years, describing Roxy Music as "its own worst enemy". The reflection highlighted how even talented and successful bands can be limited by organisational and strategic issues, regardless of their creative achievements.
Entertainment Health Medicine Music