Roxy Music Guitarist Phil Manzanera Reflects on 50-Year Career

From Cuban Revolution to Rock Stardom, Manzanera Shares Stories in New Memoir

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Phil Manzanera, the guitarist for the pioneering art rock band Roxy Music, discusses his new memoir "Revolución to Roxy" which traces his fascinating life journey - from witnessing the Cuban Revolution as a child to becoming a rock star in one of the most influential bands of the 1970s. Manzanera shares stories about how he joined Roxy Music, the band's unique sound, and his experiences producing Spanish-language rock acts. He also reflects on Roxy Music's 50th anniversary tour in 2022, which he says was the first time the band was able to properly present their music in a visually compelling way.

Why it matters

Manzanera's memoir provides a rare, first-hand account of the origins and creative vision behind one of the most innovative and influential bands of the 1970s. His diverse background and experiences, from witnessing the Cuban Revolution to producing Latin rock acts, also offer a unique perspective on the globalization of popular music during that era.

The details

Manzanera, a 20-year-old guitarist at the time, responded to an ad in Melody Maker magazine seeking "the perfect guitarist for an avant-rock group." He ended up joining Roxy Music, which included singer Bryan Ferry, saxophonist Andy Mackay, and Brian Eno on electronics. Manzanera felt a musical kinship with the band's eclectic influences, from the Velvet Underground to Motown. Despite initially failing the audition, he was later invited to replace the guitarist who had won the original spot just three days after Manzanera's 21st birthday in 1972. Manzanera went on to co-write many of Roxy Music's most acclaimed songs and produce Spanish-language rock acts like Heroes del Silencio and Aterciopelados, bringing his experience from working with producers like George Martin's assistant.

  • Manzanera joined Roxy Music in February 1972, just three days after his 21st birthday.
  • Roxy Music embarked on a 50th anniversary tour in 2022.

The players

Phil Manzanera

The guitarist for the pioneering art rock band Roxy Music, who has had a storied 50-year career in music.

Bryan Ferry

The lead singer and co-founder of Roxy Music.

Andy Mackay

The saxophonist and keyboardist for Roxy Music.

Brian Eno

The electronic musician who was an early member of Roxy Music.

Pete Townshend

The guitarist for The Who, whose art school teacher also taught Brian Eno.

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What they’re saying

“I felt on my musical palette there was all sorts of music I had in common with the other guys. The main one was the Velvet Underground, but we all loved Motown; we liked pop songs. Goes without saying the Beatles, the Stones, the Kinks, all that kind of thing.”

— Phil Manzanera, Guitarist, Roxy Music (capitalgazette.com)

“It was exciting to see the reaction of the people, the resonance. You could see them reliving moments. I was looking at them thinking, 'Wow, this is such a vibe.' That's why at the end I was sort of waving, saying, 'This has been great. Thanks. You won't see us again.'”

— Phil Manzanera, Guitarist, Roxy Music (capitalgazette.com)

What’s next

Manzanera plans to continue exploring his family's rich history, including his connection to the famous Jewish pirate Moses Cohen Henriques, and hopes to connect with the Jamaican rapper Sean Paul, who is also related to Henriques.

The takeaway

Phil Manzanera's memoir "Revolución to Roxy" offers a fascinating first-hand account of the origins and creative vision behind one of the most innovative and influential bands of the 1970s, Roxy Music. His diverse background and experiences, from witnessing the Cuban Revolution to producing Latin rock acts, provide a unique perspective on the globalization of popular music during that era.