Roxy Music Guitarist Phil Manzanera Reflects on His Life's Sounds

Manzanera shares stories from his memoir 'Revolución to Roxy' at Great American Music Hall event

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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Legendary Roxy Music guitarist Phil Manzanera is bringing his hybrid performance 'An Evening of Words and Music with Roxy Music's Phil Manzanera' to San Francisco's Great American Music Hall. The event will blend live guitar performance with reflection, archival imagery, and stories from Manzanera's newly released memoir and companion CD, both titled 'Revolución to Roxy', which trace his life's journey from a childhood shaped by the Cuban Revolution to his iconic work with the art-rock band Roxy Music.

Why it matters

Manzanera's life story offers a unique perspective on the intersection of music, culture, and global upheaval. As a musician who helped define the sound of art-rock, his reflections provide insight into the creative process and the power of music to transcend borders and connect people across generations.

The details

The San Francisco event will feature Manzanera in conversation with music journalist Anil Prasad, blending live guitar performance with stories and archival imagery. Manzanera's memoir chronicles his early life shaped by the Cuban Revolution, his displacement across Venezuela, Colombia, and England, and his eventual rise to fame as the guitarist of the groundbreaking band Roxy Music in the 1970s. The band's innovative visual aesthetic, which was crucial to their identity, is also explored, with Manzanera highlighting the contributions of fashion designer Anthony Price and photographer Karl Stoecker.

  • Manzanera's San Francisco event is scheduled for Thursday, February 19, 2026.
  • Manzanera's memoir 'Revolución to Roxy' and companion CD were recently released.

The players

Phil Manzanera

A legendary guitarist who was a founding member of the influential art-rock band Roxy Music.

Anil Prasad

A music journalist who will be in conversation with Manzanera at the San Francisco event.

Bryan Ferry

The lead vocalist and a founding member of Roxy Music, who worked closely with Manzanera on the band's visual aesthetic.

Brian Eno

The pioneering musician and producer who was an early member of Roxy Music and collaborated extensively with Manzanera.

Anthony Price

The British fashion designer who was essential in developing Roxy Music's iconic visual identity.

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What they’re saying

“If you grow up speaking two languages, you are scientifically proven to be more compassionate. You have this kind of duality, and one of those is the power to be empathetic. For a musician, that is such a helpful tool.”

— Phil Manzanera, Guitarist (48hills.org)

“Anthony Price was absolutely indispensable to the whole image of Roxy Music.”

— Phil Manzanera, Guitarist (48hills.org)

“She was a fantastic person. She was very much in demand as a model and later became a big disco star as well.”

— Phil Manzanera, Guitarist (48hills.org)

What’s next

Manzanera's upcoming San Francisco event at the Great American Music Hall on February 19, 2026 will offer a unique opportunity for fans to experience his life story and musical legacy through a blend of live performance, conversation, and archival imagery.

The takeaway

Phil Manzanera's life story, as chronicled in his memoir 'Revolución to Roxy', underscores the power of music to transcend borders, connect people, and provide a creative outlet in the face of personal and global upheaval. His upcoming San Francisco event promises to offer a rare and intimate glimpse into the mind and artistry of this pioneering musician.