Roxy Music Guitarist Delights Fans at Intimate Bay Area Show

Phil Manzanera brings his "words and music" tour to the Great American Music Hall in San Francisco.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Roxy Music guitarist Phil Manzanera delivered an evening of music and storytelling at the Great American Music Hall in San Francisco on Thursday night. Appearing onstage in a dapper blue suit, Manzanera looked nothing like the space-traveling wild man of his Roxy Music days, but when he plugged in his guitar, the familiar sounds of prog, pop, rock, Latin, and experimental music came alive. The 75-year-old Rock and Roll Hall of Famer used the intimate show to reflect on his over 50-year career, sharing stories from his childhood in Cuba, Venezuela, and London, and his collaborations with the likes of David Gilmour and Brian Eno. While the conversational portions were well-received, the highlight for fans was when Manzanera picked up his guitar to perform classics from his Roxy Music and solo catalogs.

Why it matters

Manzanera's show provided a rare opportunity for Bay Area fans to see the legendary Roxy Music guitarist in an intimate setting, as he reflected on his storied career and performed his signature sounds. The event celebrated Manzanera's enduring influence on the world of art-rock and progressive music.

The details

During the show, Manzanera discussed his new 11-disc box set retrospective "50 Years of Music" and his 2024 memoir "Revolución to Roxy." He shared stories of his early life, from learning Spanish guitar in Cuba to his family's moves to Venezuela and Hawaii before settling in London. Manzanera also spoke about his collaborations with Pink Floyd's David Gilmour and his time with the avant-garde rock group Roxy Music. When Manzanera picked up his guitar, he treated the audience to a career-spanning medley touching on Roxy Music classics like "More Than This," "Amazona," and "Jealous Guy," as well as solo material and songs from his 801 project with Brian Eno.

  • The show took place on Thursday, February 19, 2026.
  • Manzanera's new 11-disc box set "50 Years of Music" was released prior to the tour.
  • His memoir "Revolución to Roxy" is scheduled to be published in 2024.

The players

Phil Manzanera

A 75-year-old English guitarist and a member of the influential art-rock band Roxy Music, who was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2019.

David Gilmour

The legendary guitarist and singer from the band Pink Floyd, who has collaborated extensively with Manzanera over the years.

Brian Eno

The pioneering musician, producer, and founding member of Roxy Music, who worked with Manzanera on the 801 project.

Anil Prasad

The journalist who conducted the onstage conversation with Manzanera during the show.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, Grocery employee (Instagram)

The takeaway

Manzanera's intimate "words and music" show in San Francisco celebrated his enduring legacy as a pioneering guitarist and songwriter, blending his diverse musical influences from Latin and experimental sounds to classic rock. The event provided a rare opportunity for fans to get an up-close look at the Roxy Music legend's storied career.