Nick Manley

 Singer songwriter/ plays guitar/mandolins/ukelele/banjo.

Born into a musical family there were his dad’s instruments around the house so he’s not sure when he started to play. Obsessed with music from a young age started first band at junior school. That was the first of a series of bands culminating with Big Dog and Red Shift which were formed at secondary school. First proper recordings were done with Red Shift at Surrey Sound Studios with Chris Grey who also worked on the Police’s first records and led to meeting Martin Rushent who signed the  Stranglers instead of Red Shift!!

Then formed the first version of fool moon-played a lot around Hampshire and beyond and won local heat of the Melody Maker competition which took them to London and the Marquee Club. (1970’s) Ian Maclaughlin was the bassist. Recorded a single.Later there was Comic Code in which Ray Lucking was the drummer. Played a lot around Portsmouth (1980’s) recording an album.

Nick left to see what musical life was like on the Continent having heard about the “scene” over there. Played in many bands, Blue Limousine (bluegrass); Sheoghey Beasts ( Irish); The Diggers (hard rock, blues);The Incontinentals (comedy skiffle); Off Six (Blues); Crow Road (rock blues); Lise Delac session (french songs), Nathanaelle (French songs); Redshift (alternative rock). Along with others and a lot of session work. He recorded 5 albums along the way.

Came back to England 10 years ago and got in touch with Ian and Ray to form fool moon (second version). Two albums (Black Lion and Never Coming Back) followed; recorded at Therapy Studios on Hayling Island; playing wherever and whenever possible.