FEW, if any, bands from the sixties and early seventies have demonstrated the levels of musical resilience shown by The Manfreds.

The Beatles and The Rolling Stones might still steal the headlines, but ‘Manfred-ologists’ all over the world argue the band’s list of hits from that era entitles them to a special place in music’s hall of fame.

The band is about to embark on a UK tour this autumn and its two front men are still going strong.

Both are legends in their own way. Paul Jones, who has been an actor and vocalist, and more recently a Radio 2 DJ, was the voice of the first Manfred Mann era before Mike d’Abo, the Old Harrovian, took over from Jones in 1966 and started a new chapter for the group.

The new tour sees Jones and d’Abo teaming up to perform the band’s back catalogue of hits which sound as good as when fans snapped them up on 45 rpm vinyl for 50p.

D’Abo, second left, is full of enthusiasm for the upcoming tour which includes an appearance in Salisbury – if he can get here.

“When I picture Salisbury I think of a beautiful unique city with an unfathomable traffic system,” he said.

“Our roads evolved from cattle tracks and nothing much has changed except they are wider.”

Traffic management aside, this is the man who penned two classic songs – Build Me Up Buttercup which defines an era and Handbags and Gladrags which defines d’Abo as a man.

Build Me Up Buttercup is still a regular on Golden Oldies nostalgia pop shows but the song has also been discovered by younger audiences at student nights, weddings and holiday discos as a new generation enjoys its infectious melody that captures the fun of 1960s music.

It’s less well known that d’Abo wrote Handbags and Gladrags which was a hit for Chris Farlowe before being recorded by Rod Stewart and later The Stereophonics. The song was also used by Ricky Gervais in his award- winning television show The Office and still has a particular significance for its composer. “It’s a song which even now I can’t really explain,” said d’Abo. When I wrote it, it was as if I was possessed by a strange power. It felt mysterious and magical but I had no idea where it came from, even today. It really does have a life of its own.”

Being on the road with The Manfreds is a joy for d’Abo and he is relishing performing all the old numbers, including those that were hits before he became part of the group.

From 5-4-3-2-1, Do Wah Diddy Diddy, Pretty Flamingo and Just Like a Woman – you don’t need to be a paid up ‘Manfred-ologist’ to know the lyrics by heart.

“The boys had to tease me back into the idea but when we are up and running it will be wonderful,” said d’Abo, who admits he misses his home comforts when he’s on the road.

On the chemistry between himself and Jones, d’Abo jokes that he “knows his place”.

“I am really second fiddle to Paul’s front man persona whenever we work together and I don’t mind that,” he said.

“The people who follow us will agree that both our voices are richer and stronger with the passing of the years.”

The Manfreds are appearing at Salisbury City Hall on Saturday, October 18.

For tickets visit cityhallsalisbury.co.uk or call the box office on 01722 434434.