Only After Dark: The Complete Mainman Recordings
When David Bowie announced at the Hammersmith Odeon on 3rd July 1973 that he (or, as it subsequently turned out, alter-ego Ziggy Stardust) was breaking up the band, manager Tony Defries glimpsed a golden opportunity rather than the end of an era. With the MainMan agencyâs main man coming off the road for at least a while, there was, Defries reasoned, space in the rock star firmament for a new Bowie, particularly one who would also be under MainManâs managementâŠ
Thus it was that Bowieâs faithful right-hand man, Mick Ronson, was thrust into the spotlight. Possibly the most reluctant solo performer ever, Ronno was given three weeks to write and record a debut solo album. With Bowieâs help (he contributed three songs to the set), âSlaughter On 10th Avenueâ was quickly pieced together after the conclusion of the âPin Upsâ sessions. Despite its rushed nature it was a strong effort, and the LP reached the UK album charts Top Ten.
Buoyed by this success, Ronson then recorded a second album, âPlay Donât Worryâ - although before it could appear, heâd accepted Ian Hunterâs invitation to join Mott The Hoople. As a result, Mickâs sophomore solo set was largely overlooked, and his lukewarm attempts to promote it were further scuppered by his and Ian Hunterâs decision to leave Mott and relocate to America.
Sadly âSlaughter On 10th Avenueâ and âPlay Donât Worryâ would be the only solo albums released during Mickâs lifetime: after his departure from MainMan in mid-1976, he largely preferred to work in a group context rather than as a solo performer.
Nevertheless, he did continue to record sporadically as a solo act. A 4-CD set, âOnly After Darkâ chronicles his peripatetic solo work during the rest of the seventies after his split with Bowie, with those two official albums joined by B-sides, alternative versions, outtakes and a plethora of unissued-at-the-time studio recordings (including a handful with Guam, the backing band for Bob Dylanâs legendary 1975 Rolling Thunder tour) and various highlights from his live shows. Featuring some rare photos and a lengthy new essay on his 70s career, âOnly After Darkâ is the most comprehensive anthology to date of a major talent.
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When David Bowie announced at the Hammersmith Odeon on 3rd July 1973 that he (or, as it subsequently turned out, alter-ego Ziggy Stardust) was breaking up the band, manager Tony Defries glimpsed a golden opportunity rather than the end of an era. With the MainMan agencyâs main man coming off the road for at least a while, there was, Defries reasoned, space in the rock star firmament for a new Bowie, particularly one who would also be under MainManâs managementâŠ
Thus it was that Bowieâs faithful right-hand man, Mick Ronson, was thrust into the spotlight. Possibly the most reluctant solo performer ever, Ronno was given three weeks to write and record a debut solo album. With Bowieâs help (he contributed three songs to the set), âSlaughter On 10th Avenueâ was quickly pieced together after the conclusion of the âPin Upsâ sessions. Despite its rushed nature it was a strong effort, and the LP reached the UK album charts Top Ten.
Buoyed by this success, Ronson then recorded a second album, âPlay Donât Worryâ - although before it could appear, heâd accepted Ian Hunterâs invitation to join Mott The Hoople. As a result, Mickâs sophomore solo set was largely overlooked, and his lukewarm attempts to promote it were further scuppered by his and Ian Hunterâs decision to leave Mott and relocate to America.
Sadly âSlaughter On 10th Avenueâ and âPlay Donât Worryâ would be the only solo albums released during Mickâs lifetime: after his departure from MainMan in mid-1976, he largely preferred to work in a group context rather than as a solo performer.
Nevertheless, he did continue to record sporadically as a solo act. A 4-CD set, âOnly After Darkâ chronicles his peripatetic solo work during the rest of the seventies after his split with Bowie, with those two official albums joined by B-sides, alternative versions, outtakes and a plethora of unissued-at-the-time studio recordings (including a handful with Guam, the backing band for Bob Dylanâs legendary 1975 Rolling Thunder tour) and various highlights from his live shows. Featuring some rare photos and a lengthy new essay on his 70s career, âOnly After Darkâ is the most comprehensive anthology to date of a major talent.
