About Mama's Boys
Mama's Boys were a 1980s hard rock/ heavy metal group from Co.Fermanagh, Ireland featuring the three McManus brothers Pat, a.k.a. `The Professor`, (guitar and occasionally fiddle), John (bass and vocals), Tommy (drums). Later in their career they became a four-piece adding Keith Murrell on vocals in 1987 and replacing him with Mike Wilson in 1989.The McManus brothers, who grew up on a farm near the village of Derrylin, Co.Fermanagh, started off their musical career as award winning traditional Irish musicians but were inspired by the legendary Irish celtic rock band, Horslips, as well as younger brother Tommy`s passion for the drums to form a rock band. In the late 70s the brothers had become big fans of Horslips and attended their gigs at every possible opportunity. They eventually got to know and became friends with the band members. It was around that time that they started their own band which was originally called Pulse before they changed it to Mama`s Boys. Barry Devlin of Horslips heard about their band and went to see them rehearse at their home. He was suitably impressed and offered them a support slot for Horslips` 1979 tour.
Although their heroes Horslips mixed traditional music with hard rock and the McManus brothers were top notch traditional musicians, Mama's Boys didn't really go for the celtic fusion sound, apart from the occasional fiddle solo by Pat, but went for a harder edged more heavy metal sound.
By 1980 Mama`s Boys had a bootleg circulating and were touring extensively in Ireland. In 1981 they were invited to support Hawkwind on their UK tour. They recorded and self-financed their first album, a raw blast of rock power entitled `Plug It In` in 1982 and achieved a hit single in Ireland with the most pop-oriented song on the album, `Needle In The Groove`.
The second album `Turn It Up` was released in 1983. The same year they toured with Thin Lizzy on that band`s farewell tour and played at the Reading Rock Festival and signed a worldwide record deal with Jive Records. The first album released on Jive was a self-titled compilation of `Plug It In` and `Turn It Up` with a few new songs added. One of the new songs, a cover of Slade's 'Mama Weer All Crazee Now' was released as a single and reached number 54 in the American charts. The video for the song got a lot of airplay on MTV and helped the band to become known in the US which they toured in 1984. Coincidently the American heavy metal band Quiet Riot also released their cover version of the song at the same time as Mama's Boys but the Mama's Boys version is widely regarded as being superior.
1985`s `Power And Passion` album broke into the Billboard top 100 in the US and the band toured in the US, Europe and Japan. During European leg of the tour Tommy had a relapse of leukaemia which he had been treated for as a child and a replacement drummer was brought in to complete the tour. The recovering Tommy rejoined the tour in Ireland but had to be rushed back to hospital after another relapse.
In 1987 vocalist Keith Murrell was brought in after John started having trouble with his vocal chords and they recorded the album `Growing Up The Hard Way`. Jive Records chose Murrell with the idea of giving them a more polished commercial sound but it backfired as the unique raw sound of the band was replaced by a bland AOR type sound. The Jive contract, which ended that year, was not renewed and Keith Murrell was let go.
In 1989 with a new vocalist, Mike Wilson, and under new management they moved their base to the UK. The live album `Live Tonite` was released in 1991 and the band toured extensively in Europe. They released their final album `Relativity` in 1992. The following year during an extensive European tour Mike Wilson left the band. Also Tommy had became ill again and the tour had to be cancelled so they decided to split the band. The band still had contractual obligations to play some shows in Switzerland and Mama's Boys played their last gigs in Switzerland in December of 1993 with John back on vocals. During the next year Tommy underwent a bone marrow transplant but tragically he did not survive, he passed away on 16th November 1994. His brothers were devastated and did not return to the music business for some time. On the first anniversary of Tommy`s death John composed a traditional lament on the low whistle for his brother and this led to himself and Pat revisiting their traditional Irish music roots and eventually forming a Celtic/new age group called Celtus in 1997. Pat was a member of the Sligo band Indian and down through the years has been performing solo and with various iterations of his own bands including `Pat McManus and Hi-Voltage` and the `Pat McManus Band`.
Discography
AlbumsPlug It In (1982)
Turn It Up (1983)
Mama's Boys (1984)
Power And Passion (1985)
Growing Up The Hard Way (1987)
Live Tonite (1991)
Relativity (1992)
Singles
Belfast City Blues (1982)
In The Heat Of The Night (1982)
Needle In The Groove (1982)
Too Little Of You To Love (1983)
Midnight Promises (1984)
Mama We're All Crazee Now (1984)
Needle In The Groove (1985)
Higher Ground (1987)
Waiting For A Miracle (1987)
Video
Video for Mama Weer All Crazee Now
Gentelman Rogues live from Camden Palace Theatre 1985
Runaway Dreams - live in Japan 1985
Mama`s Boys - Needle In The Groove
Power And Passion - live on "ECT" TV show 1985
Comments
Phil muffitt wrote on 2016-01-19 00:00:00:Mis this band so much , 1st saw them play at a pub in Leeds then at redding and with thin Lizzy ,and then on their own tour never missed a chance to c them live good times real down to earth lads and what a mega 3 piece rock band thankyou so much
alex s wrote on 2013-05-12 00:00:00:
Bless,ed we were to hear such a fantastic Group,the years to remember,how lucky i was to be at the ulster hall and get a white vinyl,thrown by pat and still have it ...
joanne quigley wrote on 2012-06-13 00:00:00:
where can i buy Mamas Boys memrobelia online ,tshirts ...etc ?
js.massiani@hotmail.fr wrote on 2012-03-17 00:00:00:
Saw them firt in 1984, supporting Scorpions in France. I was 14 back then, and I still like their music. Went to see Pat McManus ast year, and I just learned that he was playing in my hometown Marseille, on April 5th. Great weekend!
Mick wrote on 2012-02-27 00:00:00:
Sorry, I ran out of space below. That should read WWW.PATMCMANUS.CO.UK
Mick wrote on 2012-02-27 00:00:00:
I went to a guitar master class by Pat McManus in Dublin yesterday (26 of Feb 2012) & he was amazing & such a down to earth kind of guy. A real gentleman !If anyone is interested he released a cd last year & can be got from his website WWW.PATMCMANUS.CO.U
flash-rocking-man wrote on 2012-01-05 00:00:00:
Great band!!! Their first records are classics, one of the most underrated bands in the heavy rock scene. Rest In Peace Tommy!!!!
Paul Jackman wrote on 2011-11-27 00:00:00:
Easily the most underrated and oft forgotten rock band in the country!! I followed them from the "Pulse" days in Lisnaskea and loved them ever since. Was lucky enough to play support to them a couple of times - absolute gents and amazing to boot!
MICHELLE WATERFOED wrote on 2010-07-08 00:00:00:
MY FAVE SONG BY MAMAS BOYS IS IF THE KIDS ARE UNTIED AND DEMON AND MORE SONGS 2
michelle waterford wrote on 2010-06-25 00:00:00:
i met mamas boys when i was 12 years old and i still lissing 2 the music
big phil belfast wrote on 2010-04-11 00:00:00:
The best rock band in Ireland
darren brown wrote on 2010-03-15 00:00:00:
saw them first in derrylin hall in early 80,s and i am still hooked.rip tommy.
alex wrote on 2009-07-29 00:00:00:
Pat mc manus plays the slaughtered lamb in Swords on Saturday 8th August with special guest Andy Powell of Wishbone ash. Dont miss it!
Ian wrote on 2009-07-24 00:00:00:
They used to play in the Baggot Inn in Dublin every tuesday night in 83/84 I think...great nights..500 people rockin the house down....brush shiels played around that time as well....they were brillant...have vinyl of needle in the groove still....
connie wrote on 2009-04-30 00:00:00:
www.guitarbreakaway.com Pat McManus teaching on Saturday 1030 to 4 Bundoran. Come along and learn from "the Professor"
Shane wrote on 2009-04-11 00:00:00:
toured with mamas boys in Ireland and U.S. Deadly craic. Never laughed as much in my life wih Pat John Tommy Damian McCollum Peter Kerr Adrian Duffy and Paul McGlue. God rest Tommy. Peace
phil , Belfast wrote on 2009-03-25 00:00:00:
great band, tommy R.I.P
k_dargan@hotmail.com wrote on 2008-09-02 00:00:00:
Met the lads loads backin the day. Saw them open for Horseslips,Lizzyand watched FM open for them Used tosee them playing the Courtyard limerickon Sunday afternoons.Great Times
danny mc taggart wrote on 2008-05-28 00:00:00:
seen mamas boys in milford inn in 1985,going to see pat mc manus play this week at rory gallagher fest in ballyshannon, still rockin
merlin4014 wrote on 2008-03-10 00:00:00:
Love the Live at Camden Place DVD! Hard and Loud! They just dont make music like this anymore! And they're adorable too...
Phila wrote on 2008-02-23 00:00:00:
Seen Pat McManus play last night in Swords Co Dublin. This guy is just amazing,inspired me to pick up the guitar after the 85 gig in the SFX but he is even better these days. Check out his myspace site for all the gigs.
calgaryinsuranceman@hotmail.com wrote on 2008-02-11 00:00:00:
Why was if the kids are united dropped from power & passion, easily the greatest cover song ever. Why cant you get it on cd?
Michael kelly,ferbane,offaly wrote on 2008-01-01 00:00:00:
I seen pat mc manus and high voltage play a gig in the gallen inn pub ferbane in august 2005 they were were brilliant.pat is one of irelands greatest guitar players of all time.i have their power and passion album in my collection.
liamburke wrote on 2007-12-24 00:00:00:
legends then and legends now
Rodney wrote on 2007-12-05 00:00:00:
I worked with a lot of bands in the 80's club scenein the states and these guys were the best guys to be around.I still have great memories of working with them in New Hampshire, Boston & Maine
Colin Scott
Pat and John, do you remeber the caterer on the Hawkwind tour back in the 80's. I still have fond memories of that tour and still have the copy of Needle in the Groove - 12" single that you gave me. I live in Australia now
The Rocker wrote on 2007-10-25 00:00:00:
Hey,Can anyone give me lyrics to 'Power & Passion" the lp?Thanks wrowan@yahoo.com
steviedog wrote on 2007-08-19 00:00:00:
first time i seen the boys was way back in 85' ulster hall,belfast...unbelievable,it was the first of many but will never forget that first gig! sure miss those days...there LP's will always have a place in collection,cheers for the inspiration
Kirk wrote on 2007-08-09 00:00:00:
The Professor blew me away and 20 years on I am still in awe!
Jim Rippey wrote on 2007-08-05 00:00:00:
Truly one of the best rock/metal bands. Underated in the states. Superb musicianship. Even the great Thin Lizzy admired their style. Blast them till this day . looking to download if the kids are united send info jrippey05@yahoo.com
Keith Morgan wrote on 2007-07-25 00:00:00:
Way under rated in America!!!!! Saw them and became a huge fan.. Never heard anything like them!!!!
lynottuk -- An ageing Rocker wrote on 2007-07-18 00:00:00:
I get blown away every time I listen to "The Boys" they are my therapy esp "The Last Chance" and "Runaway Dreams" Phenomenal!! dig the fiddle. Keep on rockin' Love and Prayers for Tommy R.I.P God Bless his soul.
desfarrell@iolfree.ie wrote on 2007-06-28 00:00:00:
Saw the lads play in Wonderland ballroom,Bawnboy in 1981.......Jeez,they were so loud your could hear them 4 miles away in Ballyconnell.... great sound though! and a great night's craic! Needle in the Groove was and still is one of my alltime faves.
dth64@yahoo.com wrote on 2007-04-29 00:00:00:
saw mamas boys with lizzy and were the first support band i made an effort to see again great band,
jordi from matar≤ wrote on 2007-01-30 00:00:00:
the best musicians that I can saw and heared. multitaco@terra.es
Paul wrote on 2007-01-28 00:00:00:
Annie' there's an interview with the band on the b side of the 12" single one last chance, may take some tracking down.
Annie wrote on 2007-01-20 00:00:00:
Can anyone tell me if there was ever a live interview made with all 3 of the original guys that I can view on the internet.
Gearoid wrote on 2007-01-08 00:00:00:
Holy crap, I saw the boys playin in the Bagget Inn one night back in the mid 80's. I was deaf for days, jesus those were the days
chacho wrote on 2006-12-31 00:00:00:
after all these years - slovenia didn't forget mama's boys, still one of the best heavy metal knights
Samantha and Annie wrote on 2006-12-03 00:00:00:
They Rocked.
liam wrote on 2006-12-02 00:00:00:
has anyone got the needle in the groove tab & or chords please. email to liam at flyflynn@iolfree.ie Thanks.
MarilΘ wrote on 2006-11-27 00:00:00:
When I used to listen your music when I was a little girl , now I`m listening again and my students like your music too.
Gary wrote on 2006-11-08 00:00:00:
for the guy looking for "if the Kids are united" song, its a b side dor the "Needle in the Groove" EP/Single release from 85 along with "dont tell mama". I found it on ebay and bought it. You might have some luck there.
Gary wrote on 2006-11-08 00:00:00:
Still have the ticket stubb to the SFX '85 gig and the tour poster signed by tommy, pat and john. Great band, great songs. Still gets plenty of air play in my house.
FrankBones wrote on 2006-10-24 00:00:00:
Still my favourites too - still have some of the LPs & EPs --> converted now to MP3 for playing in the car. This music just does not AGE, it's that good.
Aaron Phelan wrote on 2006-10-17 00:00:00:
Top musicians. Pat probably one of the greatest Irish guitarists of all time. Can still be seen banging it out at the annual Rory Gallagher festival in Ballyshannon. A weekend not to be missed. Needle in the groove has some of the best lyrics ever written
Bill Ruane wrote on 2006-10-14 00:00:00:
Has anybody ever posted the lyrics to the "Power&Passion" CD? One of thee all time classics of rock.If only I could have seen them open for Lizzy.
doug wrote on 2006-08-09 00:00:00:
pat mc manus current band are superb too... 'indian' - currently touring www.myspace.com/indiantheband
ally wrote on 2006-07-15 00:00:00:
To this day, still my all time favorite band! Take a listen to Celtus if you havent yet-amazing stuff from amazing musicians
DA_SMAUG@MSN.COM wrote on 2006-07-12 00:00:00:
I run two radio stations in Rawlins,Wyoming,U.S.A.,and "If The Kids Are United" gets played each day.
SuzieQ wrote on 2006-05-09 00:00:00:
There's a blues band in Long Beach, Calif. USA calling themselves "Mama's Boys" - someone should make them stop using that name!!
kevin flynn wrote on 2006-04-26 00:00:00:
in the heat of the night. mama were all crazy now. wish the boys were still playing...
kevin flynn wrote on 2006-04-02 00:00:00:
mamas boys we will never forget how great they were...
Nick wrote on 2006-02-06 00:00:00:
Hi! Can anyone mail med the lyrics for "Lightning strikes". I love that song. knixx@home.se Cheers
dick todd wrote on 2006-02-05 00:00:00:
hi im looking or remember a song or a verse if the kids are united which song or album is it on and where can i buy it plez email me at rtodd@hiptop.suncom.net thank u
dick todd wrote on 2006-02-05 00:00:00:
hi im looking or remember a song or a verse if the kids are united which song or album is it on and where can i buy it
mc10191@yahoo.co.uk wrote on 2006-01-27 00:00:00:
saw the boys on the lizzy tour in 83 and at reading in the same year.What a band to even get close to blowing lizzy offstage!!Allways miss ya! Mick
sparhawk01@mac.com wrote on 2006-01-26 00:00:00:
My friends have a band in China... 3 Irish, 1 Texan, 1 Belgian and a Taiwanese drummer!!! They are looking to cover "Needle in the groove" Any idea where I could get the lyrics and sheetmusic?
frafinn wrote on 2006-01-06 00:00:00:
Never will forget the crack.I hope Pat and John are rocking and reeling and,of course Adrian.God rest Tommy,the orignal "dont say it just do it man"
hbaumann@gmail.com wrote on 2005-12-23 00:00:00:
those guys never got the credit they deserved Plug it in is stil one of m favorite LP's/CD Runaway Dreams one of the best song ever. Thanks for making me Rock hbaumann@gmail.com
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