Andy Mackay facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Andy Mackay
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Mackay performing in 2022
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Andrew Mackay |
| Born | 23 July 1946 Lostwithiel, Cornwall, England |
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| Years active | 1971–present |
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Andrew "Andy" Mackay (born July 23, 1946) is an English musician. He is best known as a founding member of the famous art rock band Roxy Music. In the band, he played the oboe and saxophone.
Besides his work with Roxy Music, Andy Mackay has also taught music. He has written music for television shows. He is also a session musician, which means he plays instruments for other artists' recordings. He has worked with many well-known musicians.
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Andy Mackay's Early Life and Music Journey
Andy Mackay was born in Lostwithiel, Cornwall, England. He grew up in central London. As a child, he sang in the choir at St Margaret's, Westminster. He learned to play woodwind instruments, like the oboe and saxophone, in a classical style.
He studied music and English literature at the University of Reading. While at university, he played in a band called Nova Express. He also became friends with Brian Eno, who would later join him in Roxy Music.
Forming Roxy Music
In January 1971, Andy Mackay joined a new art rock band called Roxy Music. He saw an advertisement placed by singer Bryan Ferry in a music magazine. Soon after joining, Mackay brought his friend Brian Eno into the group. Eno played the synthesizer and helped with sound effects.
Before Roxy Music became famous, Mackay taught music to support himself. The band's first album was recorded in 1972. The final lineup included Phil Manzanera on guitar and Paul Thompson on drums.
Andy Mackay's Role in Roxy Music
Andy Mackay played the oboe and saxophone for Roxy Music. He became known for his energetic stage moves, like the "duckwalk" during his saxophone solos. This move was inspired by rock and roll legend Chuck Berry.
Mackay also helped create Roxy Music's unique look. He had a cool quiff hairstyle and Star Trek-style sideburns. He wore amazing stage costumes inspired by Motown artists. His style helped make Roxy Music stand out.
He also helped write many of Roxy Music's songs. These include hit songs like "Love Is the ..." (1975) and "Angel Eyes" (1979).
Solo Work and Other Projects
Andy Mackay released two instrumental solo albums in the 1970s. His first, In Search of Eddie Riff (1974), explored his musical influences. His second, Resolving Contradictions (1978), was inspired by a trip to China. Both albums featured his Roxy Music bandmates, Paul Thompson and Phil Manzanera.
He also wrote and produced music for popular TV series like Rock Follies and Rock Follies of '77. The soundtrack album for the first series even reached number one in the UK Album Chart in 1976.
Mackay has worked with many other famous musicians and bands. These include Duran Duran, Paul McCartney, and Brian Eno. He also played saxophone on Eno's solo albums.
In 1981, he wrote a book called Electronic Music: The Instruments, the Music & the Musicians.
After Roxy Music broke up in 1983, Mackay formed a band called The Explorers with Phil Manzanera. They released an album in 1985. Later, they released more music under the name Manzanera and Mackay.
From 1988 to 1991, Mackay took a break from music to study at King's College London. During this time, he recorded a Christmas album with a group of folk musicians called the Players.
He has also written theme music for British television and radio shows. Some of his well-known themes include those for Armchair Thriller and Hazell.
Roxy Music Reunions
Andy Mackay has rejoined Roxy Music for reunion concerts several times. He performed with Bryan Ferry, Phil Manzanera, and Paul Thompson in 2001. They also played live shows in 2003, 2005/6, 2011, and 2022. The 2022 shows celebrated Roxy Music's 50th anniversary.
In 2014, he became a founding member of a new band called the Clang Group. In 2018, he finished a special project called '3Psalms'. This project combined his classical training with rock and electronic music. Phil Manzanera also played on this album.
Discography
Here are some of Andy Mackay's main music releases:
Albums
- In Search of Eddie Riff (1974)
- Resolving Contradictions (1978)
- Music for the Senses (2004)
- London! New York! Paris! Rome! (with the Metaphors) (2009)
- 3Psalms (2018)
Singles
- "Ride of the Valkyries"/"Time Regained" (1974)
- "Wild Weekend"/"Walking the Whippet" (1975)
Band Work
The Explorers/Manzanera and Mackay
- The Explorers (1985)
- Crack the Whip (Mackay & Manzanera) (1988)
- Up in Smoke (Mackay & Manzanera) (1989)
- Manzanera and Mackay (Mackay & Manzanera) (1991) (a collection of songs)
- The Explorers Live at the Palace (1997)
Players
- Christmas (1989)
Compositions
- Rock Follies (with Howard Schuman) (1976)
- Rock Follies of '77 (with Howard Schuman) (1977)
Images for kids
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Mackay performing live in Toronto, Canada, 1974
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Mackay performing live with Roxy Music in Solihull, 2011
See Also
In Spanish: Andy Mackay para niños
