Mike D’Abo was educated in Harrow, a suburban area of North-London. It was while at school that Mike formed a pop group called A Band of Angels. Initially an amateur outfit playing pop covers at dances and parties, they were good enough to secure a record contract in 1964 and turned professional.
The Angels made and released a number of recordings, although they did not achieve notable chart success (I must confess, I have no recollection of the group at all). Two of their tracks, Hide ‘n Seek and (Accept my) Invitation were strong enough to get included in various sixties compilation albums. Mike D’Abo himself played piano and guitar and, of course, provided the lead vocals. His instrumental skill was such that he was allowed to play on the studio recordings of their songs, whereas the other band members were replaced by session men.
With or without chart hits, Mike D’Abo established enough of a reputation so that in mid 1966 he was chosen to replace Paul Jones as lead singer of top group Manfred Mann. The Manfreds had a number of big hits (including 54321 and Do Wah Diddy) behind them and it was a massive coup to be chosen to front them. In fact, Mike did not disappoint and with his vocals the Manfreds went on to their greatest period of success.
:lol: