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Deke initially absented himself in 1969 when is then wife, Fran, was taken ill. He rejoined the band later the
same year but was then "sacked" or "had his employment terminated" (depends who you talk to) in 1972.
This was a major problem for Deke who had always had the security of Man but Andrew Lauder came to the rescue by offering
Deke a solo contract. His first solo effort was called Iceberg and contained some great
tracks including 7171551, Hard Way To Live, and Jesse. He formed a touring band called Iceberg with Martin Ace, Brian Breeze
(guitar) and Help Yourself drummer Dave Charles. He also made guest appearances with Help Yourself covering for Malcolm
Morley who was suffering from a depressive illness. In 1973 he recorded a second album,
Kamikaze but by the time it was released, Deke was a fully fledged member of Man again and
stayed until 1976. Deke has also become a respected author with two books under his belt Rhino's,
Wino's and Lunatics a history of Man from 1968 to 1976 and the prequel I Should Have
Stayed In Bed a seminal history of the South Wales Pop scene. |
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Martin joined the band in 1969 when Deke left. Taking over the bass slot in 1970 on the departure of Ray Williams. He
stayed until 1972 when he left to start a project called Videoville with his wife George which eventually regenerated
into the Flying Aces. Although they were a great little band, they only made one official recording, Welcome To The Party
for the "Xmas At The Patti" album. The Flying Aces did a joint tour with >Help Yourself
called the Happy Daze tour and at the time Martin also played bass for Deke's Iceberg band. In 1975 he temporarily rejoined
Man when Ken Whaley left during a US tour and stayed to complete tour and then UK tour with John Cipollina and a European
tour with Hawkwind. Martin had always said that this was a temporary position and as good as his word at the end of
the tour he left to continue work with Flying Aces
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