Mansun were a rock music band formed in Chester in 1995 by vocalist/rhythm guitarist Paul Draper, lead guitarist/back vocalist Dominic Chad, and bassist Stove King, with drummer Andie Rathbone, and disbanded in May, 2003.
Often derided as clingers-on to the tail end of Britpop, Mansun are considered by a loyal fanbase to be one of the finest rock bands of the 1990s.
The group's name was apparently derived from the title of an early B-side by the Verve, "A Man Called Sun"; the word Manson, however, does have other connotations.
Early independent singles were followed upon their signing to Parlophone with a run of excellent singles, initially released as EPs but later with the titles of the singles in question (they will always be known as the One EP and onwards to the fanbase).
The early singles showcased a sound heavily influenced by the prog stylings of the 70s, but with much more reference to pop. Certainly singles like Take It Easy Chicken owed a great deal more simply to the desire to produce a good pop song than to any genre of rock.
The early singles were followed by the critically acclaimed album Attack Of The Grey Lantern which showcased a very complicated concept, heavily debated by fans whilst following it all with a hidden track (An Open Letter To The Lyrical Trainspotter, previously featured on Three EP) proclaiming 'The lyrics aren't supposed to mean that much,' ensuring that nobody thought they took themselves too seriously.
During the early years of their career, Mansun were noted for changing fashion styles as quickly as muscial styles. Such styles ranged from punk fashion, new romantic, Baggy " madchester" clothes, army fatigues, Clockwork Orange style "droogs" and even women's clothing. This usually brought on huge derision from the music press. This fad later wore off during their last few years as a band.
