BACK in the Swinging Sixties, Manfred Mann was almost ever-present in the charts with classics like 5-4-3-2-1, Doo Wah Diddy Diddy, Pretty Flamingo and Come Tomorrow.

After splitting in 1969, the band (without Manfred Mann himself) reformed in 1991 as The Manfreds who have continued to entertain audiences worldwide ever since.

But although the band is no stranger to The Regent Centre in Christchurch, their latest tour, Makin’ Tracks, which includes a date at the Regent on Sunday, comes on the back of their brand new album.

Talking to writer Martin Hutchinson ahead of the show, guitarist Tom McGuinness says the new songs have been well received.

“It was interesting to record these different versions of the songs. The problem was finding the time to go into the studio. We tour a lot as The Manfreds and we all have different projects outside the band.”

For the 2017 dates so far announced, Mike D’Abo will not be appearing with The Manfreds. When Paul Jones is the sole vocalist, the band in the past has tended to concentrate on the earlier more bluesy material.

Tom adds: “We’ll concentrate on the early stuff, but will play a lot of the hits as well as a few tracks off the new album.

“It will be a great night, as Paul always gets the audience going and it’s great hearing them join in all the songs.”

Tom, like some of his fellow bandmates, are all in their 70s, but show no signs of slowing.

“We all enjoy it too much. It’s great getting paid to do what you love for a living, and it’s far too late now for me to get a proper job,” he laughs.

Tickets are available from the box office on 01202 4994199.