Phil Manning's early bands were Anonymous Incorporated and Cocaine Spell – he was in the latter with drummer, Charlie Watts, and the pianist, John A.
[4] Manning moved to Melbourne in late 1966 and joined Tony Worsley and The Blue Jays,[5] replacing Vince Melouney (ex-Billy Thorpe & the Aztecs) on guitar.
[3] Late in 1968, Manning joined The Beat 'n Tracks (originally from Perth) and in December the group were in Melbourne and recruited Wendy Saddington (ex-James Taylor Move) on vocals.
[3] Manning left Chain in July 1971 to work with Warren Morgan (ex-Chain, Billy Thorpe & the Aztecs) on keyboards in a band called Pilgrimage.
They issued a single, "Walk in the Light" in November and supported United Kingdom progressive rock group, Pink Floyd, in September and pop artist, Elton John, in October.
[3][6] In December he joined Mighty Mouse which at various times included Harvey, Sullivan, Ian Clyne on keyboards, and Mal Capewell on sax and flute.
[3] The group disbanded in March 1977 and Manning joined John Paul Young's backing band the Allstars for three months.
[3] In July a new line-up of Phil Manning Band was Cuddihy, Grant, John J Hackett on drums (ex-Rum Jungle) and Midge Marsden on guitar.
The group included Roy Daniel on bass guitar and Ric Whittle on drums and recorded an album, Oz Blues and a single "Spring Hill" both issued in June 1981.
[3] Manning relocated to Queensland and recorded an acoustic solo album, It's the Blues, which was issued in early 1988 on his own label, Tamborine Music.
Manning's material for the two albums included originals together with cover versions of Blind Blake, Big Bill Broonzy, Robert Johnson, Muddy Waters and Paul Simon.