Published by New Jersey Stage
originally published: 06/17/2025
Manflesh! Bursting out of that infamous NYC underground. Distorted guitars and catchy hooks. Slide them into your playlist next to Motörhead, MC5, Dead Moon, Thin Lizzy and (early) KISS, where they will feel right at home.
Manflesh emerged in early 2019 with the original lineup of Richard Grant on guitars/vocals and Chris Carlone (aka Borts Minorts) on drums. Soon after, they joined forces with bassist Andy Steinitz to complete the power trio. The band members hail from all corners of the country: Richard from the deep swamps of Louisiana, Chris from the burning sands of Arizona and Andy from those mean streets of Philly.
The band hit the stage of The Gutter in Brooklyn in March 2020, opening for The New York Junk featuring Cynthia Ross of The ‘B’ Girls on bass/vocals. The invasion had begun...
...Or had it? Within a month, y’all know what happened. No need to rehash that madness. Would this setback stop Manflesh?
Well... kinda? Sort of? Maybe?
Chris had decided to back up and return to those burning sands. But before he did, the band was able to reconvene, one last time, and record their songs with Louis Schefano, formerly of 90’s alt rock band Remy Zero, co-producing. The album was intended to be nothing more than a simple reminder that Manflesh had existed for a brief moment in time.
But then a miracle happened -- Louis decided he wanted to slide into the vacant drummer position, and Manflesh was saved!
Which brings us to those recorded songs. Eight stellar, gritty, dirty groovacious tunes that make up their full-length debut Light Up The Night.
The first single was “The Road to Wick” - a catchy, pop-bending number about a trip to the Scottish seaside that Richard took many moons ago. The humorous video debuted in May 2025, and was filmed at Fort Monmouth, New Jersey, future home to Netflix Studios.
The second single "Shingy Shoo" was released on June 6th. With its swamp boogie vibe, it’s destined to be the rock song of the summer. The video takes a fun look at the “format wars” between the current vinyl revival and that old school nemesis, the CD! It was filmed at Lofidelic Records in beautiful downtown Belmar, New Jersey.
And that’s where we find ourselves. The songs are being enthusiastically embraced with airplay on indie and college radio stations like WWOZ and WPRB. A third video for the next single “Rock Fight!” is currently filming with special guests New Jersey ska-riot band The End Times. And, of course, they are currently writing and recording new music for the next album.
The band's social media channels, videos, and streaming links are available here.
EVENT PREVIEWS
Prudential Center presents Reggae stars Beres Hammond and Beenie Man on August 20th
(NEWARK, NJ) -- Newark will see a night of reggae's best when Beres Hammond and Beenie Man perform live at Prudential Center on Saturday, August 20, 2026 at 8:00pm. Experience the artistry of Beres Hammond, one of Jamaica's most esteemed vocalists, as he graces the stage with Marcia Griffiths and Baby Cham. It will be an exceptional evening featuring the captivating performances of reggae music, showcasing soulful melodies and heartfelt expressions.
MPAC presents Glen Burtnik's Summer of Love Concert on August 20th
(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- Relive the memories, share the spirit and celebrate the songs of the Woodstock Generation when Glen Burtnik's Summer of Love concert comes to Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) on Thursday, August 20, 2026 at 8:00pm.
Middletown Arts Center presents an Indoor Summer Nights Singer-Songwriter Showcase on August 20th
(MIDDLETOWN, NJ) -- The Middletown Arts Center invites music lovers to an Indoor Summer Nights Concert: Singer/Songwriter Showcase on Thursday, August 20, 2026 in the MAC Theater. Enjoy an evening of original music and exceptional live performances from some of New Jersey’s talented singer-songwriters, including Shotgun Bill, Dan Toye, Christian Beach, Michael Brett, Erika Sherger, Frank Patrouch, Jim Crawford, Roger Gardella, Kevin Liebkemann, and Stu Coogan. Showtime is 7:00pm.
Hunterdon Hills Playhouse presents Vegas Country Show
(HAMPTON, NJ) -- Hunterdon Hills Playhouse presents Vegas Country Show August 21-23, 2026. Get ready for a night of country hits, high energy, and pure star power as Vegas Country brings the music of Shania Twain and Tim McGraw to life.
WBJB's Songwriters on the Beach series presents Nicole Atkins on August 27th
(BRADLEY BEACH, NJ) -- WBJB's Songwriters on the Beach presents Nicole Atkins on Thursday, August 27, 2026 at 7:00pm. Cory Blair will open the night. The free outdoor concert takes place at the Newark Avenue Beach in Bradley Beach. ** The show was rescheduled from July 16th due to the Air Quality Alert issued across New Jersey.
51st Annual New Jersey Folk Festival to Take Place August 29th
(SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- The New Jersey Folk Festival (NJFF) is back for the 51st year on Saturday, August 29, 2026 at Davidson's Mill Pond Park in South Brunswick. The event is free and open to the public. It runs from 11:00am to 5:00pm.
The Strand presents Matt Stone as Elvis on August 29th
(LAKEWOOD, NJ) -- Most 22-year-olds are chasing the next trend, scrolling through TikTok, and binging Love Island. Matt Stone has spent the last decade looking in the opposite direction.
McCarter Theatre Center presents Mei Semones on September 4th
(PRINCETON, NJ) -- McCarter Theatre Center presents Brooklyn-based singer-songwriter Mei Semones in the Berlind Theatre on Friday, September 4, 2026 at 7:30pm. Drawing on her background in jazz guitar and her Japanese heritage, she blends inventive harmonies, intricate rhythms, and bilingual lyricism into a sound that is both intimate and exploratory.
51st NJ Clearwater Festival to Take Place Labor Day Weekend in Asbury Park
(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- New Jersey Friends of Clearwater invites everyone to start their Labor Day Weekend at its free 51st Annual Clearwater Festival Saturday September 5, 2026, a late summer, family-friendly celebration of great live music, Mother Earth and more in Sunset Park near the ocean in Asbury Park.
The Machine performs Pink Floyd at The Newton Theatre on September 5th
(NEWTON, NJ) -- The Machine Performs Pink Floyd on Saturday, September 5, 2026 at the Newton Theatre. The band has forged a nearly 40 year reputation of extending the musical legacy of Pink Floyd. Showtime is 8:00pm.
FEATURED EVENTS
