Q&A
MARK MANGOLD
From Valhalla to Cher, the New York-based songwriter and keyboard warrior returns to his prog roots with a new American Tears album. He tells Prog why he’s itching to get back on the road, and why you shouldn’t try to silence artists when it comes to politics!
Words: Dave Ling
F
ollowing a three-album tenure during the 1970s, keyboard wizard Mark Mangold revived the American Tears brand three years ago, effectively as a solo project. Free Angel Express, a third album into the reboot, sees other players added to the mix for the first time. Over 45-plus varied years, Mangold has also worked with the pomp rockers Touch and The Sign and AOR acts Drive, She Said and Flesh & Blood, as well as writing for Cher, Michael Bolton and numerous others.
Your prog roots stretch all the way back to 1969 and the band Valhalla, whose self-titled album is now a collector’s item.
Have you tried to reclaim the rights?