Wayne Fontana was a key figure in the British Invasion of the 1960s. Best known as the frontman of Wayne Fontana and the Mindbenders, he helped shape the early UK rock and pop sound. With hits like “The Game of Love” and “Um, Um, Um, Um, Um, Um,” his energetic vocals and catchy melodies caught global attention. Fontana’s career had moments of brilliance but was also marked by challenges, personal struggles, and missed opportunities.
Though his time in the spotlight was brief, his contributions to 60s pop rock remain notable. Here’s a closer look at the man behind the Mindbenders and his unpredictable solo journey.
| Full Name | Glyn Geoffrey Ellis |
|---|---|
| Stage Name | Wayne Fontana |
| Born | October 28, 1945, Manchester, England |
| Died | August 6, 2020 |
| Genres | Pop Rock, Beat, British Invasion |
| Main Instruments | Vocals, Guitar |
| Famous Group | Wayne Fontana and the Mindbenders |
| Notable Hits | “The Game of Love”, “Um, Um, Um, Um, Um, Um”, “Pamela, Pamela” |
| Labels | Fontana Records, CBS |
Early Life and Musical Roots
Wayne Fontana was born Glyn Geoffrey Ellis in Manchester, England, in 1945. Drawn to music early, he took the stage name Wayne Fontana, reportedly in tribute to D.J. Fontana, Elvis Presley’s drummer. This name would serve him well, especially when he coincidentally signed with Fontana Records.
The Birth of the Mindbenders
In 1963, Fontana assembled a band with Manchester musicians:
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Bob Lang (bass)
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Ric Rothwell (drums)
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Eric Stewart (guitar/vocals)
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Grahame Foote (guitar, briefly)
They took their name from the 1963 British psychological thriller The Mind Benders. Originally billed as Wayne Fontana and the Mindbenders, they started out with modest chart success. Their early release, a cover of Fats Domino’s “Hello Josephine,” gained some airplay in the UK.
First Big Break: “Um, Um, Um, Um, Um, Um”
The band scored a significant hit in 1964 with “Um, Um, Um, Um, Um, Um,” a catchy cover of Curtis Mayfield’s tune originally recorded by Major Lance. The single climbed to #5 on the UK Singles Chart, giving the band their first taste of success.
International Stardom: “The Game of Love”
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Then came their breakout. In 1965, the band released “The Game of Love,” written by Clint Ballard Jr. It quickly became a transatlantic success:
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#1 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100
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#2 on the UK Singles Chart
Its infectious rhythm, cheeky lyrics, and Fontana’s confident vocals turned it into an anthem of the British Invasion era.
The success led to a U.S. tour and greater visibility. However, things behind the scenes were beginning to shift.
Fontana Leaves the Mindbenders
By late 1965, Wayne Fontana abruptly left the group during a live concert. Accounts vary, but most suggest he walked off stage in the middle of a set. Despite his departure, the Mindbenders carried on with Eric Stewart as frontman. In 1966, they landed another hit with “A Groovy Kind of Love,” which reached #2 in the UK and #2 in the U.S.
Meanwhile, Fontana decided to go solo.
Solo Career: Early Promise and Modest Hits
Still under contract with Fontana Records, Wayne launched his solo career with a new backing band, sometimes referred to as The Opposition. Members over time included:
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Frank Renshaw (guitar)
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Bernie Burns (drums)
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Roy “Rossi” Henshall (bass)
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Rod Gerrard, formerly of Herman’s Hermits
In 1966, Fontana returned to the UK Top 20 with “Come On Home” (#16 UK, #117 US). Over the next few years, he released several singles with moderate success:
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“Pamela, Pamela” – #11 UK (written by Graham Gouldman)
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“Ashes to Ashes” – #14 UK, #55 US
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“The Impossible Years” – minor chart entry
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“Something Keeps Calling Me Back” – a rare track with strong radio potential but limited distribution
Despite some promise, his solo career never matched his earlier fame.
Challenges and Career Setbacks
As the late 60s transitioned into the 70s, Wayne Fontana’s career began to unravel. He switched to CBS Records, but the hits stopped coming. He tried releasing singles well into the 1970s, but none charted.
He also faced financial problems, including bankruptcy. His mental health and legal issues made headlines in later years. In 2005, he was arrested after setting fire to a bailiff’s car—while the bailiff was inside. Fontana later appeared in court dressed as Lady Justice, adding a bizarre footnote to his story.
Revival and Later Years
Despite the controversies, Fontana remained popular on the 60s nostalgia circuit, often performing at festivals, retro shows, and reunions. His appearances were crowd-pleasers, with audiences eager to hear “The Game of Love” live.
In the 2000s, he continued touring in the “Solid Silver Sixties” revival series alongside other stars of his era.
Death and Legacy
Wayne Fontana passed away on August 6, 2020, at the age of 74. His death was confirmed by his family and former bandmates. Despite his turbulent life, Fontana left behind a legacy that’s deeply tied to one of the defining sounds of the 1960s.
His signature hit, “The Game of Love,” continues to be featured in films, commercials, and playlists celebrating the British Invasion.
Final Thoughts
Wayne Fontana’s story is one of rapid success, personal missteps, and enduring nostalgia. He helped shape early British pop-rock and gave listeners one of the catchiest songs of the 1960s. While his solo career never quite soared, his voice and persona made an impact. For fans of 60s pop, Fontana’s name remains closely tied to an unforgettable era of music.