Manic Street Preachers

Manic and Marvellous

An expectant air lies heavy on the field for the Manics. Not headlining as they should be, but remaining in a position not to be messed with on the bill, has taken the edge off their need to deliver after their masterful previous appearance on this stage.

The light drizzle has intensified and “Masses Against The Classes” and “Motorcycle Emptiness” spit furiously back in defiance. James Dean Bradfield has shaved for once and has decided that they’re not going to try and top what can’t be bettered, so they’re just going to treat it just like any other show. Without a doubt, the best possible option.

A fierce “If You Tolerate This” and "Ocean Spray" precede “Take The Skinheads Bowling”, which kicks dirty big punky holes into whatever preconceptions anyone has about the validity of the Manics’ rage and bitterness. This is a well-chosen set. Concise and comprehensive but still capable of enabling them to do their own thing because it’s what they want to do. It’s almost impudent in the way they flatly refuse to do a greatest hits show but still turn it into a spectacle because they also flatly refuse to disappoint.

“You Stole The Sun From My Heart” is singalong madness as the rain pours further, working the tired but rhythmic rabble into gleeful swapping of mud, sweat and dandruff. It’s wet, it’s late, and the legs can barely take any more, but the Manic Street Preachers simply deliver and no amount of fatigue can deny us the opportunity to receive. They don’t generate excitement though, they generate intrigue. It all seems just so personal with the Manics; ensuring that preconceptions are best left at the door. They just want a reaction and have scant regard for what it is.

“A Design For Life” is brutally, painfully dominant as a closer. They have made a valid point this evening in that they’re not going to be held back or written off. It puts a lid on rumours and idle gossip from people who have nothing better to do and proves for all that the party is very far from over.

Made in Wales and designed for life, boyo.

Paul Mills

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