Manic Street Preachers

Manic Street Preachers are a band from South Wales, they are an exceptionally talented bunch of lads. They write brilliant songs with meaning, always re-invent themselves... and are a FANTASTIC live band.

I have seen Manic Street Preachers (or 'Manics' if you prefer) a good 30+ times since 2001, although I was aware of them much earlier and have been listening to them constantly since 1998. If you are looking for an exciting live rock n roll band with epic songs, look no further. Their style of music ranges from heavy rock sing-along anthems to sometimes obscure tender acoustic ballads, with diversions into disco/kautrock/post-punk. You name it, the Manics have done it at some point during their 25 year career.

Live, you are guaranteed to get your money's worth. I've been seeing them since 2001, they are still the same spectacular force they were back then and not too much has changed over the years. They haven't aged badly, they aren't going through the motions, they haven't turned the sound down or started sitting on stools doing medleys. If anything, they are now even more powerful than ever with the addition of a second guitar player who really beefs up the sound.

They're not much for putting on a 'show', they're far too good for that. All they rely on is the power of the music, not like these awful stadium bands like Bon Jovi or Muse who feel they have to provide a firework display in order to get a cheer. The Manics have also never done an encore, they always leave you wanting more which makes you keen to see them again. I would say this has worked in their favour as most people who do witness the band live usually end up going to see them again...and again...and again. They are probably the most addictive band i have seen, every time is different and you always get a nice surprise whether it be a song you haven't heard in a while or a random rant from their rather vocal bassplayer. The best shows i've seen? MOVE Festival in 2003 was a belter, they rushed through their set much faster than expected whilst having a go at a popular newspaper on the way. Also the first time was a highlight, Glasgow Barrowlands 2001. VERY loud and in your face! Recently saw them in Brixton and they were on fire, even played some new tracks off their new record 'Futurology' which is set to be one of their greatest going by the powerful live renditions.

Simply put, Manic Street Preachers don't compromise live. They do what they always have done from the start, entertain and send your ears ringing. Go to YouTube, search for 'Manic Street Preachers Live'. Click on a link, sit back and enjoy. Book yourself a ticket, they're touring near you soon! Go on, do it NOW!

Write your review of Manic Street Preachers here...what can you say about the Manics that hasn't been said already?! Two studio albums released in the space of 10 months and with very differing musical soundscapes, concepts and visuals at that! Luckily for me as an avid and devoted disciple of the National Treasure Welsh rockers these album releases have afforded me plenty of opportunities to see the band where they are at their best.....in a live setting! Having travelled far and wide to see the Manics on their recent Futurology uk tour (including dates at the legendary Glasgow Barrowlands and both nights at Brixton Academy in London!) where the band performed songs from BOTH Rewind The Film AND Futurology (not to mention celebrating the 20th anniversary of their seminal Holy Bible album...PHEW!!) this Manics fan was delighted to be able to attend what was basically an intimate album launch party for the just released Futurology album! Held at the ultra hip Rough Trade records store in East London the show started a few minutes late due to an extended soundcheck(a fact that I can attest to since I was one of four or so people allowed to watch the soundcheck...!) but the audience of 60 or so Manic devotees crushed eagerly around the stage as the band opened with Futurology, Europa Ghet Durch Mich (Europe Goes Through Me!) and Walk Me To The Bridge, all taken from the new album and performed flawlessly and with great enthusiasm by the band. Next was the introduction of Green Gartside from Scritti Pollitti (who guests on the album on a song called Between The Clock And The Bed) for a beautiful accoustic live rendition of the song which seemed to soothe the excited crowd who had by now got wind that their was to be a smattering of songs from The Holy Bible album! Huge cheers emerged from the audience when James Dean Bradfield duly announced the first of these... Revol, swiftly followed up with a haunting full version of This Is Yesterday which had to be stopped mid performance due to technical problems with the sound.The band resumed after one wisecracking fan called for a drum solo and Nicky Wire wittily replied 'I knew we should have done HMV!' A magical evening was rounded off with fan favourite PCP from The Holy Bible and this lucky fan had his Futurology t-shirt signed by the band afterwards after remarking that they sound like Squeeze's Difford and Tillbrook! Judging by tonight's energetic set and the stunning European pop on the new album their upcoming Autumn UK tour will be an absolute stormer!!!!!!

This was the gig I had waited all my life to see. I went to it with a mixture of nervous excitement and apprehension: would it work as a three piece? Would James go for it or would he struggle to deal with all the screaming that album requires? They didn't disappoint - this was one of the gigs of the century. I've seen the Manics at least 10-15 times; this one kicked all the others our the park. A pretty dark way to get into the Christmas spirit, but buying a ticket for this(from an overpriced tout) was one of the best presents I could ever have given myself. Bloody brilliant. What a band.

Absolutely, fabulous concert!
Great,to see Nicky's return after his recent sad loss.
The band played old and new, plus a terrific cover of The Cure's Inbetween Days!
James Dean Bradfield was on great form, spinning across the stage, and playing various guitars all to his top standard.
Sean kept that familiar Manics beat going!
A truly wonderful evening, and one to never forget!

I went to the Holy Bible gig at the Roundhouse on 17/12/2014. It was the 20th time I'd seen them live and it was EPIC. I never thought I'd get to see some of those songs live, and the atmosphere was superb. They always put on a good show but the performance this time was even better than usual. Very few bands can play with them live when they're on this form.

H O L Y. F U C K.

That is all.

Those are the only two words to even approach accurately describing the experience of The Holy Bible, live, in its entirety.

And not only are they touring it at all, but they brought it to North America.

Holy. Fuck.

Thank you, boys.

Brilliant show from start to finish at the Motor Point Arena , in Cardiff.Still buzzing from the atmosphere and enthusiastic crowd.Cant wait to see them again.The arena is a great venue as you are never too far away from the band , loved the acoustic set.

Brilliant show
Played the classics but also added in a few song less commonly played live
Really mixed it up and James'accoustic sections was a nice touch.
Another great outfit from Nicky. He looked like The Man From Havana! Legend

Fantastic show. A mixture of new and old. High energy throughout the performance, from start to finish. Lovely evening with the Manics!
The arrangement in Manchester Arena worked perfectly. Lovely atmosphere at the audience.

The most perfect 2 parts show!
First part only songs from "Holy Bible". Second part all the other hits! The crowd sings along the whole show. Awesome!!!

That was a real Wwwow!!