Manic Street Preachers at Wolverhampton Civic Hall

Manic Street Preachers
Civic Hall
Wolverhampton
concert review by Andy Richardson
photo gallery by James Watkins

There’s arguably only one British rock band who would be able to play a new album live and in its entirety to 2,000 expectant fans. That band is the Manic Street Preachers. They are treated with such reverence that fans were enthralled by their live 55-minute rendition of Journal For Plague Lovers last night at the Civic Hall.

The album featured lyrics written by Richey James Edwards, the tragic songwriter who disappeared around 15 years ago. It was an incredibly bold and confident statement to start a gig with a new release, and the fans loved every moment.

Those, however, who were only there for the hits were equally thrilled as the second half of the concert featured a ‘best of’ selection. Motown Junk, You Love Us, Autumn Song, Motorcycle Emptiness, La Tristesse Durera, Australia, If You Tolerate This, Tsunami, You Stole The Sun From My Heart were among the many highlights.

Though the Manics have now been playing live for a staggering 23 years, they are absolutely at the top of their game. Last night’s show was infused with passion, raw visceral emotion and the brilliant guitar work and vocals of frontman James Dean Bradfield.

The question is: Is there another British band even half as good as the Manics? On this sort of imperious form, absolutely not. Last night, the Manics were simply brilliant.