Manic Street Preachers set Liberty Stadium alight with their Holy Bible

Manic Street Preachers @ Liberty Stadiu.. 2016 - Manic Street Preachers — Photo credit: Kevin Pick

Manic Street Preachers @ Liberty Stadium 2016

Saturday 28th May 2016
Liberty Stadium, Landore, Swansea, Swansea, SA1 2FA, Wales MAP
£39.50 and £55

Daily capacity: 20,520

So, the last time I saw the Manic Street Preachers in a stadium was New Year's Eve at the Millennium Stadium way back in 1999. The first time was in the more intimate surroundings of Cardiff University around the time of their first release 'Generation Terrorists'. So after all this time I am looking forward to reacquainting myself, not only with their commercial breakthrough' Everything Must Go' but also with them as a live force.

Of course critically their zenith was the magnificent 'The Holy Bible'. However as is well documented, the loss of Richey Edwards took the band into a more mainstream direction with EMG. These boys certainly have an anthem or two tucked up their sleeves. And what better way to mark the 20th anniversary of their commercial break through than with a massive stadium show on their home turf playing the album in its entirety. Although 'Manic's' fans can lazily be judged or labelled pre-EMG, or post EMG I have always thought that this was a natural progression and didn't feel that 'the trendies' had stolen 'my band'.

around the site: Manic Street Preachers @ Liberty Stadium 2016

Credit to the Manic's for handpicking some fine artists to open proceedings with the addition of Super Furry Animals, and Public Service Broadcasting. Just before 6pm with the sun shining down, PSB (who are now dab hands at playing large shows due to numerous festival slots) don't disappoint. As ever there's some witty recorded 'banter' which for the uninitiated raises smiles and laughter all round. A small but vociferous crowd clearly enjoyed themselves. Although perhaps a more familiar name, Super Furry Animals appeared to be a challenging proposition for some. However the rest of us basked in their brand of folk/rock/dance psychedelia.

So after a very enjoyable couple of hours, it's finally time for the Manic's to set the stadium alight.

Manic Street Preachers: Manic Street Preachers @ Liberty Stadium 2016

Opening track 'Elvis Impersonator: Blackpool Pier' receives a rapturous response from the twenty or so thousand crowd, quickly followed by what has to be one of their biggest songs 'Design For Life'. Every word, every syllable sung with gusto and passion from the masses assembled in front of a clearly moved James Dean Bradfield. You'd never have guessed the band must have performed this song a thousand times. As ever it's Nicky Wire who brings the glamour and punk rock attitude whilst JDB toils away effortlessly looking dapper in a dark suit. Third song and one of the lesser known hits 'Kevin Carter' sounds spiky and uncompromising.

As good as the Manic's are as a live machine, it's the reactions from fan's that diverts my attention. I don't think I have ever witnessed so many people hugging, kissing and in some cases shedding a tear or two. Tonight for many is literally the soundtrack of their lives, all wrapped up in 5 minute vignettes. As the band powered through the rest of EMG I am reminded how wonderfully diverse the album actually is.

Manic Street Preachers: Manic Street Preachers @ Liberty Stadium 2016

As with the football matches that take place at the home of 'The Swans', it's a set of two halves, and after a quick costume change its onto to more classic MSP as they mine for gems from their back catalogue. A personal highlight being 'Nat West, Barclays, Midlands, Lloyds' which considering recent events remain topical. A bruising 'You Love Us' doesn't let us off the hook, before closing the night with 'If you tolerate this…' a fitting end to an emotional evening. Put simply, the Manic's matter.

review by: Kevin Pick

photos by: Kevin Pick