The only time I have ever seen the Manics was at T in the Park on the main stage which must have been about 2012. I really enjoyed it and they played all the hits. Campbell is a massive Manics fan and fancied going to this gig and after hearing the new material I was quite keen on going too. Although I have never been the biggest Manics fan I have always liked their hits.
So the lineup for this gig was Campbell, Craig and myself. We met early and got some food, then managed to time it so we were walking into the arena and the support act for the night, the Coral came on to the stage. I have got the early albums by the Coral but I have to admit I did lose track of them. Early on they played such hits as "Pass it on" and "In the morning" and although these are great tracks, I did begin to wonder if their latest albums were not as good and I rightfully "forgot" about them. Well turns out I really should have paid more attention as they played some songs off their last album "Distance Inbetween". These songs are a lot more rocky than their indie/jangly past. One song even had a guitar solo at the end! The new song off the new album which is coming out later this year I thought was quite weak, it just ambles along. One thing is for sure though, no one forgot about "Dreaming of you" which was off their first record and still by far their biggest song. A great start to the night and set things up nicely for the Manics.
During the build up to the Manics coming on their was quotes appearing on the screen behind the stage. I didn't understand any of them and different ones popped up throughout the gig. When the Manics did come on they stormed right into "International Blue" which sounded amazing live. The set really did have it all. From the new album, to B-sides, to the classics and even a wee acoustics set in the middle. There was something to please everyone really. To be honest I was slightly frustrated they opted for some of the b-sides rather than playing some of the more well known tracks they missed out. I can understand bands playing b-sides on tours where they only have 1 or 2 albums and have to fill the set list. But the Manics have 13 albums now. But on the other hand if you have fans that have been following you and going to gigs for the last 20 years. Would you not want to reward them with something different and also these guys are probably hardcore and know all the words to the b-sides too.
I think what this night emphasised to me once again was though is how good their new stuff is. For me they didn't play enough of it and I think they only did 5 tracks. But they were sounding fantastic. The acoustic set was ok. It was a bit weird that James was getting the crowd to sing the chorus of a b-side where most of the crowd probably didn't know it. But at the same time the acoustic part was a nice change of pace and let the rest of the band have a rest as they were playing for 1 hour 45 minutes. I did love hearing the likes of "Motorcycle emptiness", "You love us" and "If you tolerate this, then your children will be next". And of course to finish with "Design for life" which really is an absolute classic.
Overall it was a good gig and I did enjoy it. I have a few issues with the set list but I can't complain about it as I've said the hardcore fans deserve something different. I would go and see them again at a festival as you are guaranteed to get all the hits non stop. And if their next album is as strong as "Resistance is futile" I don't think I would need much persuasion to see them at their own gigs too.
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