On April 23, tried and true legendary Brit-rockers Manic Street Preachers returned to New York for their first performance in six years. The stop was a part of the Holy Bible 20 tour, celebrating the 20th anniversary of their classic album, The Holy Bible, which came out in August, 1994.
The group never quite caught on in the U.S. like they have in their native land, where they can sell out packed arenas with ease. Although they deserve better from American audiences, I won’t complain about getting to see them play a room like Webster Hall. Singer and guitarist James Dean Bradfield kicked off the show with a more than appropriate introduction, “This is The Holy Bible!” Manics played the entirety of the classic record in order, with the crowd singing along with them from start to finish. Even for the most rampant concert goer, getting to hear a record played in full (and in order) is a petty rare feat, something treasure, especially when done by a band as tried and true as the Manics.
Bradfield and bassist Nicky Wire were a lot more lively on stage than you’d expect from a band playing an album that’s 20 years old, constantly moving around and getting plenty of air when the songs called for it. Drummer Sean Moore was a steady presence behind the kit, often engulfed in a thick fog during the beginning of their set.
The night wasn’t a complete celebration, as The Holy Bible was the last record that the group recorded with Richey Edwards, who went missing in 1995, and has been legally presumed dead. Bradfield dedicated an acoustic performance of “Small Black Flowers That Grow in the Sky,” acknowledging his effect on the songs of The Holy Bible, as well as the effect he had on them since then. It was a bittersweet moment for sure.
The rest of the show was spent diving into classic cuts from across the years, such as “You Stole The Sun From My Heart” and “You Love Us,” as well as “Walk Me to the Bridge,” a song from the trio’s 2014 release Futurology. It was the larger than life anthem “Motorcycle Emptiness” that got the biggest reception from the crowd, and seemed to bring out a different sort of energy from the band that was felt throughout the room.
Getting to see Manics play a great album at a venue too small for them was a treat, one that I hope I get to do again soon in the future. Hopefully it won’t be another six years until they return.
Find photos of their performance posted below, along with Jennie Vee, who opened the show.
Manic Street Preachers Setlist:
1. Yes
2. Ifwhiteamericatoldthetruthforonedayit’sworldwouldfallapart
3. Of Walking Abortion
4. She Is Suffering
5. Archives of Pain
6. Revol
7. 4st 7lb
8. Mausoleum
9. Faster
10. This Is Yesterday
11. Die in the Summertime
12. The Intense Humming of Evil
13. P.C.P.
14. Small Black Flowers That Grow in the Sky (Acoustic)
15. Motorcycle Emptiness
16. You Stole the Sun From My Heart
17. Walk Me to the Bridge
18. If You Tolerate This Your Children Will Be Next
19. You Love Us
20. A Design for Life
Jennie Vee:
Manic Street Preachers:
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