02 May 2013 - 0 Comments

MANIC STREET PREACHERS

VECTOR ARENA > JULY 2nd

Where do you start?

IT’S THE MANICS.

For the very first time in NZ.

One of the finest, most genuine rock bands in the world.

Hugely critical acclaimed, with a rich and deep catalogue including many hit singles.

Ten albums, consistent success over three decades and some of the best song titles in popular music!

That cover it? Nah, doesn’t even scratch the surface, they’re brilliant live for a start!

We’re delighted to welcome MANIC STREET PREACHERS to New Zealand for the first time ever for a show at Vector Arena on July 2nd. The band are particularly pleased to be on their way here this time round saying “We can’t wait to play a selection of our greatest hits to our loyal and very patient Kiwi fans.”The venue will be formatted in a free flow configuration which allows ticket holders to choose between standing on the floor or being seated, and able to flow freely between the two during the night.

As much as their bursting at the seams catalogue represents them, the Manics have always pushed for and been most noted for their live reputation. From early years in clubs in and around London to playing Faster on Top Of The Pops wearing balaclavas (held the record for most complaints to the show until Prodigy’s Firestarter) to playing the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff to 80,000 people for the ticking over of the millennium, and onto selling out Londons O2 arena (16,000) on the National Treasures album tour in 2011 - their live appeal is, and always will be, unquestionable.

“That the Manics can sell out an arena gig at which they perform all 38 of their singles proves they were right about one thing all along: they really are a stadium band….each song is a tremendous affirmation of their stature in British rock….the love between band and crowd nearly takes the roof off” (The Guardian 5 star review)

“If they needed any kind of re-affirmation that they still matter, and that they can still connect, and that their work is not yet done, then tonight’s gig is it” (NME)

This will be the first time New Zealand fans have ever had a chance to taste the energy and commitment that James Dean Bradfield, Nicky Wire and Sean Moore  so consistently bring to their shows. It’ll be a great collection of songs - they’re never afraid to play all the big tunes and equally not afraid to pull out the odd surprise for those that have seen them before or just to keep everyone guessing.

“One of the best things about Manic Street Preachers is that, for a band with one of the most dedicated, obsessive fanbases in history, they are always excited by the idea of playing to people not in it” (NME)

Actually there’s many great things about MANIC STREET PREACHERS. Time’s short but lets make quick mention of their authenticity, their purity, their values, their politics, their keen interest in (and influence upon) wider popular culture, and their willingness to take a stand. A band of depth, intellect and integrity with a massive catalogue of rich and beautiful substance. Deliciously anti-establishment and in 2001 played the biggest rock show Cuba had ever seen with special guest VIP laminate holder Fidel Castro.

A band who lost their friend, core member, principle lyricist and inspiration, Richey Edwards when he disappeared in 1995 and then continued with a flawless dignity never letting the candle go out. Fourteen years later, ninth album Journal For Plague Lovers was composed entirely of lyrics left by Richey. Sheer class.

Now then - the quality of the songs, and some of the best titles ever! A Design For Life, one of James’ proudest moments - a song the milkman could whistle to! Everything Must Go, the anthemic album title track that blew them up to epic proportions, If You Tolerate This Your Children Will Be Next, possibly the greatest name for a song ever, their first Number 1, taken from the magnificently titled album This Is My Truth Tell Me Yours.  The Masses Against The Classes - their second Number 1.  The raging glam punk of Motown Junk and You Love Us.Your Love Alone Is Not Enough - a duet with Nina Persson from the Cardigans and a hit in NZ.

Motorcycle Emptiness. This gets a line of its own. An all time classic.

The Manics. They rock. Impeccably.

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