A manic night

Manic Street Preachers, Manchester Apollo

THE Welsh wonders are one of Britain’s most enduring rock bands and its not hard to see why.

From the moment they burst onto the stage with golden oldie “You Love Us” it was clear they meant business.

Anyone fearing they might be in for a night of tracks from new album “Postcards From A Young Man” soon had their worries quashed as James Dean Bradfield and co powered through a host of hits from their first three albums.

The trio have returned to form with their latest release which has won them high praise from critics.

New single “It’s Not War, Just The End Of Love” had the audience bouncing around with their arms in the air.

But it was older hits such as “Faster”, “Roses In The Hospital” and “Suicide Is Painless” that really got everyone going.

The true highlight of the night was a solo spot from frontman Bradfield who belted out “La Tristessa Durera” and “If You Tolerate This Then Your Children Will Be Next” with just an acoustic guitar for company.

The gig ended the only way a Manics gig can and the sight and sound of 4,000 people singing “Design For Life” is truly an image to behold.