To tell the truth, I was completely knackered before this gig. Instead of enjoying the afternoon sunshine,
I stupidly ran a 10K (and raised a few bob for charity - The Lymphoedema Support Network). And, boy was
it hot. Still, I recovered my senses and after a couple of pints of the amber nectar I felt a little bit
better.
I arrived with my friend, Dave, at about 7-45 pm and was a little surprised to find that the Delays were
already in full swing with their set. After all the doors only opened at half seven! I heard a lot of
people moan about the early start - a lot of people missed their chance to see the Delays playing their
biggest home venue for the first time. I had not got round to buying their debut album - Faded Seaside
Glamour - and so my only experience of them was from Soccer am on Sky Sports. To me they sounded a lot
like Suede, possibly due to singer Greg's voice. This was particuarly evident in new song Sink Like A
Stone. Sometimes the guitar work sounded like The Wedding Present/ My Bloody Valentine and even in places
Dreamtime period Cult. To be honest, I have to say that the Delays didn't really do themselves justice.
Maybe it was the fact that they were playing on a large stage or first night of tour rustiness. Either
way, I'm afraid that their CD has managed to lose a few places in my must buy CD's list!
More liquid refreshment. The bar was surprisingly quiet (which suited me fine!). At 8-50pm the hall went
dark and an atmospheric track played while some violet lights flashed upon the stage. Then the Manics
came on and er......nothing happened. According to James Dean Bradfield, Sean had forgotten his drumsticks. Whoops!!!
Cue Sean leaving the stage, Nicky Wire, looking fantastic wearing leopard print knee length coat
with plenty of eyeliner and glitter surrounding his face, cracked up laughing and JDB taking the
proverbial Michael out of his cousin. A few minutes later and Sean came back on stage and of course
stood up behind the drum kit and took an ironic bow. The boys then launched into "Of Walking Abortion"
from the classic Holy Bible Album. Who'd have thought that the next track would be A Design For
Life. Still, when your back catalogue is as strong as the MSP's, I knew that we would be in for a
classic set with this track being played so early. "Roses In The Hospital", "My Little Empire" and then
"You Love Us" finally convinced me to get into the moshpit, despite my sore legs. It was great to hear
4st 7lb again and after "If You Tolerate This Your Children Will Be Next" came the James Dean Bradfield
acoustic song. He did a great version of "The Everlasting". When I saw them at Wembley last year we
were teased with "Archives Of Pain" during his sing-a-long-a James bit and he started playing the
song again. This time, however, the rest of the band came on and after the first verse and chorus,
we were treated to the rest of the song in it's full dark effect. You Stole The Sun From My Heart
involved the full repetoire of the Ministry Of Silly Walks from Nicky and an almost audible creaking
of my knees as I jumped about. Another surprise was
"Ifwhiteamericatoldthetruthforonedayit'sworldwouldfallapart" which, according to James as far as he
knew, was the first time that they had ever played the song live. New song, "Firefight", came next
and then Motorcycle Emptiness. And then for the last song of the night. Paradise City (yes that one!)
which after a verse went into MSP's first ever single, a rip roaring version of "Motown Junk". At
10-35pm it was all over. As is traditional with the Manic's, no encore, but I (and I'd be surprised
if it didn't include everyone else in The Guildhall!) was completely satisfied. James said that he
would see us in a couple of years, I hope I don't have to wait that long for my review Manic's Hat
Trick!!!
After the gig and adding to my already extensive T-shirt collection, I thought I would wait around the
venue for a bit. This was rewarded with meeting James and Nicky and I got them to sign my CD inlay from my
This Is My Truth, Tell Me Yours. This absolutely made my night. The only problem after that was that I had
to walk the 4 or so miles back home. Nedless to say, my legs siezed up the next day, but I have to say it
was all worth it.
