Spinner

Manic Street Preachers Set for First Stateside Tour in 10 Years

Manic Street Preachers' first American tour in 10 years begins Sept. 21 in Seattle, the very city where the Welsh rock band started its last tour in 1999. Singer/guitarist James Dean Bradfield is hoping that this show, which follows the US release of the band's ninth album 'Journal for Plague Lovers,' goes better than the one a decade ago. "It was f----ing awful," Bradfield tells Spinner.

The travesty was due to the band's gear being held up at Sea-Tac Airport. "The equipment arrived 30 minutes before the gig and everything was out of tune. Also, I think Peter Buck might have been there," he adds of the R.E.M. guitarist and Seattle resident. "Somebody said he was there and I remember feeling intense pressure because 'Murmur' and 'Reckoning' are two of my favorite albums. I hate it when someone says, guess who's in the audience -- Peter Buck. Oh great, good, thanks for the pressure. Thanks a lot," he half-jokes.

Of course, that Seattle incident was nothing compared to real tragedy when the band was preparing to tour its third album, 'The Holy Bible,' in 1994. Guitarist Richey Edwards went missing shortly before their departure and was never seen again. 'Journal For Plague Lovers' brings Edwards back to the fold, using the lyrics he left behind in some notebooks.

Spinner can report that the 1999 Seattle show turned out well – 'cause we were there – and despite the odd technical twiddling, the band sounded fantastic with Bradfield singing his heart out. Did the fact that there was a huge hiccup make him try harder? "No," he says, "that was just a guy with a Napoleon complex up there."

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MattKlomp

So glad this album's getting some attention - can't wait to pick up my copy tomorrow!

September 14 2009 at 11:26 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
JoFresh

pre-sale/remix album offer - http://www.manicstreetpreachers.com/preorder this joint is REALLY good

September 14 2009 at 4:29 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Marc

I was at the 1999 Seattle show and while I guess there may have been some very minor sound glitches real early in the gig, I have nothing but great memories of that performance. The guys were on their game and their set was a mix of their most recent songs (from TIMTTMY at the time) and their "greatest hits." I remember You Love Us, Kevin Carter, Motown Junk and If You Tolerate This being superb. Oh, and while I didn't see Peter Buck there, I have seen him out and about in Seattle in restaurants and shows such as Joe Strummer (RIP), Glasvegas and others. So, a good bet he'll be there this time around. Here's looking forward to the show on Sept. 21. Should be fun!

September 13 2009 at 10:20 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
cote1984

they MUST come to South America too!

September 06 2009 at 8:33 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
cynharrelson

Love Manic Street Preachers. I've listened to them for many years. I first heard them on MTV in Germany in '99 and I've been hooked ever since. I go to Limewire and iTunes and get their albums to put on my iPod Touch. They Are Fantastic! Cheers Guys! Rock It Out!

September 05 2009 at 11:41 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
tricia

Wow, that starts on my birthday! I'd like to see this band, as I've just recently discovered their music.

September 05 2009 at 3:59 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply