Welsh rock icons Manic Street Preachers recently reminisced about their exhilarating experiences supporting Oasis during the Britpop era, reflecting on memorable gigs and the challenges of band life as they prepare to release their 15th studio album.
Nicky Wire and James Dean Bradfield, the prominent members of the Manic Street Preachers, spoke candidly on The Chris Moyles Show on Radio X, where they took listeners back to the pivotal moments of their time on tour with Oasis throughout the 1990s. The duo recounted the electric atmosphere of monumental concerts at venues like Knebworth and Maine Road, where they supported the legendary Manchester band.
"I thought Maine Road was going to fall apart," Wire recalled, his voice filled with nostalgia. "I've never seen a stadium shake like this; it was nearly frightening." These words from Wire truly capture the raw energy of those performances, where excitement ran high and the sense of anticipation was palpable among fans.
James Dean Bradfield, the band’s frontman, added to the vivid imagery by joking, "Maine Road was waiting to fall down at point. It was like, 'Oh my God. What's going to happen?'" Their recollections highlight not just the thrill of performing, but the precariousness of being part of such monumental gigs, particularly during the peak of Britpop.
Marking the end of their set at 7:30 PM allowed the Manic Street Preachers to bask in the brilliance of Oasis's performances each night. "We could just sit back and enjoy the show, which was brilliant," said Wire, reminiscing about the unique experience of playing before the Gallagher brothers.
The anticipation and tension during their U.S. tours added to the excitement for the Manic Street Preachers. Wire noted, "We toured with them America when they sort of canceled the two halfway through, which was brilliant. There was so much jeopardy and anxiety, and they were really excitingly on the edge." Their cheeky banter reveals the competitive yet electric spirit of touring alongside such iconic figures.
Despite the impressive memories, Wire is realistic about the current state of the band. With Oasis making waves for their upcoming reunion, he expressed some skepticism about them being invited to open. "I think they want to get younger bands, so they went for Cast," Wire remarked, anticipating the Gallagher brothers' choices for supporting acts.
Reflecting on his thoughts, he shared, "I can’t wait to see Cast at those gigs as well. But like you said, when they played Maine Road, Maine Road was waiting to fall down at That point!" Their light-hearted exchange highlights the camaraderie and respect shared among bands, even with the passage of time.
A significant milestone for the Manic Street Preachers, this year marks the release of their long-anticipated album, Critical Thinking, scheduled for February 14, 2025. Wire is excited to bring his voice to the forefront, stating, "I’ve sung before, but yeah, this is the first time it’s on a lead track." His enthusiasm for their new music underlines the evolution of the band over the years.
Bradfield also reflects on the process of making new music. He likened the unpredictable nature of being in the industry to Orson Welles's quote: "Some days acting is like driving a tricycle through a barrel full of molasses. Some days it’s just rubbish." Their acknowledgment of the ups and downs of being rock stars shows their self-awareness and humility.
"We’re lucky enough to have our own studio," Wire stated as he elaborated on their shifting recording practices, sharing how they avoid the old costly routine of going away for long periods. With proximity fostering collaboration, their shared workspace allows effortless creativity.
After nearly 40 years together, both Wire and Bradfield are introspective about their journeys. They acknowledge the band's many changes since the heart-wrenching disappearance of former member Richey Edwards. Bradfield remarked, "It wasn’t us falling apart for once!" showing how far they have come through the trials and tribulations of their careers.
From thrilling performances with Oasis to their continually growing legacy, Nicky Wire and James Dean Bradfield's reflections serve as poignant reminders of both the joys and realities inherent to the music world. The Manic Street Preachers look forward to their upcoming performances, including their two homecoming shows at Swansea Arena, and remain eager to push the boundaries of their artistry with the release of Critical Thinking.