GIG NUMBER TWENTY-THREE
Who
However, it wasn't all in vain, with me and a hardcore of Elbow haters who'd been unfortunate enough to witness them the previous night (when they were even worse!) heckling them throughout and ensuring our protest was known to all: this wasn't just some typical dull support, this was awful! We gave sarcastic applause and chanted "cello!" and generally had a laugh at them. This was essentially a way for us to deal with what would had been a traumatic experience if we'd had carried on listening to it and fallen slowly into comas. A guy next to me informed me that I'd decide the Manics were my favourite band after the show. "Yeah right" was my reaction, and The Flaming Lips with Race For The Prize over the speakers was the musical high point of the night. Already I had a much wider sense of musical perspective than just about everyone I've ever met. Although I do have the good taste to know the Manics aren't the best, I was still up for it, although frustrated throughout the night by the people on the front row, permanently blocking me from the optimal position and leaving me in discomfort for the whole show.
Nicky Wire's mic stand (with feather boa) was put out and instantly received a cheer louder than any Elbow had received! And then the Manics came on, I sang along and tried to have fun, but didn't succeed that much as I was so familiar with their songs and the surprise element was about nil. The night was basically just an astonishing crush and the opportunity to witness the Manics closer than I'd ever seen them before. They played a lengthy set with most songs you'd want, bar Stay Beautiful, Faster, P.C.P. and From Despair To Where. One of the highlights was Nicky doing Wattsville Blues as it was unexpected. Also, the chant of "braindead motherfuckers" was particularly amusing, as it felt like the band were screaming it at their hardcore fans! So Why So Sad seemed quite pleasant to me, although it does sound like a Christmas single! Also good were Yes, This Is Yesterday, and Let Robeson Sing. So: third time I'd seen them, but it felt like a lot more I've got to admit! Fun but uninspiring.
Mark: 7.5/10
Manic Street Preachers
Support
Elbow
Where
Manchester Apollo
When
28th March 2001
Price
£21.50
Who with
Nick
Position
Towards the front
Comments
This gig came two days after my birthday on the strange assumption that a trip all the way up to Manchester to see a grossly overpriced gig would be the best thing I could possibly do. On reflection I don't think it was worth the effort, and the Manics remain an act permanently on the periphery of my collection. I may have just about all their CDs, but I rarely feel the need to listen to them regularly! My night was practically ruined though by what must stand as the most appalling set played by any band on earth ever. Toploader excepted of course. Elbow weren't just dull, they were truly upsettingly bad, with their continuous whining seemingly going on forever. Their music was one long drone, interrupted briefly by a cello: the undisputed highlight of their show! They seem to have caught on quite a lot now but this was just horrible depressing whining that makes Radiohead seem listenable.
Setlist
Found That Soul
Motorcycle Emptiness
The Masses Against The Classes
So Why So Sad
Kevin Carter
Ocean Spray
You Stole The Sun From My Heart
La Tristesse Durera (Scream To A Sigh)
Yes
Let Robeson Sing
Motown Junk
Freedom Of Speech Won't Feed My Children
Baby Elian (acoustic)
This Is Yesterday (acoustic)
Miss Europa Disco Dancer
Wattsville Blues
Australia
Tsunami
If You Tolerate This Your Children Will Be Next
You Love Us
A Design For Life
