Manic Street Preachers - Barrowland Ballroom 11/04/2025

Manic Street Preachers proved on the night that they are one of the juggernauts from the Britpop era

If you're a fan of Britpop, a band that needs no introduction came to Glasgow, one that enjoys a career spanning nearly 40 years and are a firm favourite with many UK music lovers from that beautiful era.

After a memorable co-headlining performance with Suede at Edinburgh Castle the previous year, the Manic Street Preachers return to Scotland for 2 nights in Glasgows legendary Barrowland Ballroom. The choice of venue is perfect for a band like the Manics, its intimate atmosphere creates a powerful connection between the performer and the audience, not to mention the Barrowland Ballroom is often regarded as the best venue on the planet, the 2 nights were completely sold out and everyone who attended the Friday concert was psyched for the night ahead.


Manics at Barrowlands, photo by Stewart Fullerton

The stage set up was a familiar site when compared to previous gigs with guitars and Welsh flags on show, the band are certainly not shy to show their pride and passion of being patriotic Welshmen, what was no so familiar however was the 2 huge confetti cannons that dominated the sides of the stage, this night was going to be a messy one.

After Cornish band Lowharness warmed up the crowd as the support act, the Manics came on stage to a rapturous welcome from the spectators, they had the whole place in the palm of their hands the minute the first note was played, James Dean Bradfields vocals was the highlight just like what was seen in Edinburgh, they were soaring and passionate. Nicky Wires stage presence also provides the kinetic energy, and Sean Moores drumming is as powerful and propulsive as ever.


Manics at Barrowlands, photo by Stewart Fullerton

The setlist consisted of new material from their latest release "Critical Thinking", songs like "Decline & Fall", "Dear Stephen and Hiding in Plain Sight" were all performed. It also contained a few chilled out acoustic renditions of "This Sullen Welsh Heart", "Small Black Flowers" from Everything Must Go, the album that made the band as well as "The Everlasting".

Of course a couple of the fan favourites were played, "A Design For Life" and "If You Tolerate This Your Children Will Be Next", which blew the roof off, the audience belting out the words to both as well as the confetti cannons firing over the crowd, it was quite a spectacle.

Despite the absence of another favourite from the setlist "Everything Must Go", Manic Street Preachers proved on the night that they are one of the juggernauts from the Britpop era, the bands ability to blend rock anthems with lyrical depth and social commentary makes their performances both exhilarating and fervent. It is no wonder people, especially those from their native Wales, regard them as legends.


Manics at Barrowlands, photo by Stewart Fullerton

They made the entire audience ecstatic and sentimental as the band gave their farewells, everyone left the confetti covered Ballroom, leaving the staff to clean up the mess in time for the 2nd night.

The Manics continue their tour throughout England as well as 2 stops in Wales, before setting off on a European tour that begins in August.

Until next time boyos...

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