This was my second Manics live experience. The first was a couple of years ago at Wembley Arena where the hollowness of the venue and some shortcomings in the band’s performance made for a distinctly average night. The Manics at the Carling Apollo were much better - a more intimate atmosphere and fuller sound following the addition of a second guitarist.

No longer does James Dean Bradfield have to sing and try to combine lead and rhythm guitar. New live guitarist Guy Massey takes away some of the responsibilities giving James more space to concentrate on his singing and playing. And he was in magnificent form on both fronts.

Without the burden of a new album to promote the Manics were clearly intent on enjoying themselves during a brisk 90 minute set which featured many of the best moments from their supreme career. The first third of the set was like a Greatest Hits gig including the brilliant A Design For Life and Everything Must Go. Also featured was 1985, one of only three songs included from their recent, disappointing Lifeblood LP. Lifeblood was more a disappointment for its 80s production than the quality of the songs with the more guitar based live versions surpassing their studio counterparts.

Among the highlights of the gig were four songs from the brilliant Holy Bible album - Ifwhiteamerica... and Of Walking Abortion were featured along with a superb Faster with quite terrifying strobe lighting effects at its climax. The fourth song played was Archives Of Pain which began solo with James on electric guitar with the rest of the band kicking in halfway through. This was preceded with a solo acoustic Everlasting during which the others took a breather and Nicky Wire put on a new outfit. No skirts tonight though he was clearly was enjoying himself, throwing some outrageous rock shapes while playing his bass.

Another highlight at this excellent gig was the unexpected inclusion of the bizarre Elvis Impersonator On Blackpool Pier in a tightly packed set which was over all too soon. "See you in a couple of years" said James at the end - lets hope it’s not that long.

27.4.05