Great photo! He's probably thinking about attending the Durham Miners Gala :)

Does anybody know if the Manic Street Bakers are still going?

Wouldn't it be wonderful if the Manics surprised us sometime in the next few weeks with a new album and tour announcement for 2020? I missed the RIF arena tour as I was ill and even though I've seen them a few times since then, I'm really feeling the need for an Exciting New Era to happen soon. Wishful thinking probably but as the weather gets colder it always feels like something Manic should be afoot!

Not thinking about it but if James said months ago in interviews about expecting two songs by Autumn (or something) and they do have a studio of their own. RIF was just sort of dropped wasn't it? Don't recall any reports about them being seen in the studio.
The Rugby has finished so yeah. I always think they are working on a new one.
But not jinxing it by thinking of something else. Somehow.

Right. Message to James: we want our Autumn songs!

Just had a look through my emails and the email announcing RIF came on the 17th of November 2017. Just a few days off two years ago, perhaps that's why it came to mind today. What with the Lifeblood anniversary, and typing up my 2002 gigs for my next blog posts, I've been really infused with the joy of MSP lately, and I need new Manics tunes in my life!

Be careful what you wish for.....

Haha. I like Autumnsong actually. In fact I like pretty much all of SATT apart from YLAINE. But I must admit I'd like something a little more out there from the Manics next time - either all guns blazing like Masses or Found That Soul, or a revisitation of the Lifeblood sound. Neither of which feels particularly likely, alas.

That'll teach me to wish for an announcement, ha! More stadium gigs supporting a lesser band. I guess a new era can't be imminent as I doubt they'd announce support slots if they had their own tour up their sleeve. Ah well.

I think it's HILARIOUS as my neighbours who hate me love The Killers!
I hope they go along and get disturbed by a band that has some variety in their sets! (Although "Spaceman" is my favourite song of theirs)

Weren't the GNR support dates a month or two after Resistance is Futile was released? I wouldn't rule out new material next year, but there aren't any signs pointing towards it right now.

True, but the RIF release and tour were announced first I believe. I agree that there could well be new stuff next year but if it was going to be in the first half of the year I think they'd announce it before any support slots for other artists. So latter half of next year seems the earliest.

I think I'm just feeling really impatient right now 'cos I'm immersed in writing up the 2002 tour for my blog right now and damn those were good times, I want some of that again! Back to wallowing in nostalgia for me it is then.

I love The Killers...up there with the Manics....hoping there will be some stage sharing going on
Now, if Marilyn happened to be available to join them as well be heaven

Well they did play There by the Grace of God last year (which lynches a Manson line) so it's possible. Actually that song wouldn't sound amiss on the Killer's third album....

I actually thought raven meant the 80s pop star Marilyn at first. Which would make for an interesting gig experience!

As a massive fan of The Killers, I was over the moon yesterday morning when I saw the announcement on Twitter. I would have been buying tickets anyway, so even more incentive to now!

I kind of figured the Manics weren't likely to be releasing a new album in the first half of next year, so I wasn't really expecting a tour any time soon.