I think you're right, I can't remember one on the second run of shows. The December run I seem to remember there being a proper break been the Holy Bible and Greatest Hits sets which may have helped split things up.

Now I'm thinking about it, was there a support act for the JFPL gigs - although I think they were the longest sets the Manics have ever done.

It might actually be better for the support act if they've got full time jobs to arrange around the shows.

Has there ever been an explanation for why they've adopted this approach? I can understand less successful bands structuring things like this around jobs, but surely the Manics don't have those pressures.

I thought I read it was to reduce their carbon footprint? They'll probably be the only ones doing that, but who was to know booking the venues that far in advance?

They have sort of, to make the gigs a bit more of an event for people who work the weekdays. Might help with the atmosphere but I'm skeptical, too many people too partial to not risking knee and back pain (yes I'm being unfair).

The JFPL tour had a band called The Answering Machine I think?

Yup

https://www.manicstreetpreachers.com...-tour-support/