Civic Hall, Wolverhampton 1st June 2009 with setlist

[lovesean4ever]

it seems to get louder each night

[The Gutless Wonder]

Didn't get to meet the Manics (again! sob!) though I did hang around for about 10-15 mins around the stage doors. There were just that many people that I decided that I'd better just get my car out of the car park. Why does it have to close at 11.30pm for? Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!
Anyway, had some compensation as I met an FD'er WelshManicFoo which was great and we chatted with a German woman whose been a fan for years and she was showing us her Roundhouse pics so that was lovely! The gig itself - The Answering Machine, ok - thought their female bass player was suitably kooky but none of the songs really grabbed me. The Manics themselves were just an absolute revelation and I've never pogoed so much in my entire life! My highlights were Marlon JD and SBHIABOB for the first half and probably You Stole The Sun and ME for the second half. All of it was fantastic though! Didn't end up getting any merchandise cos the stall was crammed at the end of the gig and wanted to try and meet the band. Wasn't to be this time but the quest continues! Glad you all had a great evening! As well as being stood next to WelshManicFoo I had a guy wearing a red beret standing on the other side of me. Didn't have any problems with anything being nicked. Best gig of my life so far I think! Will put photos up as soon as I can though camera seemed to be in slow mode for some reason. Whenever James came forward on our side he'd always disappear back to the mic before I could get a pic taken. Did manage to get a couple of good ones. I'll stop rambling now!

[centralscrutiniser]

Originally Posted by Littlesue

The gig was ace, James was certainly enjoying himself and appreciates how good the crowd always are at Wolves. The latest gig I have ever been to at the Civic though!! we missed the last bus so it cost a fortune in taxi's!!

It was great - James must have had a shot of something in the break because he was on fire when they came out. As said before - I've never heard him attack ME like that before. And YLAINE was the most high voltage version I ever saw.

I had to leave at the end of Australia for last train so sorry to miss Sorrow 16, but they really sounded on top form last night.

[wireobsessed]

Why, why, why have they played Sorrow 16 at all these gigs and not the first night in London??????!!!!!! And why didn't I keep my ticket for Saturday and get rid of the Thursday then I'd have got to listen to it!!!! Ahhhhhhhh!!!!!

Rant Over-you are so lucky to have heard that; I'm jealous.

Ok, so I never post on here, but I feel moved by the spirit. Last night was amazing. It wasn't the best Manics gig I've ever been to, but it was close. The downers first:

I felt bad for Nick - he looked like an angel, we got a bit of a funny Richey story/tribute, and the occasional sarcastic input and smile, and he put his lines into Sorrow 16 -'in hate!', but the rest of the time, withdrawn, eyes closed, and he was really pissed off with himself for duffing up the words to William's Last Words - I think he said 'Sorry Richey' straight after and walked off, but I might be wrong. I guess sometimes our love for him just really isn't enough. Get well soon Nick, and thanks for sticking with us.

Sound dodgy at times - saw James and Nicky do a bit of a consultation, shrug, and plough on.

Could really do without Australia and YSTS, I've bounced along in my time, but this time, nah. But I don't mind those who do.

The usual people who push close to the front to get a good view and then stand there like lemons not dancing. The only solution - get past them asap or spend the whole night pressed up against some old fart's stationary back.

Now, the good stuff:

The new album sounds amazing live. I was totally moved, everyone down the front was dancing, mouthing all the words. I'm a wee bit biassed, but there's not a duff track there. Highlight? Dunno, Stephen Hawking, TJSS, JFPL, SNHIABOB, All is Vanity. All of it.

Second half - Sorrow 16! ME. Faster. All of it (exceptions noted).

James. Total hero. Compensated for Nick. Carried the whole gig. Told stories, made funny remarks, laughed, pointed out people in the pit, played like a god. Sang like an angel. I am totally in love with this man and this band. Ears still buzzing.

That is all. I'll probably return to radio silence now.

[LoveMeToDeath]

sounds like another great gig. James has been a star on this tour hasn't he, absolutely full of energy and passion and playing amazingly.

[sparklytiara]

Please can someone retell what Nicky said about the Wolverhampton Novotel?

[Midlands_Junk]

fucking amazing. one of the best times i've seen them, even if nicky was injured, james was being more of a front man to compensate for it than ever before.

got myself a photo pass through being a media man. i'm used to being the fanboyish figure in the photo pit, but last night was a bit ridiculous. in my military shirt and manics/japanese rising sun badges, singing along every word got me quite a few dubious looks from t'other photographers. fuck it. i'll upload em seeon, got a few good uns.

[mothers_are_saints]

Originally Posted by LoveMeToDeath

James has been a star on this tour hasn't he, absolutely full of energy and passion and playing amazingly.

Oh without question of a doubt legend

[mothers_are_saints]

2 reviews of the gig:

Express & Star
& Shropshire Star

[nocultureicons]

Definitely the best I've ever heard them sound and Sorrow 16 was wonderful to hear. James seemed to compensate for Nicky's inability to move around and vocally his vocals were perfect. The only real low point for me was Autumnsong, those lyrics don't get any better with time!

The new album sounded superb live, I hope they keep plenty of those in the set for the next tour.

[Midlands_Junk]

Originally Posted by nocultureicons

The only real low point for me was Autumnsong, those lyrics don't get any better with time!

agreed. s terrible song. erugh. and how shit were the answering machine? they were like a cartoon paint by numbers indie band. so fucking terrible. no imagination whatsoever.

other than that it was a flawless gig.

[StrummerMan]

Excellent gig last night,apart from a few dickheads who want to learn how to hold their drink,James again was well on top of his game,there is no frontman like him he`s fucking amazing,only downside for me was getting to Wolverhampton so late in the day(had interview in morning)as im usually at front for just about every gig.
One of my favourite Manic gigs was at this venue(holy bible tour oct 1994)and although it was no where as good as back then it was still a bloody good gig.God bless Nicky for soldiering on,he looked in better shape than he did at Llandudno at least,bless him.

[starbrightboy]

Managed to get there in the end, they were fantastic. Again, the older drunk bastards were a bit of a downside, but it was an excellent night. Wasn't too happy with having a whisky thrown on me during the greatest hits set.
Bit worried after Peeled Apples that the crowd wasn't really going to get going, but as soon as JCEQT came on, everyone went mental.

[YouLoveMe]

Originally Posted by starbrightboy

Managed to get there in the end, they were fantastic. Again, the older drunk bastards were a bit of a downside, but it was an excellent night.

I thought the Glasgow gig was ruined completely by drunken teenagers. Fuckers shouldn't even be there.