Heritage Live: Manic Street Preachers

Heritage Live

The stunning grounds of Audley End House have just played host to a weekend of live music, as the Heritage Live concert series returned to Essex. Across three nights, thousands descended on the picturesque English Heritage site, with Friday headlined by rock legend Roger Daltrey, and Sunday closing the weekend with dance music legends Underworld. But it was Saturday that delivered a true alt-rock feast, as Manic Street Preachers headlined a stacked bill. The Manics were joined by psychedelic-rock heroes The Charlatans and indie-rockers Ash, with an opening DJ set from the iconic Chris Moyles getting the early crowd moving. 


Manic Street Preachers

Taking to the stage just after sunset, Manic Street Preachers delivered a career-spanning set that struck a powerful balance between anthemic highs, emotional depth, and political defiance. Being welcomed to the stage by thunderous applause, The Manics quickly kicked the set off with the stadium-sized grandeur of ‘Motorcycle Emptiness'. Frontman James Dean Bradfield’s unmistakable voice carried flawlessly across the historic grounds, with the crowd instantly echoing every word back. The singalongs would continue in abundance throughout the early stage of the night, continuing through crowd favourites ‘You Stole the Sun From My Heart’ and the emotionally charged ‘La Tristesse Durera (Scream to a Sigh)’.

James Dean Bradfield, as always, was joined on stage by his co-founding bandmates, drummer Sean Moore and bassist Nicky Wire, both of whom also contributed backing vocals throughout. But for last year’s single ‘Hiding in Plain Sight’, Wire stepped into the spotlight as lead vocalist, delivering a dazzling live duet with the sensational Lana McDonagh. The track has quickly become one of the band’s strongest recent releases, and the live performance only reinforced its standout status. The trio were also joined on stage by two long-term collaborators as part of their touring band. Wayne Murray has been providing dynamic guitarwork at Manics live shows for nearly two decades now, whilst the bands long term producer and former live keyboardist David ‘Dutch’ Eringa stepped back into his on-stage role to cover for Nick Nasmyth, who has stepped away from this tour due to personal circumstances.

As a live five-piece, the band’s ability to veer from punchy alt-rock to poetic melancholy has always been a defining strength, but what made this set particularly special was the surprise inclusion of a power-pop cover in the form of Blondie’s ‘Union City Blue’. Played live for the very first time, the track was dedicated to Blondie drummer Clem Burke, but it slotted so seamlessly into the set that it almost felt like a Manics’ original. The crowd more than played their part in this moment of tribute, chanting along to every chorus at the top of their lungs.

The set’s upbeat energy carried strongly through the night before taking a calmingb break as James Dean Bradfield stood alone centre stage for intimate, stripped-back performances of ‘This Is Yesterday’ and ‘The Everlasting.’ The latter swelled to a stirring climax when the full band joined for the final chorus, reigniting the momentum. What followed was then a seven-song run crammed with hits and anthems, sending the audience away buzzing with joy. Huge hits like 'Your Love Alone Is Not Enough' and 'You Love Us' kept the upbeat energy alive, fueling the crowd’s enthusiasm and singalongs, before 'If You Tolerate This Your Children Will Be Next' brought the night to a powerful, unforgettable close.

This was a night where Manic Street Preachers proved once again why they remain one of the UK rock scene’s most compelling live acts, effortlessly blending passion, intensity, and emotional depth. Their chemistry on stage was electric, and their ability to connect with the audience was palpable, leaving everyone buzzing long after the final chord. This was a truly memorable performance that honoured their legacy while still feeling fresh and vital, taking place in the most picturesque of settings to make the night even more special.