Well, the Manics tour of “Journal for Plague Lovers” was always going to an emotional time for band, and I suppose for audience. The Welsh three piece’s latest album is made up entirely of missing fourth member Richey Edwards’ lyrics.
Their visit to the Olympia (in Dublin, for our International readers) last night was at times invigorating and depressing, an homage and a celebration, a funeral and a party.
It had been well publicised that the band are playing the JFPL set followed by a greatest hits set. It made a nice change to the usual hit song, album song, hit song, new album filler, hit song, encore, second encore thing that bands usually do.
And I suppose it’s fair to say I’ve never felt such a range of emotions at a gig before.
Part I
They rattled through JFPL in order from start to finish which we all expected. They yakked a bit in between, but mostly just to say what it was all about, and a bit about Richey’s lyrics. The stage was dimly lit, and smoke filled, the clothes were sombre, the lights were severe, the mood was cool.
A few things struck me: It’s like the songs have two speeds, loud and fast, or acoustic and slow. They’re all enjoyable enough, with the final song (ironically as sung by Nicky Wire) the most musical.
There was no joy in celebrating Richey’s songs. It was going through the motions. Was it because of a reverence the band pay to their missing member?
The second and main thing is, I couldn’t enjoy the first part, it’s like a weird funeral for Richey. It’s a dedication and a closure of a chapter and it’s like they’re accepting the Richey won’t be coming back, and I wonder what can come next.
There was also an element of… dare I say… are they in some strange way cashing in here? Maybe not physically with money, but with an idea, with an artistry. Why now? It’s been 14 years since Richey’s disappearance. Something they’ve been so outspoken about before,of keeping Richey’s momentum going. it’s a well known fact that they still pay any royalties as a band into a fund for Richey. It’s just my opinion, and I hesitated in posting that, but it’s just what I think.
Part II
For a band I’ve enjoyed for so long, and learned all the words to so many songs, I was surprised and excited during part II. It was the polished professionalism i’ve seen before. But on top of that, it was a look that they were actually enjoying what they were playing, and it was a relief after the sombre first set.
James Dean Bradfield’s voice is so strong and made the hair on the back of my neck stand up several times.
They lashed through loads of hits from Motorcycle Emptiness, Tsunami, Your Love Alone (Is Not Enough), Little Baby Nothing, before finishing with an almighty lift on Design for Life.
Lively and vibrant. It was really a joy to watch the band, so tight after so many years together play through all their hits.
I suppose it makes me think what to I want from a gig?
It got me thinking, is it sing-along-songs, emotional outbursts, fantastic voices, a religious experience, recognisable tunes, crowd surfers.
What is it? I can’t pinpoint it for you, but for me, it was part II of the Manics last night.
RPs says: what a weird yes.
(Words: Raptureponies, Photos: Darren Byrne)
Agree with pretty much all of it. Although I liked the first set there was an air of rushing through it that I felt as well and definitely an air of relief in the second half.
They were brilliant though.
I bloody loved it. I’d love to see more bands doing gigs like this. The first half was a fantastic way to show off the new Manics, while the second half was a gracious thank you tot he fans for supporting them.
JDB is electric on stage. His energy is infectious - brilliant to watch.