The Manic Street Preachers launched their much-anticipated ‘Critical Thinking’ tour with a sold-out show at Manchester’s O2 Apollo on May 2, 2025. Despite unforeseen delays due to a reported motorway fire and Glossop’s notorious traffic, which caused us to miss support act Honeyglaze, the evening unfolded into a triumphant celebration of the band’s enduring legacy.
Frontman James Dean Bradfield, battling a persistent bug and nursing a knee injury that curtailed his signature stage spins, nonetheless delivered a performance brimming with energy and passion. The band showcased a dynamic setlist that spanned their illustrious career, featuring tracks from their latest album, ‘Critical Thinking’, alongside fan favorites. The Manchester crowd responded with fervent enthusiasm, their support invigorating the band throughout the night.
Bradfield paid homage to Manchester’s rich musical heritage, weaving riffs from iconic local bands like The Smiths and The Fall into the set, much to the delight of the audience. Bassist Nicky Wire joined in, sharing anecdotes and expressing admiration for the city’s vibrant music scene. The setlist included powerful renditions of ‘Decline & Fall’, ‘Enola/Alone’, and ‘La Tristesse Durera (Scream to a Sigh)’, among others. Notably, the band performed ‘P.C.P.’ live (solo version at least) for the first time, with Bradfield delivering it on acoustic guitar, a moment that underscored the band’s willingness to revisit and reinterpret their catalogue.
The concert also featured poignant tributes to former member Richey Edwards, with Bradfield acknowledging his lyrical contributions and lauding him as “the best lyricist of his time.” These moments added depth and emotional resonance to the performance, reminding fans of the band’s complex history and enduring camaraderie.
As the final notes of ‘If You Tolerate This Your Children Will Be Next’ echoed through the venue, the audience erupted in applause, their calls for an encore a testament to the night’s success. Though the band did not return for an additional performance, the crowd departed with a sense of fulfillment, having witnessed a band that continues to evolve while honoring its roots.
