Manic Street Preachers: How The US Missed One Of The UK's Greatest Bands

Manic Street Preachers - James Dean Bradfield, Nicky Wire, Richey Edwards and Sean Moore - are icons of British rock. Songs like Motorcycle Emptiness and A Design For Life are indie staples in the UK. But in the US, the band remains a cult interest. This video takes a look at their output during the alternative rock boom (Generation Terrorists, Gold Against The Soul, The Holy Bible and Everything Must Go) and explores some of the reasons why they may not have had a bigger impact in America.
#ManicStreetPreachers
#britpop
#britrock

[@joeswansonanator]

As an American fan, I seriously wish they were huge here. They're in my top 3 bands of all time and I think that they're the best band of the UK has.

[@hyllaf]

Why do you think they are not?

[@issyjas3309]

Lot of great Bands in the UK, I’d have these up there with Radiohead as the most influential and persistent makers of brilliant tunes in the last 30 years. They’re on a par with the smiths and the Jam for having something to say and getting it right.

[@charlesnoguera6998]

Radiohead is like the best band ever.

[@sleepflower93]

@@hyllaf They're not huge in America because America wasn't ready for them, honestly. People in the other replies have mentioned Radiohead & because creep was a hit in America, RH have always been able to sustain themselves, always sold records there. I think part of why Nicky Wire damned Radiohead's 'pay-what-you-want' scheme for In Rainbows (2007) is because the Manics wouldn't be able to take that much of a risk - Radiohead (& a lot of the Manics' contemporaries) have always been a richer band, came from richer backgrounds etc. Comparing the two, you can see why RH have been successful in the US & the Manics haven't. Radiohead's political lyrics only really go as far as symbolism (2+2+5) & lines like 'Bring down the government, they don't speak for us' (No Surprises), very vague, ambiguous & not really relating to the rest of the song. Whereas the Manics have entire songs damning the British Monarchy (Repeat) & American Presidents, American culture & racism (Ifwhiteamerica...) & even on the much less political Gold Against the Soul, they still had songs that pretty much took the piss out of Americanised consumerism & the people who ran their record label (Nostalgic Pushead, Gold Against the Soul).They're just too outspoken for the US market (esp. their early material) & I'd guess they're pretty hard for the general US market to 'get', to understand. There are a few intelligent Americans who know about them though.

[@hyllaf]

@@sleepflower93 interesting! New song out yesterday! #RiseAndFall

[@SteveThePster]

Would just like to point out that The Holy Bible is the best album of all time, and will never be beaten

[@southerner4566]

Its not even the Manics best album let alone best album of all time.

[@thesound-chameleonman3580]

Yes! 😉👍🏼

[@tryingggg1251]

@@southerner4566which other band could write songs about prostitution, anorexia, the holocaust, politics, war, poetry and nihilism in such a beautiful way? thb is the best manics album, period

[@daver1975]

Agreed - It's the greatest work of art out of the UK, music or otherwise, to date. 10/09/24.

[@TisTheDamnStickSeason]

Phenomenal band. Richey will be forever missed and loved.

[@gunner33333]

As and American fan, I loved taking advantage of the stateside obscurity of my favorite artists, buying inexpensive tickets to small venues to see them up close while they sold out arenas in other countries. I had a ticket to a MSP show cancelled in 1999, so I never got to see them. So happy to have a ticket to their show with Suede next month! Favorite album Everything Must Go, favorite songs Further Away and No Surface All Feeling

[@kylenavyguy]

Got my tix for the Anaheim gig!! 😁🤗😎

[@austinfallen]

I’m so glad I saw them both pre and post the loss of Ritchie. Epic band

[@beehivecluster7496]

Their B-sides are also seriously underrated. The B-sides from the “This is My Truth” era alone could have created an outstanding full-on rock album, in contrast to the aforementioneds more epic ballad type stuff. IMO they arguably have the greatest number of “good/very good” songs of any British band since the big 60s/70s bands Beatles/Stones/Pink Floyd. 13 albums and counting with probably at least 70% of their output at least “good/very good” , and then dump another 30 odd good/great B-sides on top of that. At 52, James Dean Bradfield is still a songwriting machine and his two solo albums weren’t half bad either.

[@eightiesmusic1984]

The quality control is very high indeed.

[@deltapunk]

I saw the Stay Beautiful video on MTV 120 mins and was hooked. They played the Limelight in NYC with Blind lemon I walked in and BL was on stage,the place was packed. I thought I missed MSP. The place empties out and they came on very late.. Thank God I stayed. There must have been less then 50 of us in front of the stage. They were amazing.

[@kevinkibble8342]

My favourite band of all time. But they're certainly not the sort of band whose music you can instantly fall in love with like so many of their contemporaries. Aside from the 3-4 big hits that they have, their music is a slow burner that rewards the patience of the listener. It's easy to understand why so many people in the US, and even over here in the UK nowadays admittedly, just don't get them. But that's fine, they will always be our special band!

[@badtotheappendixx]

james dean bradfield is an incredible musician. their new single is great too!

[@2020Sound]

Absolutely - really enjoying 'Orwellian'.

[@thesound-chameleonman3580]

Ultravox!

[@Sarah_Jean86]

I had the awesome rare pleasure of seeing them live in Los Angeles in 2009. I even got to meet Sean Moore before the show and talk a lil bit with him. I have always been attached to this band and am sad they do not tour here more often....but I get it. Nonetheless, love James, Nicky, Sean, and of course Richey. xoxoxo

[@LL-fd7xn]

Damn! It's very rare to see them play live in North America. I am from Canada and have yet to see them live! Most likely they played Toronto. Ahhhh I'm so envy of you!

[@keeneboy7700]

Met and got my picture taken with Nicky in Denver in 2009. Managed to get a autograph from James too.

[@danny3565]

Feel very lucky living in the UK and seen them a good amount of times

[@eightiesmusic1984]

What was he like to talk to? I imagine perfectly fine if Nicky Wire and James Dean Bradfield are anything to go by. Both are so humble and down to earth. They are really something else as a band.

[@benjaminwilliams2264]

Didn't they tour the US with Suede last year 2023.

[@coachbouslog]

I love this band. Can’t believe they aren’t bigger in the US.

[@AlisonBryen]

I've been a huge Manics fan for 25 years now. I've never felt so alive as when I saw them live for the first time. They're so much more than a band... they encouraged me to explore poetry, literature, film, philosophy and art as well as other bands, (and it must be said Hoovers!). THB remains one of my favourite albums of all time. It scared me to death the first time I heard it when I was 13 years old. I like that. It challenged me.

[@eightiesmusic1984]

They would be impressed by this. They are truly inspirational. The best band from Wales by a long shot even better than The Alarm who I really rate highly.

[@t.o.408]

Amazing band that I randomly stumbled on about twenty years ago while listening to a channel on Pandora and hearing "If you tolerate this then your children will be next". I was floored by how good it was, and immediately bought the "Forever Delayed" compilation. After being blown away some more by that CD, I started grabbing all the albums. The only people I know here in the US who have even heard of The Manics are the guys I play soccer with who are from Ireland and Scotland. So many people in the US are missing out unfortunately.

[@ciggieshoreditch507]

I have loved and cherished MSP since the "Generation Terrorist" album. I just knew the band was special and deserved my attention. They have never let me down. I am a United States citizen. Never seen the band in concert. I never cared for most of the successful bands that were MSP's peers because they did not have the integrity or musicality that have sustained MSP.

[@felipehildebrand6981]

The first time i heard about them was at the 1999 MTV Europe Awards show in Dublin. from that moment their music has been with me

[@christianewen3227]

So pleased you’ve covered the Manics. They’re my all-time favourite band 😊👍🏻

[@helenbunnehmummeh5154]

Been a big Manics fan since I heard GT at school, and I was lucky enough to be at the NHS gig. I think this great review of one of my favourite bands has pretty much set me up for the day! Stay beautiful.

[@leeharveydarke]

I think there's one thing that really put the kibosh on the Manics in the US that wasn't mentioned here - the 'Michael Stipe' comment from Nicky. Added to Richie's self harm tendencies and the fact they didn't do drugs - they would have been an absolute nightmare for any A&R company to market.

[@healingstrategies7060]

THE BEST BAND IN THE WORLD!!!❤❤❤

[@jetjaguar72]

Proud to be a U.S. fan. Happy to have seen them twice in Los Angeles, one time for Journal for Plague Lovers and another for the Holy Bible anniversary shows. Absolutely amazing and I do realize how lucky I am to have seen them. Just incredible...

[@tomdraperguitarist]

As someone who saw the Manics about eighteen times in the UK between 1997-2014, I have to say it was glorious seeing them play TBH in full in tiny venues in Cambridge MA and San Francisco after moving to the States. It’s really the US’s loss.

[@julietarossetti7426]

"The Manics have always been about more than music... but the music's pretty bloody great." Agreed. New subscriber, thanking you for the video.

[@darrenedwards8433]

I grew up in Wales but have lived in Los Angeles since 1988. I saw the Manics at The Whiskey in LA in 1992 - and every tour since then. I had never even heard them in early '92 but my friend said, "Oi, there's a band from Wales playing the Whiskey, wanna go!?". We hung out with them upstairs at The Rainbow Bar before their show , and they were very nice. Then we walked down to the Whiskey to watch the show and they blew me away. There weren't that many people at the show, but I became an instant fan. Explosive, exciting, they looked brilliant, and had a pillow fight on stage and made a right mess. I immediately bought their LP. Holy Bible, Everything Must Go, & Journal are my faves. IMO best lyrics ever written. They deserve to be one of the biggest bands in America.

[@eightiesmusic1984]

Great comment and I not surprised to read they were pleasant to talk to. They are truly humble. Richey Edwards RIP.

[@stephenrostkoski837]

I remember reading about the Manics in magazines like MOJO and UNCUT since the 1990s. But I didn't actually hear them until a few years ago when I ran into "A Design for Life" on KZbin. Their music hit me at the right time. I was in the mood for big guitar-driven hooks and interesting lyrics. In my review of the new album, I pointed out the lack of success in the US. Thanks for addressing this in your video.

[@eightiesmusic1984]

You might want to check out the Brit Awards ceremony where they appeared.

[@TheLostBoy1974]

I moved to Japan in 2000. Right before I left, the awesome local radio station WFNX in Boston played Tolerate on regular rotation, along with some album cuts and stuff from EMG. I was blown away, but soon left for my new life. What a surprise ti find out how big they were in my new home of Japan. I saw them play about ten times here in Tokyo. Amazing band with EMG, TIMTTMY and Lifeblood being my favorites.

[@hyllaf]

Still Snowing In Sapporo

[@Guillermohistoriador999]

I am a part of few americans that like Manic. We discovered just for the video “If you tolerate this” and “a dissapeared guy” but that was all.

[@gordonarmstrong2208]

Love everything about this video. The Manics are my all-time favourite band.

[@2020Sound]

Glad you enjoyed it, Gordon!

[@wendyhandley9463]

You nailed it. America has missed out big time

[@mrmervinjminky1536]

Used to have an American girlfriend and I introduced her to the Manics, she still loves them. One of her mates had heard of them but didn’t know any of their songs 😂 pretty much backs up this videos content.

[@charliegeorge9393]

It was looking good in 1995 with the US version of The Holy Bible was remixed, recognised as a far superior recording and the second wave of Grunge was coming. And Judge Yrself as single for Judge Dredd was a brilliant tune! Alas we all know what happened on 1/2/95.

[@2020Sound]

Yeah, i think that period was definitely the moment when they were actually most in sync with what was happening over there.

[@ashleys9892]

So true. I live in Texas and have been a fan since 2002. Sadly missed my chances to see them during their American tours but they meant everything to me when I was a teenager and early 20s. They’re too good to make it here.

[@wmhamby]

Great short on MSP. I first heard them while on vacation in Vancouver , British Columbia in 1995. I came back home to California with all their CD's that I bought at the Virgin store. None of my friends had heard of them. Well, they quickly became fans. I was lucky to see them when they came to San Francisco at Bimbos nightclub, which ironically is the only place Robbie Williams ever played in SF. America stupidly turned their backs on both acts. Still a fan and their new album is a fantastic. Welcome Back.

[@2020Sound]

Glad you enjoyed it, Michael!

[@hyllaf]

See ROBBIE WILLIAMS MOTORCYCLE EMPTINESS!

[@DarbySagala]

Stumbled upon this video while searching for videos of the Manic's recent gig that I attended in Chicago during a co-headlining tour with Suede. It was at a 3800 seat venue only about a third full on a weeknight, and to my absolute horror the majority seemed to be there mainly for Suede. Made me wish I went on a night or to a city where they were headlining, as the reactions seem to differ a bit from place to place. Manics played very well, really good live band, although the set list focused on the first two albums more than I cared for. I'm not really sure what they're most known for among the people who do know them here. I found them in the early 00's by downloading Ocean Spray on accident. The only other people who seem to know them where I live are punk rockers who adore The Holy Bible. Not knowing much about art, I and my significant other were shocked to see the paintings featured on Journal For Plague Lovers and The Holy Bible at The Broad Museum during a trip to Los Angeles. The more that I find out about the band over the years, the more I appreciate them.

[@dmsdms215]

I’m an American fan who first found them while flipping through the NME around the time the Holy Bible came out. I found the album as an import at Tower Records and they’ve been one of my favorite bands since. I’ve seen them live multiple times - both in the States and UK.

[@murdockreviews]

I got into the Manics via their commercially biggest success 'This is my truth...', then worked my way back and have followed their output ever since. Always great live! Favourite albums of theirs for me are (besides those mentioned in your great video) the all over the place "Know Your Enemy", and the rather acoustic 'Rewind the Film'.

[@civicboy40]

What a band they are , I still find bits in there albums I've not noticed after all this time , I also urge anyone who's never sat down and listened to any Manics record to do so

[@aniym21000]

1997 was a huge year for British acts in America. The Prodigy, Radiohead, The Verve, Chemical Brothers and Oasis all sold a ton of records stateside. But after that the window slammed shut. Only Radiohead and Coldplay managed to succeed there in the 2000s.

[@2020Sound]

Blur did their best showing stateside that year too, I believe - no doubt due to Song 2.

[@lemsip207]

Franz Ferdinand won a Grammy in 2006.

[@gunner33333]

Even Sigur Ros had some success in the 2000s and 2010s without any songs in English, selling out mid-size venues in the States

[@PaulinaAngel]

Great video and yes, never got why they didn't break it big here in the states. I heard of the Manics through a couple of songs that they co-wrote with Kylie Minogue (Some Kind Of Bliss, I Don't Need Anyone), which are my favorite Kylie tracks of the 90's. I looked up the names James Dean Bradfield & Nicky Wire and got Manic Street Preachers. So I bought their first album, Generation Terrorist and just fell in love with it, my favorite song is Motorcycle Emptiness, a song that I still love playing on guitar and to sing. Always wish they would have broke big here, but I just think of them in the same way as XTC, a secret weapon band, a band that you have to be in the know to know if that makes any sense.

[@2020Sound]

Thanks Paulina! And XTC are great!

[@beckybarnes4651]

Enjoyed their hits in the 90s, kind of forgot about them since. That is, until I got two free tickets to go and see them last December near where I live in N. Wales - up there with one of the best live acts I've ever seen, and I've seen Springsteen / GnR / Van Morrison / Glen Campbell / Queens of the Stone Age / Biffy Clyro / Pink Floyd etc etc. etc.

[@jamesnetwall1193]

YES! THANK YOU! I love the manics. I came across gold against the soul in a record store and picked them up after the owner let me play the first two songs and I've been a die hard fan ever since. You have excellent taste in music sir

[@2020Sound]

Thanks very much, James! 'Sleepflower' followed by 'From Despair To Where' is definitely a killer opening to an album.

[@hyllaf]

@@2020Sound and Still Snowing In Sapporo! Sir, can you do reviews of the band albums? You seem v intelligent and a hard core fan

[@pttbwicf]

sometimes i tend to forget that youtube exists so that i can catch up on my all time favourite band anytime i please!

[@thesound-chameleonman3580]

Finally got a signed vinyl of The Holy Bible! utter masterpiece. - C

[@deatheyes_5000]

American fan, here: I remember a radio spot advertising their tour when I was maybe 15-16? (their band name was/is great) but never even heard their songs on that station. A few years later, a friend from UK properly introduced me to them with A Design for Life. After that, I did a deep dive of their music and loved all the rest, but definitely had a little difficulty understanding some of the lyrics during those early listens (yup, James' interesting enunciation). Unfortunately, I've missed the very few chances there have been to see them play here since mid 00s, not sure they'll come back 💔 But I really enjoyed your vid, think you covered why they're not bigger here pretty well, and I learned some new stuff, too 😊

[@2020Sound]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@pushon10]

My favourite albums by them are The Holy Bible, Everything Must Go and Journal For Plague Lovers. Favourite songs are 'Yes', 'Elvis Impersonator' and 'William's Last Words'

[@Guillermohistoriador999]

Holly Bible its an introduction to all new metal that will become in the world!

[@Conv-Piece]

I found them almost a year ago at this point, because a record store near me was selling a used CD of The Holy Bible, and the album cover really intrigued me, so I researched the album, and it was the greatest musical curiosity I’ve ever had

[@KevinKaffy]

Initially Motorcycle Emptiness blew me away…later became a huge fan and bought my first album of theirs EMG after hearing the third classic single from that album Kevin Carter…pure genius that song

[@2020Sound]

Love that song. Great little trumpet break from Sean!

[@kurtcobainpizza5606]

Brilliant band.. Absolutely love them Been a fan since 94

[@The.Last.Guitar.Hero.]

Manics did some fantastic tracks my favourites being Tsunami, Faster, Interiors and Sleep Flower. They where very good live when i saw them, bought generation terrorists when it came out. The American's missed out I'm afraid. Guess they were too British like The Jam, Oasis or Suede James Dean Bradfield is a brilliant guitarist.

[@ReeseChown]

I'm an American Manics superfan. The Holy Bible is a Detroit-sounding record. Dark and encapsulating

[@TheStx]

I'm from Chile and we need a Manic's southamerican tour badly. TIMTTMY, what an album. 💜

[@eightiesmusic1984]

I am sure know of James' recent solo album focused on Chile- it is very good.

[@thesound-chameleonman3580]

I chatted to the drummer of manic street preachers over Christmas, Sean Moore! I also got a signed set list off all 3 member's from his mother! seen them live 17 times to date so far!

[@2020Sound]

Cool! Is Sean friendly to talk to?

[@thesound-chameleonman3580]

@@2020Sound yes on and off lol, sometimes he says a bit other times not much! over Christmas he was very chatty! but he was drinking white wine at the time! 😂

[@2020Sound]

Ha! I imagine that definitely loosened him up 😄

[@thesound-chameleonman3580]

he's a great bloke. Great viewing this.

[@hyllaf]

They are the only band I think about every single day of my life! (since 1996) WE MAY NOT BE THE BIGGEST BAND IN THE WORLD, BUT WE ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT - nicky wire

[@JosephGualtieri]

I’ve been a fan since picking up an issue of Q in 1999 with “My Little Empire” on a CD included with it. It took me awhile to track down the original five albums, but it was worth it. They’re my 1B favorite band along with R.E.M., who are very different, but similarly literary, left wing, and welcoming of the odd.

[@AlisonBryen]

I've still got that CD. I adore the Manics.

[@fjrmrt]

Was so glad to find your channel. Would love to hear your take on the Wild Swans!

[@MK-Hogan]

I’m American who was a teenager in the 90’s and I’ve always been an Anglophile since I was a kid. I can’t believe I hadn’t heard of the MSP back then. I don’t know how into them I would have been honestly, but I definitely should have been aware of them.

[@2020Sound]

How'd you end up discovering them?

[@jeroenvaneekeren]

Brilliant video, thanks. Sadly I am not that into everything after Know Your Enemy, but they have been my favourite band for years.

[@2020Sound]

Thanks Jeroen!

[@juliebaker9539]

I'm an American fan who bought Gold Against the Soul for $2.00 out of curiosity after having heard of them in a British music magazine. I have loved them ever since!! I saw them twice in concert and I met them once. They were very nice! My top 3 favorite artists are Gino Vannelli, Manic Street Preachers, and Dream Theater, in other words, 3 cult favorites are my favorites! I often think of the phrase that what's popular isn't always good and what's good isn't always popular.

[@bibububip9699]

Man! I just discovered your content with this video, and I absolutely love it all! I hope you continue with this for years! Greetings from El Salvador.

[@hyllaf]

This is the best profiling of this special band I've seen in a long time

[@2020Sound]

Thanks!

[@grasshopper6655]

It's not surprising. The American market is very difficult to crack for most non American bands. What is surprising and rather upsetting is they are also largely unknown in much of the world outside UK. AU/NZ/Sth America and even most of Europe seem ambivalent.

[@oscarunzueta8332]

If you think they are a cult interest in USA, in Mexico they are virtually unknown. Imagine my sadness when they cancelled their first show in Mexico a few years ago. They are the only band I need to see live, that remains unchecked in my bucket list.

[@karinaisa3366]

Soy de Argentina y ansío verlos en vivo alguna vez. Imagino lo que debe haber sido que se hayan cancelado los shows. 😭 Qué banda única y grandiosa! Saludos.

[@LILBABYN0THING]

Oh, I adore you for making this video. An analysis from the beginning. I'm 28 and now older than Richey when he fucked off. I sold my medal, it paid a bee-hell, you showed my fave song (Faster) and discussed Yes by McAlmont and Butler?Love love subscribe

[@2020Sound]

Thanks Bonnie! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Jartisann]

Then you come to realize that James Dean Bradfield is the most talented front man of all those bands mentioned. He can sing beautifully and spectacularly in many flavours, then his guitar is immensely versatile capable both the rhythms and leads, then the level musicality and thearrangement abilities are just Wow... You don't really get that in the frontmen of other alternative bands. . You don't.

[@eightiesmusic1984]

His guitar playing is superb and underrated by those who are not Manics fans.

[@anaisromero8582]

I had the great pleasure to see them while living in Auckland, New Zealand in 2013, best gig I have ever been by far. I'm Mexican 😁

[@justmadeit2]

I used to live in Auckland, grew up there. Good place

[@karinaisa3366]

Qué afortunada! Soy de Argentina y sueño con verlos en un show. Son hoy en día mi banda favorita. Saludos.

[@ZZKe7]

Reporter; “Will this visit [to Cuba] harm your sales in America?” Nicky; “I hope so!” (I wish they hadn’t seemed so enamoured of Fidel Castro though.) By the way, best song = Faster

[@2020Sound]

I appreciate Nicky Wire's contributions behind the journalists' dictaphones probably even more than his bass playing 😄

[@thejoin4687]

I think they retrospectively wished that too. The Manics were always good at self-criticism "So you played in Cuba---did you like it brother? / Bet you felt proud, you silly little fucker"

[@eightiesmusic1984]

I am socialist but there is no way they should have met Castro. Figures like him give socialism a bad name and play into the hands of those who want to demonise it as a threat to civilisation. I have never understood why so many on the left give the likes of Castro a free pass- he replaced one form of dictatorship with another. Yes, Cuba was impoverished due to the US embargo but there is no excuse for denying democracy to the people.

[@mitchattitude]

Fun fact: I bought 'Generation Terrorists' in the U.S. when I was on holiday from the U.K. in 1993. I AM the Manics' U.S. fan base!

[@Guillermohistoriador999]

Another thing i remember and i like to share is that in 2000 i catch mpr from napster and i select Tsunami as one of the Manic into long mp3 cd pirate music.

[@justmadeit2]

If they'd played motorcycle emptiness on heavy rotation on MTV it would have broke them over there I guess

[@Chingfordassociates]

Great summary. I’ve still got all of my Manics CD singles from 1991/2. I read their interviews before I heard any of their music. They said that they wanted to be the biggest reference point for the 1990s but while they were in the studio in 1991 Nirvana released Nevermind, Pearl Jam released Ten and Soundgarden released Badmotorfinger. The sound in the US had totally shifted from Guns n Roses. They were brilliant, however.

[@2020Sound]

Thanks! Yeah definitely - with the rise of grunge, they must've felt like they'd had the rug pulled from under them in 1992.

[@thesound-chameleonman3580]

First saw them live in 1993 at Wolverhampton civic hall.

[@AlisonBryen]

I love seeing them at the Civic! It's a great venue but the Council have really messed up the renovation of the building. It's been ages since it closed down for its revamp.

[@klausrain111]

I'm uh Murikin. I love this bands songs and think James is one of the best singers ever.

[@lateleigh]

It's a tad lonely being an Australian fan too! 'Tolerate' was their only single to chart here and they even wrote our alternative national anthem - 'Australia" (from EMG) which was largely ignored!

[@2020Sound]

Hell of an alternative national anthem to have! Much better than Razorlight's 'America' 😄

[@eightiesmusic1984]

Presumably the national anthem is actually Down Under by MAW?

[@lateleigh]

@@eightiesmusic1984 yeah.. but that also written by a Brit!

[@eightiesmusic1984]

@@lateleigh Sort of. Colin Hay emigrated to Australia at the age of 12 so he might qualify for nationality and for all we know he might have been granted it. At the very least he is Anglo Australian!

[@lateleigh]

@@eightiesmusic1984 undeniable, but it was always a bit of joke he made in concerts … “we’ll do that song about that place I’m not from”, he would say

[@cadoxtonconner3415]

Even if you don't like the Manics you have to admit - it's one hell of a name for a rock band

[@fizzyfozbuzz874]

Manics fan way before they were signed. THB is their best album. Musical and lyrical superb! Will never be better album..Never!

[@spnhm34]

Entertainingly arrogant and purposefully provocative is such a good description. Haven’t listened to the Manics in a long time and now i have a hankering to listen to Tristesse. I never got fully into the Manics and I think it’s because it feels like the lyrics don’t fit the music, they often sound a bit shoehorned in. That’s harsh I guess, I love the music and their best moments are truly great

[@thejoin4687]

In these plagued streets ............................................ofpityyoucanbuy anything

[@hyllaf]

The Ultra Vivid Lament!

[@LL-fd7xn]

I am from Canada and I heard of The Manics when I used buy Select and Q Magazines back in the early 90s (RIP Select Magazine!!!). I love them! I am in no way saying I am glad they didn't cracked The US. They are way too good for the US Music Market. The US doesn't deserve The Manic Street Preachers!!!!

[@2020Sound]

Loved Select - I think that was the first monthly music mag I ever bought! (Either that or Vox if you got that in Canada too?)

[@LL-fd7xn]

@@2020Sound I absolutely remembered Vox! It was hard to get UK Magazines/Newspapers here in Canada. Everyone I knew was reading Rolling Stone and Spin. Magazines such as The NME, Melody Maker (RIP MM), Q and Select were the UK music Magazines I loved! Id's spend my allowance buying a copy of each (The last time I bought copies, Select was like 11.00 and Q was 12.00 Canadian back in 2000, I stopped buying them after) They were and still better Magazines than The Rolling Stone and Spin. If it weren't for MM, I would have never fell in love with The Charlatans! Another UK band that the US doesn't deserve!

[@2020Sound]

MM was great, I used to get that delivered pretty much right up til the end I think. If I remember correctly, Vox was the monthly sister publication of MM and Select was the equivalent for the NME. Or it may have been vice versa. Either way, all great mags in their time! Funny you should mention The Charlatans, I did a video on those guys too a few months back!

[@LL-fd7xn]

@@2020SoundI don't know what made me think about the Manics I was looking at my books case and I remembered I bought a book about Richey. I thought Austrailia ans just wanted to hear the song (My Manics and other cast are boxed up!) I saw your Vlog on The Manica while I was listening to Austrailia! I am new to your channel! I have to check out your vlog on The Charlatans. I am following your channel!!!!! BTW Cheers and Hugs from Canada 🇨🇦🤗❤💙💖

[@2020Sound]

Thanks L L! Hope you enjoy it 🙂

[@cfdemarco2]

I love this band. Saw them at the Henry Fonda Theater in Hollywood. Some of their lryical content covers topics like socialism and capitalism; Popular US radio outlets and records companies tend to shy away from that. Could be a factor?

[@charliegeorge9393]

12 cover versions of Club Tropicana - brilliant. Sorry just now hearing what I mentioned about THB.

[@gytrplr]

If white American is an amazing song and holy bible is a top ten albums every made. have seen them twice here in the USA. Love them so much from first time heard them. Amazing

[@ljoe7038]

I'm from Russia, love this band, learned about them from a music magazine in 2006, but they are actually unknown in Russia.

[@pitmatix1457]

My first ever gig was the Manics at Newcastle University on the Holy Bible tour (supported by Sleeper and Dub War). Fell in love with them since hearing Motorcycle Emptiness but I have to confess to not thinking much of their post 2000 stuff other than the odd track.

[@Nielsy]

Awesome video. Just found this channel and it seems great. I think you can expect a LOT more subscribers soon!

[@2020Sound]

Thanks very much, Nielsy!

[@lemsip207]

I used to assume they were one hit wonders in the USA until 2002 when I found out they hadn't had one hit there. It's the same with the Stranglers, the Jam and the Style Council.

[@mercedesgarciacarrillo1736]

Great video!!! I share pretty much your opinion on why the manics never broke in America

[@katepriest9257]

I can definitely attest as a US fan who came on board in the EMG era, those first couple albums, I wrote off as “hair metal” just on their sound, at a time when you could not just Google lyrics. My loss for not getting into them earlier. Finally seeing them live in NYC in 2015 was beyond words.

[@simonpearson5150]

I've been a fan for 28 years my favourite Richie year album is gold against the soul my after Richie it's either life blood or send away the Tigers

[@leightonhay9298]

I have always always expressed my complete and utter opinion that manics are the best punk rock band that the world has and not any music from any band that people try to compare to manics gets close, the manics music is so important to what is really going on, from when the band started to now the music the words it's all "here and now", and with it" only in you do we see ourselves" just a snip from some songs to put prospective, I've grown from the time the band started to where the manics are now and I've never missed a beat, this is my truth tell me yours.

[@gytrplr]

Holy bible is a stone classic but I like a lot of the difficult albums. Know your enemy and lifeblood are overlook gems. Hardcore fan in the US. Have every album

[@Jonny_Red]

Pretty perfect for introducing anyone new to MSP... what a back catalog they have to delve into, not just the singles theyve released but album tracks revealing their different depths, and also an amazing array of b-sides which many have left us scratching our heads going 'why wasnt that on the album?' 👍👍 What do you think to the new single just out last Friday and it sounding Abba-esque?? Its certainly more on point than Green Days new one, but illustrating your point about UK vs USA hits , MSP have had 50k views for Orwellian whereas Green Day have racked up 250k saying 'everythings gonna be alright', hmmm not sure about that. MSP album number 14 out in september looks like it will be a corker from the soundbites, not hard edged or rocky which will disappoint some sections of the fanbase, but poppy and shimmery , upbeat yet melancholic, a perfect pick-you-up we need during these surreal times the past 18 months.

[@2020Sound]

Thanks Jonny! I really like 'Orwellian Times'. What a chorus. One thing that's not changed in 30+ years is JDB's ability to write an absolutely corking vocal melody.

[@Jonny_Red]

@@2020Sound totally agree..and long may he and they continue. His Even In Exile solo album is an absolute gem...im still playing it pretty regularly

[@sirpente6651]

Some bands make good music I like to listen to; very few bands write songs that really talk to my soul; MSP is one of those bands.

[@6chalkcolors]

i grew up in flyover country, in a pisspot town no one's heard of, and i've still managed to run into two people who are familiar with them. but generally it's a very lonely life. keep waiting for someone to see my manics tattoo and strike up a conversation.

[@RichardSmith-ew3xz]

Let's face it, Radio stations in the US are very unlikely to play songs with socialist undertones and performed by 4 working class guys. Their loss

[@kringles4]

I will never understand it. I have been pushing them since the late 90's. They are loved in Boston, I know that......

[@2020Sound]

That's interesting! What do you put the Boston-specific appreciation down to?

[@kringles4]

@@2020Sound I think Boston is just an extension of the UK due to our culture, history and proximity.

[@aniym21000]

I'm one of those people that didn't 'get' MSP, but the first album and Holy Bible have some awesome songs. I remember "Little Baby Nothing" being a tune, as well as "Yes", the opening track of THB. "Yes" ' lyrics were bleak as hell, but the guitars went in hard.

[@TisTheDamnStickSeason]

Richey didn't hold back in his lyrics

[@davidjones6108]

As you say, too anti-American maybe. A Design for Life is totally epic. I find JTB's words often difficult on my ears but in their huge catalogue there are some mighty, mighty tracks.

[@eightiesmusic1984]

His words speak truth to power. The fact that humans cannot deal with too much reality is one of the key reasons why most problems are never solved.

[@Guillermohistoriador999]

Revol is my hym

[@ingsve]

For me in Sweden they only song I really heard of theirs was If you Tolerate This Your Children Will be Next. Other than that they never really made a splash. To me they were basically a one hit wonder.

[@EdekLay]

I once thought about going to a gig, late 90s era roughly, to cut a long story short, I never did in the end... Would've been good though

[@pushon10]

Wow, you like all the same bands as me!

[@hyllaf]

2021: #1 msp album