Manic Street Preachers have announced an intimate performance for 12th August 2021, the gig will be in collaboration with BBC Radio 2 programme and concert series, Radio 2 Live.
The legendary rock band have taken to their Instagram to announce the news to fans.
The broadcasting conglobate have planned a series of concerts for this year featuring various artists, the iconic welsh band are the third act announced to perform. Due to the limited sized audience available at the concert, from 11th September 2021, the performance will be available to view on BBC iPlayer and on BBC Sounds. The special gig’s highlights will also be broadcasted on BBC Radio 2 the next evening from 7 pm-9 pm.
The Brit award winners will perform at Cardiff’s famed venue, St David’s Hall, home to the annual concert Welsh Proms Cardiff. James Dean Bradfield, frontman of the ‘A Design For Life’ rockers, has spoken on the importance and symbolisation of the group’s performance at St David’s Hall. “We are really excited to be playing St David’s Hall in Cardiff on August 12th for Radio 2 Live. I’ve seen bands and artists including The Waterboys, Echo and the Bunnymen, John Grant and Gary Numan perform on stage there, and myself and Nicky Wire busked outside of it in the mid 80s. Hopefully we can add to the musical memories we have experienced there.”
Head of Radio 2, Helen Thomas has also expressed the station’s excitement for the new concert series. Thomas states the purpose of the new series, Radio 2 Live, whilst confirming the other two acts included within the station’s productions. “New for 2021 and beyond, Radio 2 Live will take the spirit of our very special radio station around the UK. Manic Street Preachers delivered an incredible performance for Radio 2 Live at Hyde Park in 2018, so we’re thrilled to be bringing them to Cardiff to perform an intimate set for their fans in Wales. Listeners and viewers can watch these exclusive performances from the Manic Street Preachers, Texas and Steps on BBC Sounds and BBC iPlayer in September.”
Other acts included within the exciting new series are 90’s pop band Steps and Glasgow rock band Texas, the Scottish group known for their long-standing music career and multiple hit songs. Steps are set to perform in Manchester on 10th August 2021, famed for their ‘5,6,7,8’ hit, the group have released the following statement expressing their excitement and stating what ticket-holders can expect from their performance. “We are beyond excited to be performing for Radio 2 Live in Manchester. It will be our first live performance in front of an audience in over three years and we cannot wait. It’ll be a great chance to play some of our latest singles and Steps classics and get warmed up ahead of our UK arena tour this November.”
BBC radio presenter Zoe Ball announced via her breakfast show the date and venue for Texas’ performance in partnership with BBC’s concert series, Radio 2 Live. Texas is confirmed to perform at St Luke’s on 4th August 2021, located within the band’s hometown. The front-woman of Texas, Sharleen Spiteri, has conveyed her thoughts concerning the group’s hometown show. “I’m always excited to play in Glasgow, our hometown! And I’m thrilled to be performing for the first time at St. Luke’s for Radio 2 Live.”
The head of Music for Radio 2, Jeff Smith, has provided the following statement concerning the new concert series’ mission statement whilst expressing his joy to be organising live performances once again. “Radio 2 is committed to bringing live music performance to its listeners as we know how much they love to listen and watch their favourite artists perform the songs they adore. Over the past year, Radio 2 House Music has done a brilliant job with performances from Joan Armatrading, Kelly Clarkson, Rag’n’Bone Man and many more, but now it’s time to get back to live performance in front of an audience. Radio 2 Live is going to feature incredible sets from major artists, in front of what I’m sure will be a very excited audience of Radio 2 listeners.”
In order to attend the event, fans are invited to register by the BBC’s website, the lucky ticket holders will then be chosen via a ballot. Click here to register and be in the running to see Manic Street Preachers, Steps and Texas live.