Reflecting on the unforgettable Manic Millennium concert in Cardiff
Cardiff: Can you believe it’s been 25 years since the Manic Street Preachers rocked the Millennium Stadium? It was a night to remember, for sure.
The band kicked off the new century with a bang on December 31, 1999. They had been through so much, from highs to lows, and this concert was a huge deal for them.
James, Nicky, and Sean, the trio from Blackwood, had faced a lot. They dealt with harsh criticism, the loss of their manager, and the mysterious disappearance of Richey Edwards. But they came out stronger, becoming one of Britain’s most iconic bands.
As the clock ticked down to midnight, everyone was a bit on edge. There were worries about tech failures, like planes crashing and computers going haywire. Even the University Hospital of Wales was on high alert, bringing in backup generators just in case.
In the city, excitement was in the air. This was the first live concert at the stadium, which had only opened six months earlier. It was dubbed “the world’s biggest indoor music event,” and two billion people were set to watch worldwide.
Despite the hype, some seats were left empty due to safety concerns. They even reinforced the stadium with metal struts to handle the crowd. But it was still a massive gig, with the roof closed to keep the energy inside.
Nicky joked with reporters, saying, “All this jumping around might knock the stadium down. Try and keep calm.” Meanwhile, James admitted he was a bit nervous about forgetting the lyrics. Nicky teased him, saying he never worried before.
“But this time I am,” James replied, showing just how much this concert meant to them. They had come a long way from playing to just two people in Cardiff a decade earlier.
The sold-out show featured a fantastic lineup, including poet Patrick Jones and bands like Shack and Super Furry Animals. Nicky promised a mix of hits and surprises, catering to both old and new fans.
For about two and a half hours, the Manics played, with a break for the new millennium and Nicky’s costume change. It was a night that would go down in Welsh history.
Even after all these years, the Manics are still going strong. They continue to create music and play to loyal fans, proving they’re not just a flash in the pan. The 60,000 fans who witnessed the Manic Millennium will always remember that epic night.
