Manic Street Preachers are a band with some making-up to do. To be honest they are pretty brave showing up at all, but it doesn’t seem to bother them.

 

In 1994, Nicky Wire decided to suggest to the Glastonbury crowd that they build a bypass over the site. Then on their last return there was the infamous loo saga, where MSP brought their own toilet to be used only by them. It’s no surprise then that when they are announced to the Pyramid Stage minutes before their appearance they are greeting with a chorus of boos. But this is no Manic Street Preachers of old. this is a band who have matured incredibly, concentrating more on politics than pissing people off in that last few years.

 

“You Love Us” shouts James Dean Bradfield as he enters the stage. For a mintue it seems like incredible arrogance, but as they kick into their 1992 hit, Glastonbury is immediately back on their side. Motorcycle Emptyiness follows and it is clear than we are in for a treat tonight. After a rampant Faster, the appearance of Cardigans singer Nina Persson for You’re Love Alone Is Not Enough brings some gravity to the occasion. Announcing their “only international hit” JDB seems to be bonding with the largely British crowd. It would seem MSP have finally come back to Earth.

 

The Champagne moment of the evening comes with a heartfelt tribute.  "We first played Glastonbury in 1994," says Bradfield. "One of us was hammered before the gig, during the gig and after the gig. That man was Mr Richey James Edwards. This one is for him," before launching into an incredibly emotive Motown Junk. A Design For Life closes the set in typically anthemic style. It seems we’ve all kissed and made up.