Setting the Record straight
Over the weekend, the Daily Record carried a story claiming that the Manics were on the verge of splitting up, after recording sessions in New York with Tony Visconti had gone "disastrously wrong". Since then, in an interview with Virgin Radio, James has cleared things up by stating that it was always the band's intention to record in the UK after the first New York sessions. They have no plans to split, and recording is on schedule. As for the album itself, four songs have been completed with Visconti and James hopes to have finished the rest by June. It's possible that they will give a few of the new tracks an airing at the Isle Of Wight Festival.
In other news, James appeared as part of the Stereophonics' charity gig at the London Royal Albert Hall on Tuesday night (March 30th), in aid of the Teenage Cancer Trust. He joined Paul Weller for a rendition of 'You're The Best Thing', and the Dads applauded into the night (most probably).
Thursday, April 01, 2004
Little Baby Nothing re-release
The Manics are to release a brand new version of Little Baby Nothing as a one-off single in preparation for their new album. According to the NME, the female vocals will be performed by Debbie Harry of the band Blondie. Nicky Wire has made no secret of his admiration for Harry and has said he is "thrilled" with the new single, before adding "it's just lovely". The band hope to release the single sometime in June.
Nicky also told the NME: "It's just a one-off single to get us going again, so the new album doesn't come out of the blue - it's our 'big return'. You could see it as a bit of a gift to the fans aswell - we've had lots of people telling us we should re-release Little Baby Nothing, so now we are! There's a few light-hearted moments in there... like Debbie's changed the first line of the female vocal part from "my mind is dead" to "my name is Deb", and a couple of other things like that, you know... We got a childrens' choir to do some backing vocals too. It's just lovely."
The charity single is being released in aid of those suffering from tonsilitis. To read the full NME report, click here.
Update: After receiving a couple of confused e-mails, I'd just like to state that this story is not true! Make sure you click on the link above to understand...
Thursday, April 01, 2004
Anniversary
It's now nine years since the disappearance of Richey from the Embassy Hotel in London on February 1st 1995.
Sunday, February 01, 2004
Virgin Radio at Wight
Apparently, Virgin Radio will be broadcasting the Isle Of Wight Festival live over the weekend June 11-13th. So for those who can't make it all the way to the event itself, there should still be an opportunity to hear the Manics' set.
Monday, January 19, 2004
Patrick Jones
Nicky's poet brother Patrick Jones is to take part in a sold-out benefit gig for war-torn areas of Kosovo. He is doing a poetry reading at Blackwood Miners' Institute on February 21st. Rare Manics' vinyl will also be auctioned to raise cash for the appeal.
Monday, January 19, 2004
"Alwighty-Isle-of-Wight"
The Manics have confirmed they will indeed be playing the Isle Of Wight Festival this year. They will appear on Saturday 12th June, before headliners The Who.
It's the only Manics live date announced for this year so far. Tickets can be bought online, at £75 for the whole weekend or a day ticket of £35.
Saturday, January 17, 2004
James Dean Wedfield
James Dean Bradfield is to marry in the spring. According to bbc.co.uk and the News Of The World, he's planning a "top secret" wedding to his girlfriend, the marketing guru Mylene Halsall. Apparently, they'll tie the knot at a country house in South Wales.
Sunday, January 04, 2004
A Christmas Present
That's right. A present from me to you. I've made a music video for 'Yes' with a mate, and you can download it, if that takes your fancy atall. I think it's great, possibly because it almost completely features me... but I think you can all appreciate it in some way or other. All you need to do is go to my personal website, www.padster.tk, and go to the 'padster's film' section, where you can find the download, and then you should comment in the guestbook for tradition's sake.
Merry Christmas from me,
Paddy
Wednesday, December 24, 2003
Christmas viewing/listening - a summary
December 24th, 4-7pm GMT - Finnish radio station 'Ylex'
The Manics' set from Ruisrock Festival 2003. You can listen online (click on "lahetys" on the site). (Thanks to 'Futudramatic').
December 29th, 9-11pm, XFM (London)
A whole Manics gig from Japan in January 2003. Listen online at xfm.co.uk. (Thanks to 'Mo Tin Junk').
December 31st, 9pm - Biography Channel
Following the story of the Manics. Repeated on New Years Day at 9pm too.
December 31st, 11pm - BBC1
Jools Holland's Hootenanny! programme features James "jamming with the Rhythm and Blues Orchestra" for 'Out Of Time'.
Friday, December 19, 2003
|
