After a prolonged silence which has seen the band take a break from touring and releasing records, MANIC STREET PREACHERS have announced a short Antipodean tour to coincide with the British and Irish Lions Tour ‘down under’ – the rugby team’s first in over a decade and the group’s last visit since 2010.
As lifelong rugby fans, the band who enjoyed a top ten hit in 1997 with the single ‘Australia, this seemed a one-off opportunity to combine their mutual love of the sport and the continent. The trio commented: “As massive rugby fans the chance to visit one of our favourite countries - play some gigs and watch the British and Irish lions play Australia is an amazing once in a lifetime opportunity. We can't wait to play a selection of our greatest hits to our Australian fans and the thousands of Lions fans travelling down under. It should be an amazing and memorable few shows.”
The Manics last played the UK in December 2011 with a triumphant sold out show at the O2 Arena in London where they celebrated the release of their top ten singles collection ‘National Treasures’ and have only so far announced one date for the UK for 2013 – it being a headlining appearance at Festival No. 6 Festival in Portmeirion, Wales taking place over the weekend of the 13-15th September. The band have hinted at more news coming soon.
Tickets go onsale 10th May for the following shows:
28 June 2013 - Festival Hall, MELBOURNE - Tickets or 136 100
05 July 2013 - Horden Pavillion, SYDNEY - Tickets or 132 849
