Nicky Wire, a legendary figure from the 1990s Britpop scene, recently took a trip down memory lane while discussing his time on tour with Oasis.
The musician, best known as the lyricist and bassist of Manic Street Preachers, joined his bandmate James Dean Bradfield on The Chris Moyles Show on Radio X to talk about their wild adventures on the road with the iconic Gallagher brothers.
Manic Street Preachers had some of the biggest hits of the era, including If You Tolerate This Your Children Will Be Next and The Masses Against The Classes, both of which soared to the top of the UK singles charts.
Hailing from Blackwood, Wales, the band played a crucial role in the Cool Cymru movement, a wave of Welsh musical talent that helped define the 90s.
Their albums, Everything Must Go (1996) and This Is My Truth Tell Me Yours (1998), earned them a loyal following.
Touring with Oasis: The Highs and Lows
During their time opening for Oasis at massive venues like Maine Road and Knebworth, Nicky recalled the electrifying atmosphere and the chaos that came with being part of one of the decade’s biggest tours.
“Maine Road was incredible. I thought the stadium was going to fall apart—it was that wild,” he recalled.
Touring in the U.S., however, had its own drama.
“We were on the road in America when Oasis had to cancel a couple of shows halfway through the tour. It was full of anxiety and jeopardy.
But we were done by 7:30 every night, so we had front-row seats to their madness.”
Despite the chaos, Nicky and his bandmates loved the ride, and it marked a high point for the Manics.
He also shared a hilarious memory about Liam Gallagher missing a few gigs due to moving houses.
“He said, ‘I didn’t have a house!’ So Noel took over on vocals, and it turned into an unforgettable tour,” Nicky added.
The Manics’ New Chapter
Although Oasis is gearing up for a reunion this summer after a 16-year hiatus, Nicky doesn’t think Manic Street Preachers will be joining them on stage this time around.
“I think they’ll bring in younger bands like Cast,” he said. “We’re fine with it. I’m looking forward to seeing Cast play those gigs as well.”
For the Manics, things are changing musically as well.
Nicky, who is usually known for his bass guitar work, will be taking on lead vocals for a track on their upcoming 15th studio album, Critical Thinking.
It will be his first time stepping into this role on a main track.
Evolving with the Times
Over their 40-year career, the Manic Street Preachers have had to adapt to the changing music industry, and Nicky shared how their creative process has evolved.
“We’re lucky enough to have our own studio now,” he explained.
“If inspiration strikes, we can just pile in and get to work. We don’t need to waste money like we used to with month-long studio sessions.”
Nicky and the band have also embraced a more efficient approach to songwriting and recording, using their space to foster creativity without the need for extravagant setups.
A Legacy of Change
Nicky’s reflection on their journey wasn’t all about nostalgia—he also acknowledged the impact of their late bandmate Richey Edwards, who famously disappeared in 1995.
While Richey’s whereabouts remain a mystery, the band has kept moving forward, adapting to changes and challenges along the way.
And as Nicky and James continue their musical journey, they’re not just looking back—they’re keeping their eyes firmly set on the future.
“It’s all about hanging in there,” James said, offering a bit of wisdom from Orson Welles.
“Some days are tough, but as long as you keep going, the good days will come.”
For the Manics, the journey is far from over, and fans can look forward to hearing their next chapter when Critical Thinking is released later this year.
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