Night three of 2025’s Heritage Live shows at Audley End, Saffron Walden was always going to be a great night, with three bands whose songs have been staples of indie rock nights and playlists since the 90s.
The other nights were not light on big names with The Jacksons, Roger Daltrey and Underworld headlining a night each, with a decent under card of big names too. However for me having Manic Street Preachers, Charlatans, Ash and a DJ set from Chris Moyles, hits the spot a little harder than the other nights.
The Saturday afternoon would start with Radio X breakfast host Chris Moyles providing a DJ set of tunes not out of place on the station, interspersed with his trademark banter. Also introducing each band as the day’s master of ceremonies and mingling with fans in the VIP area.
He would be followed by Ash who had played a set laden with hits such as Oh Yeah, Girl From Mars and Burn Baby Burn. Along with a track off their forthcoming Ad Astra LP and recent cover of Jump In The Line.
Ash were soon followed by The Charlatans, fronted by the swaggering mop topped Tim Burgess to cruise through rousing hits like North Country Boy, One To Another and The Only One I Know.
Finally as the Welsh flag painted bass amps of Nicky Wire were wheeled on to the stage, you knew the Manics were due to take the stage. Some would easily consider them Wales’ finest, however I struggle to pin that award on a single band as so many great bands have come out of Wales, especially through the 90s, with contemporaries like Feeder, Stereophonics and Super Furry Animals all in contention.
Once James, Nicky and Sean (along with touring members) took the stage, they soon barrelled straight into Motorcycle Emptiness, quickly followed by Enola/Alone and You Stole The Sun From My Heart. What a trio of songs to be in the photo pit trying to concentrate on shooting photos for!
James Dean Bradfield played and sang songs with so much energy, dipping back from the mic and spinning on his heels when he could.
Nicky Wire would be assisted by Lana McDonagh for vocals on the flowing Hiding in Plain Sight, followed up with a cover of Blondie’s Union City Blue as a tribute to the late great drummer Clem Burke.
Bradfield would perform two songs solo mid set, before carrying on through their extensive back catalogue, whilst the crowd of tens of thousands sang along loud and often through the night.
Whilst each night of this year’s show would have their amazing moments, the Manics will be my absolute highlight of this year’s shows. Let’s see who gets to perform in front of the amazing Audley End house next year and if they can top it?