MANIC Street Preachers star Nicky Wire has been unable to perform at the BBC's Biggest Weekend event tonight due to a family illness, the band has announced.

The Welsh rock band, hailing from Blackwood, announced the news on Twitter, stating: "Due to a serious family illness Nicky Wire will be unable to perform in Belfast at the BBC Biggest weekend on Friday 25/5, the Manics will still perform with a stand in bass player."