LEGEND has it that at a concert in Blackwood in their formative years, Manic Street Preachers left the stage to a hail of missiles from a hostile crowd.

Next month, almost 25 years on, the band promises "a night of home town ecstasy" at Blackwood Miners' Institute, playing to what will be a much more receptive audience.

James Dean Bradfield, Nicky Wire and Sean Moore take to the stage on Thursday December 2, as part of BBC Radio Two's In Concert series, the audience comprising fans lucky enough to have been selected from what should be an entry of thousands for just 180 pairs of free tickets, with 75 per cent reserved for people from south east Wales.

Demand for tickets will far exceed supply for what is set to be a triumphant homecoming gig, and one much more prestigious than any of the band's previous home town appearances.

Much myth and legend surrounds the Manics' early years, the mid- to late 1980s, with only sketchy information available on websites and fan forums about early concerts.

One such event mentioned more than once however, at Blackwood's Little Theatre, appears to have ended with the group leaving the stage to a hail of missiles from the unappreciative followers of that night's headline band.

Since then of course, the Manic Street Preachers have sold millions of albums and played huge venues across the world, enduring along the way the trauma of losing lyricist/guitarist Richey Edwards, who disappeared in February 1995 on the eve of a tour of the USA.

The band promise to perform a mix of tracks from their tenth and latest album Postcards From A Young Man, plus hits and fan favourites, at the 'Stute, a venue Nicky Wire says is close to their hearts.

"It's been nearly 25 years since we've played in Blackwood. We're thrilled and excited to be returning to a venue where we spent many hours honing our snooker skills," he said.

"It will be the smallest gig we've played in a long time, which will no doubt lead to chaos and severe nerves, but hopefully a night of home town ecstasy."

Contrary again to myth, the Manic Street Preachers never played the Blackwood Miners Institute as a band, even in their earliest days.

But 'Stute marketing manager Ceri Puckett said individual members have musical 'form' there, with other bands or as audience members.

"We're thrilled they're coming here, and it's great they specifically wanted to come to Blackwood Miners' Institute," she said.

"It's great that 75 per cent of tickets will go to people in south east Wales. There should be a fantastic atmosphere."

* Were you there when the Manics last played Blackwood? Call our newsdesk on 01633 777226.


FOR a chance of being in the audience, log onto the BBC Radio Two website at www.bbc.co.uk/radio2 for full details, or call 03700 100 200.

Applications, for a maximum of two tickets per household, close on Thursday November 18 at 5.20pm.

 Tickets are free and will be allocated at random.

The performance will be broadcast live on Radio Two's In Concert programme, presented by Jo Whiley, on December 2, 8pm-10pm, and live footage will be streamed on the Radio Two website.