The gamble paid off. Album six, 'Know Your Enemy' had the most historic of launches. Karl Marx Theatre was the perfect setting for the band's most politicised and raw release for some time. Some of it's songs contain references to Cuba, which has influenced Manic Street Preachers with politics, sport and idealism. In turn, their music and storming gigs strike a chord with rock n roll daydreamers everywhere - this album subsequently became their biggest international success to date.
The Manic Street Preachers concert at Karl Marx Theatre, Havana, Saturday 17th February 2001 is a rock'n'roll milestone. A few hours before they were due on stage, things took an unexpected twist when it was rumoured that Fidel Castro would attend the show. He did, and with the rest of the 5,000
capacity audience - who grew increasingly wilder with each song - gave Manic Street Preachers a heroes welcome. The show was spectacular. A huge, beautiful success straight from a rock and roll fantasy.
Louder Than War is musical romance committed to film. Nearly three hours of live and documentary footage of a household name British rock band in a country that knew little of them, other than that they were prepared to come and play a show for their people in the spirit of friendship. Britain and Cuba have a love of music in common - a good start. |
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