Main content

Manic Street Preachers (the A-Side)

Episode 3 of 12

Manic Street Preachers talk about their third, career-defining, 1994 album The Holy Bible. With John Wilson. From 2014.

Manic Street Preachers talk about their third, career-defining, 1994 album The Holy Bible.

Series in which leading performers and songwriters talk about the album that made them or changed them.

Recorded in front of a live audience at the Â鶹¹ÙÍøÊ×Ò³Èë¿Ú's iconic Maida Vale Studios, each edition includes two episodes - the A-side and B-side.

In the A-side, Manic Street Preachers - Sean Moore, James Dean Bradfield and Nicky Wire.- talk to John Wilson.

Released a mere five months before the disappearance of main lyricist and rhythm guitarist Richey Edwards, The Holy Bible reflects his fragile mental state.

On its release, Q said "even a cursory glance at the titles will confirm that this is not the new Gloria Estefan album". And with tracks like "Yes", "Of Walking Abortion", "Mausoleum" and "4st 7lb", the lyrics deal with everything from prostitution and serial killers to the Holocaust and self-starvation.

For the first time in two decades, Nicky, James and Sean from Manic Street Preachers play songs from 'The Holy Bible' in front of an audience.

In the B-side of the programme, it's the turn of the audience to ask the questions.

Producer: Paul Kobrak

First broadcast on Â鶹¹ÙÍøÊ×Ò³Èë¿Ú Radio 4 in November 2014.

Available now

30 minutes

Last on

Mon 24 Jul 2023 21:00

Broadcasts

  • Mon 17 Nov 2014 23:00
  • Mon 24 Jul 2023 21:00

Eight things we learned from Lily Allen’s Mastertapes

We hear about the breakdown of her marriage, substance abuse… and socks

10 things we learned from Randy Newman’s Mastertapes

The legendary songwriter's interview with John Wilson is fascinating and very funny.

Mastertapes special: Paul McCartney

Mastertapes special: Paul McCartney

Watch a filmed version of Paul McCartney speaking to John Wilson about his career.

Live performances

Watch and listen to exclusive live performances from the Mastertapes recordings.

Radio 4 on Music

Re-releasing music documentaries from the Radio 4 Archive.

Podcast