I’ve never really liked the Manic Street Preachers – either recorded or live – but have ended up seeing them a bunch of times over the years. Usually on festival line-ups or on a bill with someone else I wanted to see. Whilst I didn’t mind The Pogues they weren’t a band I thought I’d actually go and see (unless they appeared on a festival line-up) and this was The Pogues minus their frontman (Shane MacGowan) who had temporarily left the band due to ill health. But the concert was in aid of Imperial Cancer Research Fund and the friend I went with was terminally ill and wanted to see both bands.

John Shuttleworth, a British comedian, opened the proceedings followed by The Pogues. The temporary singer did a fine job but I felt was rather upstaged during their encore when the band invited Shane MacGowan on to the stage to perform a track.

By all accounts, if you were a Manics fan this was a terrific concert. But as I’ve said before, I’ve never really been a fan and found them second best of the night to The Pogues, who I thought were alright.

So not then highlight of my concert going experiences, but glad I got to see The Pogues (even without Shane MacGowan for most of the set) once in my life, and glad I could support my friend who wanted to see both bands whilst he was still able to.