Manic Street Preachers star Nicky Wire is ”daunted” by the group’s return to the stage after the extended downtime of the pandemic. 

The group returned earlier this year with Orwellian, the lead track from their 14th album ‘The Ultra Vivid Lament’, due September 10. 

In support of the new music, the band will return to the stage at St David’s Hall in Cardiff, Wales on August 12 as part of BBC Radio 2’s Live series, ahead of a UK Tour in September/October.

Speaking to Dan Noble on Absolute Radio, Nicky opened up about getting back out on the road, admitting being away from the stage “has taken its toll” on the band. 

“We have lost a lot of muscle memory and we are in our 50s all of us now as well,” he said. “Recording and writing music is not a problem, but the thought of playing live is a bit… 

“It is always a thrill to get out there and think you can do something, or throw a shape or get a reaction you know, but now you think if I do a jump will I be able to get back up? 

“It does feel really nerve wracking obviously because of the crowd as well,” he explained. “You think there is so many things to think about, which when you started being in a rock n roll band obviously would never be in your thoughts at all. 

“You know we are naturally careful people, there is no risk involved with stuff like that for us. 

“We managed to record an album with masks on and stuff like that wasn’t an issue, but playing live does seem daunting, daunting is the word.”

‘The Ultra Vivid Lament’ is available on Standard and Deluxe CD, and Vinyl.