The iconic British rock band, Manic Street Preachers, is set to host an exclusive screening of their acclaimed documentary Escape From History at Picturehouse Central in London on November 13. This event marks a pivotal moment for fans, celebrating the 30th anniversary of the band's seminal album, Everything Must Go.
Released originally in 2017, the documentary delves into the turbulent period following the mysterious disappearance of band member Richey Edwards. It chronicles the creation of the band's fourth studio album, a record that solidified their place in music history. Featuring chart-topping singles such as 'A Design For Life,' 'Kevin Carter,' and 'Australia,' the album climbed to Number Two on the UK Albums Chart and garnered the prestigious Album of the Year award at the 1997 NME Awards.
This intimate gathering promises more than just a viewing experience; it features a live Q&A session with the band's frontman, James Dean Bradfield, and director Kieran Evans. The discussion will be moderated by Robin Turner, offering fans a rare glimpse into the profound narrative behind the band's perseverance and artistic journey.
Escape From History is more than a traditional music documentary. It provides an emotional look at the interpersonal dynamics of the Manic Street Preachers during a time of uncertainty and creative pressure. As the film's synopsis articulates, “Visually striking and emotionally charged, it's a haunting portrait of three musicians standing on the precipice of change.”
Kieran Evans, the BAFTA-winning Welsh director and long-time collaborator with the band, has previously been involved in several significant projects with them, including the 'Holy Bible' anniversary tour concert film 'Be Pure, Be Vigilant, Behave' and the documentary 'Culture, Alienation, Boredom And Despair'. His cinematic craftsmanship in Escape From History captures the human drama behind Manic Street Preachers' transformation and resilience.
Reflecting on its original release, bassist Nicky Wire shared with NME, “We’ve told this story so many times, so it’s great to let it breathe with so many other voices. Over that period we had quite the support network. We were pretty messed up and odd, but a lot of people stood by us.” Frontman Bradfield added, “To be honest, to be brutal, I’ll never have to talk about it again. I’ll never have to make a film about it again. It is nice to actually put a cap on it and know that you have a definitive film, it’s there, it’s done.”
While the Manics continue to evolve, their legacy remains influential. Earlier this year, they released their 15th album, Critical Thinking, which was met with critical acclaim. NME described it as “Sonically, ‘Critical Thinking’ has touches of the European modernist propulsion and the graceful ABBA pop flourishes of its predecessors but retains an uplifting warmth married with provocative lyrics.”
Fans looking to bask in the nostalgia of the Manic Street Preachers' enduring journey can secure tickets for this special event, ready to relive moments that defined a generation and continue to inspire. Don't miss this unique opportunity to witness the band's history unfold through the powerful medium of film.