Coronavirus: Manic Street Preachers to play free gig for NHS staff when crisis ends
Written by News on 09/04/2020
The Manic Street Preachers have announced two arena shows in aid of the NHS later this year.
Both gigs will be played in their native Wales, at the Cardiff Motorpoint Arena on 4 and 5 of December, once venues have reopened following the coronavirus pandemic.
The rock band, who formed nearly 35 years ago, are famous for hits such as A Design For Life and If You Tolerate This Your Children Will Be Next.
Their first show will be free for NHS staff, while the second will be ticketed, with all profits going to NHS Wales charities.
In a statement, they band said: “We wanted to do something to show our appreciation, love and respect for the NHS and its amazing brave workers.
“One free show and one fundraising show seemed the best way for us to express our deep gratitude for all their heroic work.”
Tickets for the NHS staff show will be limited to two per person – one staff member plus one guest.
Anyone who works within NHS hospitals are eligible for free tickets including, but not limited to, doctors, nurses, support workers, porters and cleaners.
Tickets go on sale on Friday 10 April at 7pm.
Earlier this year, the band confirmed they would be playing at this year’s Glastonbury Festival, however the Somerset event has now been cancelled due to COVID-19.
The band, which is made up of front man James Dean Bradfield, drummer Sean Moore and bass guitarist Nicky Wire, had also been due to tour Europe and the UK from late May.
They follow in the footsteps of singer Rick Astley who announced a free gig for NHS staff and emergency workers once the crisis is over.
Best known for his late-80s hit Never Gonna Give You Up, Astley will play at the Manchester Arena in October.
Former Beautiful South members Paul Heaton and Jacqui Abbott will also perform free gigs for NHS frontline staff in Nottingham in October.
Meanwhile stars including George and Amal Clooney, Angelina Jolie and Roger Federer are among the high-profile figures who have donated to good causes supporting those in need during the crisis.
(c) Sky News 2020: Coronavirus: Manic Street Preachers to play free gig for NHS staff when crisis ends
