Busy night down at the First Direct Arena as James, Nicky and Sean returned on the Resistance is Futile Tour.

I've had the fortune of photographing the Manics on a couple of occasions in the past, so had a fairly good idea of what to expect. James Dean Bradfield is always fairly animated, whilst a Nicky Wire jump is almost always a certainty.

The show turned out to be pretty well lit, which was helpful. A fair bit of blue, but not too much that it made editing a chore. As expected, Nicky did his trademark leap which I managed to capture (albeit minus half a leg, due to the monitors across the end of the stage. Ah well - still counts!).

Was great to hear 'Motorcycle Emptiness' live again (my favourite Manics' song) as well as the lead single from their latest (THIRTEENTH!!) album, 'International Blue'. Was another great show to shoot - James and Nicky were on top form, and as a band they just don't seem to age. They're every bit as animated as they were the first time I shot them 8-9 years ago. I get the feeling that the Manics will be one of those bands that stick around forever. I hope so.

Manic Street Preachers Leeds Arena, May 2018

Manic Street Preachers Leeds Arena, May 2018

Manic Street Preachers Leeds Arena, May 2018

Manic Street Preachers Leeds Arena, May 2018

Manic Street Preachers Leeds Arena, May 2018

Manic Street Preachers Leeds Arena, May 2018

Manic Street Preachers Leeds Arena, May 2018

Manic Street Preachers Leeds Arena, May 2018

Manic Street Preachers Leeds Arena, May 2018

Manic Street Preachers Leeds Arena, May 2018

Manic Street Preachers Leeds Arena, May 2018

Manic Street Preachers Leeds Arena, May 2018

Manic Street Preachers Leeds Arena, May 2018

Manic Street Preachers Leeds Arena, May 2018

Manic Street Preachers Leeds Arena, May 2018