“I don’t know how they managed to smuggle it in, but somebody unfurled this massive banner saying: Manic Street Preachers will always matter!’ which was incredibly sweet of them. I’m aware of all the terminology – ‘The People’s Republic’, ‘The Real Capital’, ‘The Rebel County’. There are a lot of similarities between Cork people and the Welsh – including the accent! I remember walking around thinking, ‘Everybody sounds like they’re from Newport!’”

Nicky Wire is recalling the Manics’ August 30, 1998 This Is My Truth, Tell Me Yours tour visit to the Opera House, which is remarkably the only time during their 31 years on Planet Rock that they’ve played in County Cork. That’s all set to change on August 6 when they headline the Sunday night at Indiependence.

“It’s always extra special when you get to headline a festival,” Nicky resumes. “I’m sure people from Cork have travelled since to see us, but there’s nothing like a band playing in your own backyard.”