Manic Street Preachers score top spot on UK album charts
It's the second number one album release for the South Wales band
Manic Street Preachers' latest album 'The Ultra Vivid Lament' has debuted at number one on the Official UK Album Charts, selling more than 6,000 vinyl copies on release.
Having formed in South Wales, it's the band's second chart-topping album since 'This Is My Truth Tell Me Yours', which released in 1998.
The latest record is currently beating new albums from The Vaccines and The Stranglers, which sit at number two and three respectively in the UK top 40.
The band's twitter account said on September 17th: "Final thank you from us tonight it's been a long, long, long time together but still a massive thrill to be in Manic Street Preachers. Great to be number one with a record we genuinely LOVE. So many people put a huge effort in. Love you all."
Manic Street Preachers announced the release of their new album before the band's gig at Halifax Piece Hall on 10th September 2021, and are celebrating topping the album charts with a concert at Cardiff's Motorpoint Arena tonight.
All proceeds from the sold-out gig will go to NHS Wales charities, after the band performed a free show at the arena for NHS staff on 19th September.
The band, who have been supportive of the NHS for years, 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.”