Manic Street Preachers, Blackwood Miners' Institute, 270111

What a privilege it was to be at the Blackwood Miners' Institute last night to witness the Manics first show there for 25 years.

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With only 180 tickets given away as part of the BBC Radio 2 In Concert series, it was the lucky few who got in to this homecoming event, as well as the usual media spongers and around 4 or 5 MPs showing their faces.

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Anyway enough of that. The Manics took to the stage at 9pm and opened with 'Motorcycle Emptyness' before rampaging through a set of famous (If You Tolerate This...) and not so famous (Suicide Alley) tracks before closing the main set with Design For Life. A 3 track 'encore' (they don't do encores of course) went out on 6 Music finally ending with The Masses Against The Classes.

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Pics
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The splendid Jo Whiley introduces the band
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James Dean Bradfield: The Voice
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'The Wire'

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The Band
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And long after the gig goes off the BBC i player check out these you tube clips:

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It's Not War Just The End Of Love

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You Stole The Sun

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What a night!

The Steelhouse Live, review

What a great inaugural night at The Steelhouse (Ebbw Vale RFC) last night.

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To see the club packed by 8.30 (and queuing to get in) on a January evening, with the winter weather as cold as the economic climate, is testament to the 'word of mouth / social network' publicity work put in by those involved with The Steelhouse project.

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With great music, good beer and being surrounded by all the photos and memorabilia of the club, the entertainment was completed with young Abergavenny band Story To Be Told, and the popular 4th Street Traffic, who were excellent.

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The Steelhouse opens its doors again on Friday 18th February. Click the link for more details. One thing is for sure - don't be late.

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Rock lives - pop is dead.

Ebbw Vale 43 Rumney 6, 15/01/11

Ebbw Vale romped to a 6 try bonus point victory on a windy afternoon at Eugene Cross Park.

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Outstanding 2nd row Ashley Sweet

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A poor Rumney outfit offered very little and, until the last 10 minutes, barely justified even the 6 points they gained.

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The Ebbw tries were from Ashley Sweet, Ethan Matthews, Ben Parry (on you tube), Sam Mills, Dan Ajuwa and Wes Cunliffe.

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So another bonus point for the Steelmen as the promotion challenge continues.

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Blackwood 20 Ebbw Vale 23, 080111

Ebbw Vale toughed out a narrow victory at Glan-yr-afon Park, having recovered from a 14-0 deficit in the first quarter.

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They struck back through converted tries from Ross and Dai Jones, added to by 3 penalties from Sam Mills.

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Ebbw had enough 2nd half pressure to earn a bonus point but as at Merthyr could not convert their efforts into tries. Nonetheless at a difficult venue the victory is welcome.

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Pics
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You Tube clip

Phil Kennemore RIP 1953 - 2011

Sadly, Y&T bass player Phil Kennemore lost his battle with cancer yesterday aged 57.
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There are plenty of tributes on the web starting with the Y&T homepage, and some fine words from his great partner in crime, Dave Meniketti.
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Here's a pic of Phil taken by me at the Globe in Cardiff back in 2009.
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The Steel House Live: Friday 21st January, Ebbw Vale RFC

Great news about live rock in the Valleys.
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Coming soon, a once a month live rock event at the home of Ebbw Vale RFC, "The Welfare", branded as The Steelhouse. Go here for details.
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Good luck to all with the venture.