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James Dean Bradfield tells Bethan Elfyn about band's plans for next week's Tsunami Aid concert.
Only a week until the big event at the Millennium Stadium next weekend and, like most of the ticket holders to the Tsunami Relief Concert, I'm looking forward to the event.
The recent additions to the bill are quite a varied roster of musicians and bands, but it'll be my first big concert at the stadium since the Manic Millennium, so it was a great chance to chat to James Dean Bradfield this week at their rescheduled date at the CIA, about their involvement.
James jumped in immediately: "It's a no-brainer when you're asked to do something like that. The only thing you've got to take into consideration is whether you actually can do it.
"It took us about three or four days to sort out whether all the people we work with were available - and that's mind numbingly boring, but it's as simple as that!
"I was really shocked when I first heard the news on Boxing Day, and that was when the fatalities were around 2,000. It's unbelievable the figures in the end were around 150,000 dead. The scale of it is unimaginable.
"It's an amazing thing to be part of, at least 40,000 tickets were sold before we were even announced!
"One of the most important things to remember about these kind of gigs is that there's no decorum. Once you agree to play, you step on the stage and entertain people.
"In a strange way I'm looking forward to it, because there's no pressure, all the context for the event is there already."
James admitted that this attitude towards the gig means that they've already decided that the five songs on the day will be the big Manics hits probably Motorcycle Emptiness, Design For Life, If You Tolerate This, You Stole The Sun From My Heart and another track they are yet to decide on.
I've also been prising out of all my guests at the moment their tips for 2005, which is kind of like sharing a big book or music club.
I'm getting some great suggestions, and James was no exception.
"Ray Lamontaine album, I found some solace in it, and the Selfish ***t album, I can't get out of my head. I also think everyone should buy this book I've just read by Pat Butcher - unfortunate name - it's called The Perfect Distance, it's going to be my Bible this year!"
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