The cancellation of the Manic Street Preachers' Cardiff International Arena gig last month robbed fans of an early Christmas present - the chance to see their heroes perform tracks from the recent Lifeblood LP.

Thankfully, the concert has been hastily re-arranged, and will now take place at the same venue on Tuesday January 11.

Lifeblood marked something of a return to form for the band, after its predecessor Know Your Enemy attracted something of a critical mauling.

But Lifeblood's embracing of an 80s pop vibe, along with song structures which enabled James Dean Bradfield to sing rather than shout for a change, has been well received in most quarters.

Singles such as The Love Of Richard Nixon, and the re-release of the band's dark masterpiece, 1994's The Holy Bible, has heightened expectations.

Hopefully this show will contain a healthy smattering of tracks from both records.

Tickets bought for the original December date remain valid for next Tuesday's show.

* Dial 029 2022 4488 for more details.