Actor is due to play Russian chess icon Gary Kasparov
Music Posted by Robin Murray Thu, 29/07/2010

Welsh rock survivors Manic Street Preachers have recruited Michael Sheen to star in their new video.

After more than two decades together, Manic Street Preachers still have a desire to prove themselves. Confirming details of their new album ‘Postcards From A Young Man’ the band aim to reclaim the stadiums.

Following on from last year’s emotional ‘Journal For Plague Lovers’ the album is a return to their rock roots. Upcoming single ‘(It’s Not War) Just The End Of Love’ is set to have an unusual video, starring Michael Sheen.

Best known for portraying Brian Clough in ‘The Damned United’ the actor has also taken on parts in ‘The Queen’ and new sitcom ’30 Rock’.

Now Michael Sheen is set to work with Manic Street Preachers. The actor is due to play Russian chess icon Gary Kasparov the upcoming video, inspired by a classic match between two Grandmasters.

“It looks like Michael Sheen is gonna be in the video, which we’re really thrilled about,” Nicky Wire told the NME. “We’ve tried to recreate the classic ’70s chess match between Kasparov and (Bobby) Fischer. That’s the kind of vibe behind it. It’s real ’70s Russia – just that idea of ‘it’s not war, just the end of love’, I think a chess game really fits that.”

Continuing, the bass player explained that the video would tackle Cold War politics. “It’s a really serious intellectual game but, you know, it’s not World War Three. Although the cold war chess games were kind of like wars played out on a chess board. Me and James (Dean Bradfield) have come up with the idea for it.”

Meanwhile, tickets are still up for grabs at a special one off London show. Manic Street Preachers are set to perform in London later this summer, with the audience comprising just 100 competition winners.

If you miss out, the Welsh trio have confirmed details of a lengthy British arena tour this winter.

Source: http://www.clashmusic.com

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