Connect 2008 Episode II: Manics cover Rihanna

Yep, you read that right. Tonight, Welsh Britpop survivors Manic Street Preachers played a cover version of Rihanna's number one hit Umbrella. James Dean Bradfield offered no explanation, simply saying the word 'umbrella', before launching straight into a version of the R'n'B groove in their own inimitable, stadium-rock style. What next? Oasis to cover Jay-Z? Perhaps not.

But this was a triumphant set by the Manics; their last festival of the summer. "We've played all over Europe this summer," Bradfield said. "But Glasgow is always the best crowd." He may have been painting Scotland in rather broad geographic brushstrokes, but heck, we like the sentiment.

Their set ranged from early tracks like Motorcycle Emptiness to The Holy Bible's Of Walking Abortion. Other highlights included Everything Must Go, Bradfield's solo acoustic version of The Everlasting, You Love Us and the perfect final song, A Design For Life.

The Manics may be veterans, but there's plenty of life left in them yet, as Bradfield confirms: "They said this was an older person's version of T in the Park. Fuck that. Just cos I need a hip replacement doesn't mean I'm old!"