DELAYS will support the Manic Street Preachers on their UK tour after being personally asked by the Welsh band to be their support act.

The Manics wanted the Southampton band to support them on their 2004 arena tour, but they could not due to clashing schedules. This time around, though, Delays jumped at the chance of supporting their idols.

"It's really sweet, really cool news," said chuffed Delays keyboardist Aaron Gilbert.

"We love the Manics, especially their early stuff like the Holy Bible. That was them at their best. I haven't heard their new album, but I'll definitely be checking it out now!

"It's going to be really weird walking backstage with them. I'm just going to try and not be in too much awe.

"Apparently, they (Manics) play our music before they go on stage. It's surreal we're getting these huge bands saying they like us.

"Tim Wheeler of Ash said we are one of his biggest influences at the moment and now we get the Manics saying they listen to our stuff. It's crazy."

The 11-date tour sees the Manics down-sizing their usual jaunt of the UK's arenas to more intimate theatres and concert halls.

Aaron said the band had no qualms about facing the Manics' legion of ardent supporters, adding they were looking forward to the tour's opening gig at the Guildhall in Southampton.

"I think it will be a lot easier performing in front of their fans than if they were still making music like Generation Terrorist," said Aaron.

"Their fan base is a little older now so we'll just play our stuff and hope they like it."

The gig is on April 3.