ANYONE who attended REM's Manchester gig on Sunday, not only saw this brilliant band give a world class performance, but they also saw two of the best support acts in town; the multi-talented Guillemots and the live circuit pros, Editors.

With perfect time slots, to suit their style of music, first up were the incredibly underrated four-piece band who can cite Sir Ian McKellen as a guest star in one of their videos.

Guillemots start their short but perfect set with Get Over It and it's not long before the audience on their side.

As they sing Made Up Love Song # 43 with the lyrics "Yes I believe you" - I could not agree more. I arrived with a passing interest in this band and go home a fan.

Editors are often accused of going through the motions live and detractors also claim that all of their songs are the same.

But Tom Smith and Co have fantastic stage presence and although they often get lost in their music, forgetting to acknowledge the fans - as much as you would like, the musicianship on display is as good as it gets.

Sunday night was no different. Sparks goes down a storm as always and Smokers Outside The Hospital Doors is an epic song when performed live.

The lack of new material (only one song in the set is a newie) does give you that 'heard it all before' feel, but this band are a breath of fresh air, as they give it their all, each and every time.

Drummer Ed Lay's soaking wet shirt hints at how hard this band work on stage.

True, they may not have charmed Manchester with witty banter and anecdotes about performing at Glastonbury or parenthood, but they get the crowd ready for   Michael Stipe and Co, converting a few Shiny Happy People along the way.

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