In 1996, during the time of the live recording of "Small Black Flowers That Grow In The Sky" on Jools Holland, Manic Street Preachers were experiencing a significant evolution in their career following the disappearance of band member Richey Edwards. They had released the album "Everything Must Go" in May 1996, which marked a pivotal moment for the band, blending anthemic rock with introspective lyrics and leading to a resurgence in their popularity. This album included hits that helped solidify their status in the Britpop movement. Interestingly, "Small Black Flowers That Grow In The Sky," while not released as a single, captures the melancholic yet hopeful tone of the album and reflects the band's ability to create poignant music despite the turmoil they faced. The performance on Jools Holland showcased their resilience and commitment to making powerful music during a challenging time.