Manic Street Preachers

The Manic Street Preachers are a Welsh rock band that were possibly the biggest band in Britain for a period in the early 1990s, known for their wild exploits culminating in the mysterious disappearance of Richey Edwards (or Richey James, as he preferred to be known; James being his middle name).

The band was formed in 1986 by James Dean Bradfield (singing, guitar), Flicker (guitar), Sean Moore (drums) and Nicky Wire (singing, bass). In 1988, Flicker was replaced by Richey James, who contributed mostly stunning lyrics but utterly mediocre guitar playing (his one recorded contribution is apparently ONE chord during 'La Tristesse Durera', a single off Gold Against The Soul). Their first recording was "Suicide Alley" (1988). Touring and releasing an EP and a few more singles, the Manic Street Preachers earned a wild reputation, especially when Richey carved the words "4 Real" on his arm with a razor blade during an interview with the New Musical Express. Shortly afterwards the band signed to Sony Records.

Their debut LP for Sony was Generation Terrorists.The fusion of Clash style politics and Slash style riffing was a hit with British audiences, yielding classics like 'Motorcycle Emptiness' and 'Stay Beautiful'. 'Generation Terrorists' boasted quotes by various famous literary figures (for instance Camus) in its gatefold sleeve, leading some critics to decry them as pretentious, with some justification. The Manics' first UK Top Ten hit soon followed, a cover of Suicide Is Painless, the theme from the hit show Mash that was released on a non-album single.

Their fame continued to grow in spite of the mixed reviews for the next album, Gold Against the Soul. The sound of this album was more polished than the slightly murky production of 'Generation Terrorists'. Internal problems began to tear the band apart, with Richey's self-mutilation (occasionally onstage) leading to his admittance to a private mental clinic. The group's next album was The Holy Bible, which regained their critical acclaim and sold well. By now the Manics had shed their 80s rock influences and had started to display a much darker guitar sound, complementing the horrors of Richey's lyrics - it was clear that he was not in a very sound state of mind.

Not long after, in February of 1995, Richey disappeared from Cardiff, Wales. His car was found abandoned at the nearby Severn bridge service station. He has never been seen again, although sightings have been common. Nonetheless, Richey retains a special place in many fans' hearts.

Defying expectations, the Manic Street Preachers returned with Everything Must Go, another hit album with bassist Nicky Wire taking over lyric-writing duties. The new songs included the number two hit single 'A Design For Life', which helped bring the band major mainstream success in Britain; they had become superstars. 1998's This Is My Truth, Tell Me Yours was just as successful across most of the world, giving the band a number one single - 'If You Tolerate This Your Children Will Be Next', inspired by George Orwell and the Spanish Civil War. The accompanying music video is regarded by many as one of the finest ever made.

2001 saw the release of Know your Enemy and the greatest hits album Forever Delayed was released in 2002. To this, a B-sides and cover tracks album was released in 2003 - Lipstick Traces (A Secret History To the Manic Street Preachers). The band has yet to establish a sizable American audience, but remains a favourite in the UK, especially in Wales.