James Dean Bradfield: (vocals, lead guitar, rhythm guitar)
Nicky Wire: (bass guitar) Sean Moore: (drums)
Richey James: (design, guitar)
All music written by James and Sean. All lyrics written by Nicky and Richey.
The Manic Street Preachers were born in Blackwood, Gwent. Standing on the perimeter of the Sirhowy Valley in between the larger populaces of Newbridge and Ystrad Mynach. All of Wales were exposed to celebrations of the 10th anniversary of the Sex Pistols/punk. This is what the Manics were inspired by. So they decided to form a band for a few reasons, but the main one was boredom.
From the start the Manics had always said to people, especially the press that they would make one multi-million selling album, then just split up to show people how easy fame was. (Thank god that didn't happen!!)
One of the first singles the Manics released was called, "Suicide Alley". This song was never put on an album.
In 1992 the Manic Street Preachers released their debut album, "Generation Terrorists". This featured 18 of the best rock songs in history! (to me anyway) They released 6 singles off the album.
Since Generation Terrorists was out the Manics began to get a lot of fans, these fans supported the Manics. They came up with comments like, "If you don't like the Manics, then I don't like you!" The Manics bombarded all the press and Richey proved to the press that they were a true band by cutting "4 REAL" into his own arm in front of an interviewer questioning his integrity.
Then in 1993 they went on to make their 2nd album called, "Gold Against the Soul". They released 4 singles off this album.
Then the following year the Manics released their third and most powerful and twisted album, "The Holy Bible". This was to be Richey's last time to make an album with the band.
The Manics were due to fly out to America to promote "The Holy Bible" on the 1st February 1995, but Richey just disappeared into thin air, he didn't even leave a note.
"I wished he'd left us some note saying, 'boy's it's for the best. But I still love you'". Nicky
Nobody really knows what has happened to Richey, there has been a few so called sightings, but nothing promising.
Is he dead? Some how I don't think so, Richey was always the kind of person who liked to hear about disappearing people. Towards the time of his disappearance, he used to keep saying how you could just disappear into thin air.
All this threw the Manic Street Preachers into doubt.
Were they going to get back together? I mean Richey was the most important band member! He had been there strength, he fought their battle. Could the Manics survive without him!!?
Well they have and are back stronger than ever. In May 1996 they released their forth album, "Everything Must Go". This album was to change the Manic Street Preachers for good!
"We didn't want to make another manic-depressive album. We couldn't cope with going through the same misery again. But it's still a pretty dark album." Nicky
The album hit the number 2 spot in the NME'S albums of the year list!
Also Q Magazine, Select Magazine, Vox Magazine & Sky Magazine voted it- ALBUM OF THE YEAR 1996!!!
Thats not all! At the Brit Awards the Manics captured Best Album and Best live act!!!
All this surly means that the Manic Street Preachers will be around for a long time to come:)
James, Sean, Nicky & Richey on behalf of all the true Manic fans we all want to say "We love you!"
If you would like to know more about the Manic's history then there is a book out called, "Everything (A Book About Manic Street Preachers)". This truly is an amazing book about them and their history. In my view it's the best book out on the Manics.
Bio written by: anon |
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