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. 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 James 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; it was a hit in Britain. Their fame continued to grow in spite of the mixed reviews for the next album, Gold Against the Soul. Internal problems began to tear the band apart, with James' 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. Not long after, in Febuary of 1995, James disappeared from Cardiff, Wales. His car was found abandoned at the nearby Severn bridge service station. He has never been seen again. He was known to be depressed and suicide has been suggested, however his parents, the band and many fans don't believe Richey would have killed himself.

Defying expectations, the Manic Street Preachers returned with Everything Must Go, another hit album which 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, 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.