Manic Street Preachers Biography

Manic Street Preachers is a Welsh rock band whose politically charged music helped them evolve into the alternative pop group they are now.

Early Formation

The Manic Street Preachers were formed once guitarist Flicker left in 1988. The vocalsist\guitarist James Dean Bradfield, bassist Nicky Wire, and drummer Sean Moore were joined by guitarist Richey James. They started recording demos and releasing a few singles.

Career Beginnings

In 1990, the group released their first material as New Art Riot EP. Singles like Motown Junk and You Love Us defined their style. Their glam and upfront performances were also a contributing factor to their rising popularity. This and other over the top stunts got them a record deal with Sony Music. Stay Beautiful was their first official single, entering the British Top 40 and You Love Us entered Top 20.

Success 

Generation Terrorists was released in 1992 to an already growing fan base. Suicide Is Painless (Theme from M*A*S*H) became their first Top 10 hit and changed their plans of disbandment. The Manics’ rebellious nature earned them attention from the press but set them backward at the same time. The more mainstream LP Gold Against the Soul was released in 1993. Nonetheless, James’ health was beginning to decline and he was forced to seek help for his depression and anorexia. The rest of the members had to perform without him. His stamp on the album The Holy Bible was apparent. Because of that bleak feel, the album was praised by critics. Things got a lot worse before their US tour. James was declared missing after he left his London hotel and his car was found abandoned. Manic Street Preachers had no choice but to continue as a trio.

Perseverance

Moving on, the Manics issued the more mature Everything Must Go in 1995. It spawned the single A Design for Life. The album was well received in the UK and they became famous in England. They toured the album which eventually received platinum certification. The band attempted at a debut in America by opening for Oasis, but the collaboration never came through. This Is My Truth Tell Me Yours followed in 1998 and garnered great success all over the world except in the US. In the next years, they issued Know Your Enemy in 2001 and Lifeblood in 2004, this time under Sony Music. After some solo projects, the band returned with the punk-inspired Send Away the Tigers in 2007, Journal for Plague Lovers in 2009 and Postcards from a Young Man in 2010. With 70 songs already written, the Manics decided to split them in 2 albums rather than one. Rewind the Film was revealed in 2013 as a folk and acoustic LP and Futurology an optimistic LP revealed in 2014. In 2016 the group embarked on their biggest headline tour to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the album Everything Must Go. On the 12th of May, 2017 Manic Street Preachers are set to re-issue their 2007 LP Send Away The Tigers.

Photo Source: Discogs