Manic Street Preachers

The Manic Street Preachers are a Britpop 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 James.

The band was formed in 1986 by James Dean Bradfield, Flicker, Sean Moore and Nicky Wire, soon adding Richey James. Their first recording was "Suicide Alley" in 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 during an interview with the New Musical Express. As a result of the controversy, 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 entrance 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, James disappeared in Cardiff, Wales. He has never been seen again.

Defying expectations, the Manic Street Preachers returned with Everything Must Go, another hit album that brought 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. Though the band has yet to establish a sizable American audience.