The Band
The British political glam-rock quartet Manic Street Preachers was formed in Blackwood, Wales by James Dean Bradfield (vocals, guitar), Richey James (rhythm guitar), Nicky Wire (bass) and Sean Moore (drums). The Manics landed their first record deal in 1990, signing to the indie label Damaged Goods. After releasing several raw-sounding EPs the band became a favorite of the British music press, who faithfully covered the Manics determined slogans ("every band should break up after one album"), outrageous comments ("we hate Slowdive more than Hitler"), and shocking stunts (Richey James carved the words "4 Real" into his arm during an interview).The group's major-label debut, 1992's Generation Terrorists, spawned several U.K. Top 40 hits, as did 1993's Gold Against the Soul. But in 1995, the year after the release of the band's third album, Holy Bible, Richey James, who was reportedly suffering from various personal problems, mysteriously disappeared. He is assumed dead, although the case remains unsolved.
In spite of this tragedy, the Manics continued on as a trio, releasing 1996's Everything Must Go, a huge commercial and critical success in the U.K. that garnered three Brit Awards: Best Live Act, Best Single ("A Design for Life") and Best Album.
The follow up to Everything, This Is My Truth Tell Me Yours, was released in 1998 and quickly became a success in Europe and Asia; the stateside release had to wait until 1999 when the Manics signed with Virgin in America. Their sixth and latest album, Know Your Enemy was released in 2001 and supported by a world tour which was kicked off in inimitable style: the Manic Street Preachers became the first major rock band to play Cuba in over two decades when they played Havana's Karl Marx Theater on February 17.
Source: RollingStone.com