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For a certain type of teenager in the early-to-mid 1990s — the type who maybe wore a little too much make up and left the house looking like the aftermath of an explosion in a charity shop — the Manic Street Preachers (pictured) were godlike creatures, singing songs, mostly penned by the band's tortured and enigmatic guitarist Ritchey Edwards, about the kind of boredom and despair which indie teens of the day could readily identify with.
Female fans, on the other hand, generally tended to go more for Ritchey's frail good looks, rather than his left-wing leaning lyrics.
After Edwards' mysterious disappearance in 1995, the Manics’ remaining members James Dean Bradfield, Sean Moore, and Nicky Wire went on to gain even greater critical and commercial success, with their 1998 album This Is My Truth, Tell Me Yours spawning a number one single, If You Tolerate This, Your Children Will Be Next.
In 2001, the Manics became the first western band to play Cuba and they continue to play gigs for their large fanbase all over the world. Local aficionados can catch up with the Welsh maestros tomorrow at the Ulster Hall, with Belfast-based alt-rock support, In Case Of Fire.
patricbaird@ntlworld.com
