This is one for any Manic Street Preachers fans out there.
On the 1st of February 1995, Richey Edwards disappeared for several days before returning to his home though he would not reveal to his bandmates what he was doing in that time. Speculation was rife he attempted to disappear; indeed he was spotted at Severn Bridge and his car was found abandoned not far from there.
As media and fan-focus intensified, the music world was rocked as the band released a statement claiming he had departed from the band as a touring member. Bassist Nicky Wire remained quiet on the issue though he revealed to NME "He had enough of it. The whole circus of touring and sleeping in a different bed every night. He was trying to keep on top of his drinking and self-cutting... we don't blame him. The worst thing really would be to force him to do otherwise".
With the awareness of the bands being the topic of every music magazine, Manic Street Preachers soldiered on and released 'Sounds in The Grass' which received positive reviews and cracked the charts at number 5. Critics noticed the juxtaposition of the breezy 'Kevin Carter' compared to the metallic surge of 'Judge Yr'self' and the religious despair of 'Doors Closing Slowly'. With such lyrics as 'I feel like cutting the feet off a ballerina', many saw Sounds in The Grass as a sequel to The Holy Bible. However, vocalist James Dean Bradfield dismissed this: "His lyrics are a lot more... resigned. His doubts turned to acceptance which may not be the best thing but they are more calmer".
As the band toured the record, Richey turned to writing and published the novel 'Black Hearts' to surprising critical acclaim. He joked 'my book has sold more than my bands last album' which was almost true. But even with this creative surge, all was not well in the mind of Richey Edwards.
What do you think? Suggestions are welcome. Obviously, this butterflies away songs like 'A Design For Life' and the album 'Journal For Plague Lovers'.
No CoR crap please.