If you live in America, Welsh rockers Manic Street Preachers are one of the better rock bands you’ve probably never heard of.
As near as I can tell, it seems that 2010’s Postcards from A Young Man was the last album that had any physical distribution here in the United States. And streaming services are marginally better for what’s offered here in the states. Radio airplay has always been non-existent.
Suffice it to say, it’s not easy to be a Manic’s fan on this side of the pond.
Back in the ’90s, while America was in the flannel grasp of grunge and the UK was in the throes of the ecstasy riddled “Madchester” scene and the Brit Pop madness it would prove to be four childhood snarky punk friends from Wales — James Dean Bradfield (lead guitar, music), Nicky Wire (bass, lyrics), Sean Moore (drums, music) and Richey Edwards (guitar, lyrics) — aka Manic Street Preachers, who would prove to have the mettle to outlast all three moments.
When they first appeared, it seemed as though the Manics (as they are colloquially known) were armed with more hubris than talent. However, 25+ years on, they’ve proven time and time again … it’s not hubris.
Even more than talent, creativity, and longevity, they’ve offered up proof they have an almost unparalleled work ethic, especially for rock musicians. Excluding solo…
