Manic Street Preachers are a Welsh rock band formed in Blackwood in 1986. The group is made up of Nicky Wire on bass and lyrics, James Dean Bradfield on vocals and guitar, and Sean Moore on drums. Richey Edwards joined in 1988 as co-lyricist and rhythm guitarist, contributing to their early punk-inspired sound before his disappearance in 1995. Known for their sharp lyrics and striking glam-punk image, the band played a significant role in the Cool Cymru movement of the 1990s. The Manics gained early attention with singles like Motown Junk and broke through with albums such as Generation Terrorists, The Holy Bible, Everything Must Go, and This Is My Truth Tell Me Yours. They have achieved two UK number one singles and multiple top forty hits, selling over ten million albums worldwide. The band is celebrated for their powerful live shows, headlining major festivals and earning numerous NME, Q, and BRIT Awards.