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"We just want to clear everything away. Maybe, after us, music won't seem as important as actually changing the world" (Richey James, 1992) Adam Becvare (LUSTKILLERS) Accept for such bands as Hangmen, Green River, Dogs D'Mour, I had all but given up on rock bands in 1990 and was for the most part uninterested. I was warned of Manics by my good friend at Sony Music and sent the advance copy. The energy was there, the recording over produced, the anthems a bit cerebral, awkward and even clumsy. the biggest crime was the obvious drum machine. Ironically, all I was writing and recording with were machines at that time. Nonetheless, Manics were still sexy to me and so I was invited to the Chicago show at METRO. 1 of only 5 dates on their first US tour. I dont recall the opening act but i remember my anticipation for them to get off the stage. Even my goth contingent were anxiously awaiting to be impressed by the band being touted as Rock's new saviours. We sat like gods in the theater box of balcony as Manics strutted out to a only half full venue. Except for Wire, we agreed the band were comically short. There was a great vulnerability and the band were clearly intimidated. I'm sure they opened with Slash n Burn and the sound was perfect as Metro always is. The drumming was embarassingly bad which explained the drum machine on the CD. I seem to recall Richie was not even plugged in, but he was super cool with his F-hole tele slung low. We all wanted to love the Manics but were broken hearted that these were indeed not the new Saviours. The greatest part of the show was Wire's frustration which ended in him bursting a feather pillow on the last number. There was no encore except that the feathers of that pillow reached the ceiling of the club into the balcony down 2 flights of stairs and out to the street! Pure Genius. Afterward we all awaited downstairs in the bar for Manics meet and greet. They never came out. I am sure they were ashamed. Wire met a northshore chicago girl that nite that became his wife. There was plenty of swag all over the bar.....still got my generation terrorists cocktail napkings and stickers. We still wished them well but were convinced there would be no second cd. Then, as I stood with manager and band mates, down the stairs came Michael Schenker. I could barely believe my eyes. It clearly made no sense why he was there but there he was. I talked and shook hands with my childhood hero and yes i trembled. Manics thought they were so rock n roll but here was a man who lived/died and survived it all by age 21...Drugs/booze/fights and emotional breakdowns. I never
gave Manics much attention again until "this is my truth..." cd PURE
GENIUS. and yes it is an entirely different band.....thank god. I met
with them in Berkeley, Ca and saw the most brilliant show in SF. I will
never forget that show or cd. 'O'
(Undercover Slut) Do you still see them as the same band as before?Fuck no! They were unique & became fuckin' boring! Money... money... money... What's your opinion on the Richey James' case?... Blame it on the U.F.O.'s! Shari
(Black Velvet Magazine) When
did you first hear about them? What
makes/made them special? What's your opinion on the Richey James' case?... I don't know. I really hope he's out there alive somewhere. But I don't know. It's been so long now. MANIC STREET PREACHERS Official Website
Other
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From
the early 90s beginning as a working class glammed-out punk band influenced
by The Clash, Guns n'Roses, Public Enemy as well as writers/thinkers
such as Albert Camus, Valerie Solanas and Guy Debord to the 2000s' stadium
pop rock band playing in Cuba and shaking hand with Castro, the MANIC
STREET PREACHERS have always divided people: either you love them or
hate them. We have asked a few people from the glam/punk/rock'n'roll
scene to express their opinion about the Welsh band...
Do
you still see them as the same band as before?