Anniversary of the Disappearance of Manic Street Preachers Richey James

02/01/2012
. (Gibson) On this day in 1995, Richey James, guitarist with the Manic Street Preachers, vanished leaving no clues to his whereabouts. He left The Embassy Hotel in London at 7 a.m., leaving behind his packed suitcase. His car was found on the Severn Bridge outside Bristol, England, 16 days later. Gibson takes a look back: It's one of rock and roll's most painful tragedies and one of its greatest mysteries: What happened to Richey Edwards of the Manic Street Preachers (who disappeared without a trace on this day in 1995)?

One of the most genuine, committed and interesting British bands of the '90s, The Manic Street Preachers' brand of political rock was a biproduct of their tough upbringing in depression-hit south Wales. With coal mines closing and the economy in tatters, the band were on their way to emulating '70s icons The Clash in powerfully blending pop and politics when they hit the headlines for all the wrong reasons.

Lyricist and rudimentary guitarist Richey Edwards disappeared from the Embassy Hotel in London, never to be seen again. It was a shock to all concerned, since he'd been scheduled to fly to America for some promotional work the next day.

Instead, Edwards' passport was found back at his home in Wales and his car left unattended in a motorway service area near the Severn Bridge. more on this story

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