Richey Edwards

Not to be confused with Richie Edwards.

Richey Edwards
Edwards in Japan, May 1992[1]
Born
Richard James Edwards

(1967-12-22)22 December 1967
Blackwood, Caerphilly, Wales
Disappeared1 February 1995 (aged 27)
Cardiff, Wales
StatusMissing for 29 years, 9 months and 10 days
Declared dead in absentia
24 November 2008(2008-11-24) (aged 40)
NationalityWelsh
Other namesRichey James
Richey Manic
Alma materSwansea University
Occupations
  • Musician
  • lyricist
  • songwriter
  • guitarist
Musical career
Genres
Instrument
  • Guitar
Years active1989–1995
Formerly ofManic Street Preachers

Richard James Edwards (22 December 1967 – disappeared 1 February 1995, declared dead 24 November 2008), also known as Richey James or Richey Manic, was a Welsh musician who was the lyricist and rhythm guitarist of the alternative rock band Manic Street Preachers. He was known for his dark, politicized and intellectual songwriting which, combined with an enigmatic and eloquent character, has assured him cult status. Edwards has been cited as a leading lyricist of his generation.[2]

Edwards disappeared on 1 February 1995.[3] On 24 November 2008, he was legally declared dead "on or since" 1 February 1995.[4][5] The ninth Manic Street Preachers album, Journal for Plague Lovers, released on 18 May 2009, is composed entirely of songs with lyrics left by Edwards.[6] As of 2005, the remaining members of Manic Street Preachers were still paying 25% royalties into an account in his name.[7]

  1. ^ "Manic Street Preachers- Past concerts". 5 December 1992. Retrieved 22 August 2024.
  2. ^ Owen, Paul, "The Manics' Lyrics Were Something Special", The Guardian, 27 November 2008
  3. ^ BBC Wales, "Manic Street Preachers – Richey Edwards",BBC Wales
  4. ^ Evans, Catherine Mary "Missing Manic Street Preacher Richey Edwards declared legally dead, 13 years on", 24 November 2008, Western Mail. Accessed on 11 February 2009. Archived on 11 February 2009.
  5. ^ "Richey Edwards". Telegraph.co.uk. 23 March 2009. Retrieved 22 June 2009.
  6. ^ "Journal for Plague Lovers". Manicstreetpreachers.com. Archived from the original on 3 January 2013. Retrieved 2 November 2011.
  7. ^ "Ten-year tragedy of missing Manic". 1 February 2005. Retrieved 2 October 2017. February 2005: The remaining Manic Street Preachers members continue to pay a quarter of the band's royalties into an account held in his name.