Meet The Naff Taffs

The Manic Street Preachers are moving into charts fast

Sunday Mail

June 12 1994

With a clutch of fake war medals pinned to his chest, rock star Richey James is a real-life punk rock terrorist.

So is that why he appeared on Top Of The Pops with his face concealed by an urban guerilla-style balaclava? His group, The Manic Street Preachers, are racing up the charts with their no-holds-barred single, Faster.

But my hunch is that Manics' guitar hero Richey just didn't want people to see his kisser so they wouldn't know who was responsible for such an almighty din.

The Manics' incredible success has baffled some music biz big-wigs. BUT NOT ME! Okay so what if the Welsh group wear cheapo make-up, tacky blouses and play a strange version of '90s punk rock.

They're one of the UK's biggest pop successes, and their legions of fans will be flocking to T In The Park - the open air rock festival in Strathclyde Park - on July 30 to see them.

When I caught up with Richey this week, he was unruffled by criticism. He told me: "Anybody with taste could tell you we're a CLASSIC rock and roll band.

"Our records don't get played very much on radio . . . but they still seem to storm into the charts.

"It proves that even if we don't get big time media coverage, there are still thousands of kids who love us.

"Whether you like it or not, The Manic Street Preachers are here to stay. You better believe it."