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Manics: "Richey's Lyrics Made Us A Full Band Again"

added 31 March 2009 at 10.56

James Dean Bradfield admits a "sense of responsibility" in using Edwards' words.

James Dean Bradfield has revealed that using Richey Edwards' lyrics on the new Manic Street Preachers album has made the trio feel "as if we were a full band" again.

'Journal Of Plague Lovers' features a complete set of lyrics penned by the guitarist, who went missing in February 1995. Talking to Xfm's Steve Harris last night (March 30), the singer admitted that it had been a difficult process.

"For years we haven't felt like we were ready to tackle the lyrics or use them in any songs," Bradfield admitted. "As the time has passed, it felt that it was right to use them. Over the years myself and Nicky [Wire] have picked up the lyrics and looked at them in awe, but it was only two years ago that we felt ready, like we could do this.

"There was a sense of responsibility to do his words justice. That was part of the whole thing of letting enough time lapse. Once we actually got into the studio, it almost felt as if we were a full band, it as close to him being in the room again as possible."

You can listen to the interview, plus Xfm's first play of the track 'Jackie Collins Existential Question Time' right here.

'Journal Of Plague Lovers' is released on May 18.

What do you think? Leave us a comment here.

Tagged as Manic Street Preachers, Albums, audio, In The Studio

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