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Richard James Edwards (born 22 December 1967, disappeared c. 1 February 1995, officially presumed dead 23 November 2008)〔 On 24 November 2008, it was announced that Edwards' parents had obtained a court order, issued by the Probate Registry of Wales, naming them as executors and stating that he died "on or since" 1 February 1995. 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.〕 was a Welsh musician who was lyricist and rhythm guitarist of the alternative rock band Manic Street Preachers. He was known for his politicised and intellectual songwriting which, combined with an enigmatic and eloquent character, has assured him cult status, and he is frequently cited as one of the best lyricists of all time.〔Owen, Paul, "(The Manics' Lyrics Were Something Special )",''The Guardian'', 27 November 2008〕〔Clash Music, "(Manics Member Officially Dead )", ''Clash Music''〕 Edwards disappeared on 1 February 1995.〔BBC Wales, "(Manic Street Preachers – Richey Edwards )",''BBC Wales''〕 He was declared presumed deceased in November 2008.〔Evans, "(Missing Manic Street Preacher )",''Western Mail''〕 The ninth album by Manic Street Preachers, ''Journal for Plague Lovers'', which was released on 18 May 2009, is composed entirely of lyrics left behind by Edwards. ==Biography== Richey Edwards (often referred to during his years with Manic Street Preachers as Richey James) was born and raised in Blackwood, Caerphilly, Wales. He has one younger sister, Rachel, who was born in 1969. Edwards attended Oakdale Comprehensive School. From 1986 to 1989, Edwards attended University of Wales, Swansea and graduated with a 2:1 degree in political history. Edwards was initially a driver and roadie for Manic Street Preachers, but he soon became accepted as the band's main spokesman and fourth member. Edwards showed little musical talent—his real contribution to Manic Street Preachers was in the words and design. More often than not he was miming on the guitar during early live performances, but was, along with bassist Nicky Wire, principal lyricist. Edwards is said to have written approximately 80% of the lyrics on ''The Holy Bible.'' Both are credited on all songs written before Edwards' disappearance, with Edwards receiving sole credit on three tracks from the 1996 album ''Everything Must Go'', and co-writing credits on another two. Despite Edwards' lack of musical input, he nevertheless contributed to their overall musical direction, and according to the rest of the band on the ''Everything Must Go'' DVD, he played a leading role in deciding the approach of the band's sound. It is possible that had he not disappeared, the album that would have followed ''The Holy Bible'' would have been dramatically different from the melodic, accessible rock heard on ''Everything Must Go.'' Edwards expressed a desire to create a concept album described as "Pantera meets Nine Inch Nails meets ''Screamadelica''".〔Bailie, Stuart. "The Art of Falling Apart". ''Mojo'' (February 2002) .p.85.〕 However, Bradfield has since expressed doubts over whether the band would have produced such an album: "I was worried that as chief tune-smith in the band I wasn't actually going to be able to write things that he would have liked. There would have been an impasse in the band for the first time born out of taste..."〔Maconie, Stuart "Everything Must Grow Up" ''Q Magazine'' October 1998〕 On 15 May 1991, he gained notoriety following an argument with ''NME'' journalist Steve Lamacq, who questioned the band's authenticity and values, keen to ensure the punk ethic was not abused, after a gig at the Norwich Arts Centre. Lamacq asked of Edwards' seriousness towards his art, and Edwards responded by carving the words "4 Real" into his forearm with a razor blade he was carrying. The injury required eighteen stitches. Edwards suffered severe bouts of depression in his adult life,〔Leonard, Marion. ''Gender in the Music Industry'' (2007), Ashgate Publishing, Ltd. p.71. ISBN 0-7546-3862-6〕〔Young, Andrew & Constable, Nick. "(After 13 years, the parents of missing rock star Richey Edwards admit he's dead )". The Daily Mail, 22 November 2008.〕 and was open about it in interviews: "If you're hopelessly depressed like I was, then dressing up is just the ultimate escape. When I was young I just wanted to be noticed. Nothing could excite me except attention so I'd dress up as much as I could. Outrage and boredom just go hand in hand."〔Smith, Richard (1995) Seduced and Abandoned: Essays on Gay Men and Popular Music, London: Cassell.〕 "Gets to a point where you really can't operate any more as a human being – you can't get out of bed, you can't...make yourself a cup of coffee without something going badly wrong or your body's too weak to walk."〔Transcription from the final television interview before his disappearance; video available on YouTube.〕 He also self-harmed, mainly through stubbing cigarettes on his body, and cutting himself: "When I cut myself I feel so much better. All the little things that might have been annoying me suddenly seem so trivial because I'm concentrating on the pain. I'm not a person who can scream and shout so this is my only outlet. It's all done very logically.".〔 After the release of the band's third album ''The Holy Bible'', he checked into The Priory psychiatric hospital, missing out on some of the promotional work for the album and forcing the band to appear as a three piece at the Reading Festival and T in the Park. Following release from the Priory, Manic Street Preachers as a four-piece band toured Europe with Suede and Therapy? for what was to be the last time. Edwards' final live appearance with the band was at the London Astoria, on 21 December 1994. The concert ended with the band infamously smashing their equipment and damaging the lighting system, prompted by Edwards' violent destruction of his guitar towards the end of set-closer "You Love Us." 抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア（Wikipedia）』 ■ウィキペディアで「Richey Edwards」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
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