One of Wales’ most successful rock bands, the Manic Street Preachers, might have been little more than a passing plaything for the music press during the early 90’s were it not for the talent of the reluctant hero in their midst.

James Dean Bradfield grew up with a close-knit group of kindred spirits in Blackwood, South Wales. Nicky Wire, Richey Edwards and his cousin Sean Moore were united by a love of music, politics, art and a mischievous knack for drawing attention to themselves.

During breaks in the school day Bradfield and Wire would exchange scribbled lyrics in the belief they were penning the next great rock classic. It was Bradfield’s dedication in teaching himself how to play the guitar that brought some reality to their ambitions.

The Manic Street Preachers gained notoriety towards the end of the 1980s by virtue of being the polar opposite to the musical and visual style of the time. This was encapsulated by the agitated vocal delivery and aggressive rock guitar stance of Bradfield.

In the early days, the androgynous punk image and controversial views of Edwards and Wire were the Manics’ chief selling point; but as the band gained in popularity, Bradfield grew into his role as a highly respected musician and an increasingly impressive vocalist.

The band’s breakthrough album, Everything Must Go, released in 1996, made the most of his strengths and his sure melodic touch ensured that 1998’s album This Is My Truth Tell Me Yours became the band’s first million-seller as well as delivering their first Number One single, If You Tolerate This Then Your Children Will Be Next.

An indication of his increasing influence over the band’s work was his lyrical contributions to the band’s sixth album, 1991’s Know Your Enemy, particularly the single Ocean Spray, written about the death of his mother from cancer.