He is a guitarist, he is a producer and he is a very talented songwriter.
He has a name of a famous film actor and has a very special voice.
His name is James Dean Bradfield and we want to tell you some interesting facts about him:
(Photo: Mike Lewis Photography/Redferns)
1. He was born in Wales on February 21, 1969.
2. He is named after the film actor James Dean, the name was given to him by his father.
3. The first band he liked was "ELO", but later he was attracted to Punk Rock and especially "The Clash".
4. He is the lead singer and lead guitarist of "Manic Street Preachers", which he founded in 1986, with his cousin - drummer Sean Moore and his good friend Nicholas Jones, who later changed his name to Nicky Wire who played bass. Nicky Wire brought in Richey Edwards to play rhythm guitar.
(Photo: pinterest.co.uk)
5. As part of his guitar training, he used to close all lights in his room and play Guns N’ Roses "Appetite for Destruction", from beginning to end.
6. Already in 1988 "Manic Street Preachers" released their first single.
7. In 1990 the band released an EP called "New Art Riot E.P", Which included short and fast-paced songs that were influenced mostly by Punk Rock.
8. The band released their first full album "Generation Terrorists" in 1992. the album included a change in musical line that was still based on Punk Rock, but with additional influences of Hard Rock and Glam. The album received rave reviews from critics and was a success, with six singles released from it, including the hit "Motorcycle Emptiness".
9. In 1993 and 1994 the band released two more albums "Gold Against the Soul" and "The Holy Bible". In these albums, they expanded the range of musical styles. These albums were also praised by critics.
10. Then, on February 1, 1995, one of the great mysteries in the world of music took place. You can read about it here: Richey Edwards Disappearance. Rhythm guitarist and a colorful character who used to be interviewed on behalf of the band - Richie Edwards just disappeared.
11. After all the searches for Richie did not succeed, the band decides to continue without him. James Dean also takes on the role of rhythm guitar and the band becomes a lineup of only three musicians.
12. With this lineup, the band will release one of their most successful albums - "Everything Must Go" from 1996. The album will reach number two on the UK Albums charts and will win many awards and accolades. Five singles were released from the album, including the excellent theme song "Everything Must Go" and "A Design for Life".
13. But the album that will buy them huge international success will be their next one, released in 1998 - "This Is My Truth Tell Me Yours". It will include the hits: "If You Tolerate This Your Children Will Be Next", "The Everlasting", "You Stole the Sun from My Heart", "Tsunami" and more.
14. In 2006 James Dean released his first solo album - "The Great Western". It includes the hits: "That's No Way to Tell a Lie", "An English Gentleman" and "Still a Long Way to Go".
15. In 2017, James Dean released the soundtrack to the movie "The Chamber".
16. In 2020 he released another solo album called "Even in Exile", whose songs are based on poems by Víctor Jara.
17. James Dean has several collaborations both as an artist and producer, including with "Massive Attack", Kylie Minogue, and Tom Jones.
(Photo: Markus Unger)
18. James also writes songs to other artists, and among others wrote the song "The Girl From Tiger Bay" for singer Shirley Bassey.
19. James Dean has released a total of 14 albums with "Manic Street Preachers" and two more solo albums.
20. Although he once stated "I always get bored of the company of women really quickly", he married the band's PR agent Mylène Halsall on 11 July 2004. The couple have two children.
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