Richey Edwards them as executors of his estate and further stating that he died "on or since" 1 February 1995. The ninth album by Manic Street Preachers, "Journal for Plague Lovers", released on 18 May 2009, is composed entirely of songs with lyrics left behind by Edwards. Up until 2005, the remaining members of Manic Street Preachers still paid 25% royalties into an account in his name. 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
Manic Street Preachers this in 2011 while doing promotion for their greatest hits compilation "National Treasures". When asked why the band was releasing the compilation Wire stated: "It's just the end of an era. Not the end of a band. We're gonna disappear for quite a long time." "National Treasures – The Complete Singles" was released on 31 October 2011, preceded by the release of the single "This Is the Day", a cover of the song by The The. On 17 December 2011, the group performed 'A Night of National Treasures' at O Arena in London to celebrate the band's 25 years to