Richey's contribution to THB / his disappearance

[sculptureofabloke]

Originally Posted by SHR

And who said Richey left the JFPL lyrics to the band? Nicky and James? Has anyone else investigated whether this is true or not? I know it will sound crackpot to some of you, but does anyone even know what Richey's sister says or thinks?

Maybe the band were so desperate for inspiration they broke into Rachael's place and had a rummage. Maybe she fancied a change of career herself and starting a band. Maybe he just left these things lying around for absolutely no reason.

Originally Posted by SHR

So the Manics may have taught a lot of you to question the big wide world, but what about actually questioning the band themselves? Their version of events? I know how this sounds to people (conspiratorial and troll-like) but all I can say for now is that the truth will out eventually.

1. Elizabeth - Maybe it's worth asking the band in all honestly how they came upon the Bugs Bunny folder?
2. Takk - Richey could have joined another band and made them famous. The band were about to fade into oblivion before Richey cut 4REAL into his arm. And lord knows they wouldn't have gotten any gigs/interest if it weren't for Richey's letters to the music press.

Do you like any of their music at all? Did you notice the lyrics before you noticed the music? You're making Richey sound like a gimmick. Want a top ten? Cut your arm up. Want a top five? Disappear. Yeah, hats off to Richey's legwork with the press and labels etc but nah, he couldn't have made just any band successful, without James' talent even with Richey's businessmanship, they wouldn't have got far.

Originally Posted by SHR

Questionable. They have certainly contained his image for their own gain.
Wheel him out as a commodity when needed and downplayed him when needed. God forbid a film about Richey Edwards... remember them saying that? Turning Richey into a cult Jim Morrison figure and leaving those three potato heads behind! Strange how the table turns when a director, whose pockets they are firmly in, want to make a film about their lives.
There is a well cultivated, much regurgitated 'official' version of events, that Simon Prices and those in the pocket of the band are happy to back up, but beyond that is a version closer to the truth. As I said, laters.

PS: Interesting reading... for those who can be bothered:

http://www.amazon.com/The-Beatles-Sh.../dp/0330489968

Yeah, No Manifesto is coming out of some deep pockets... Not sure what the band stand to gain from this and it's been pretty well documented on here the struggles and drag out in making this documentary anyway.

People defending Richey will say stuff like why should he live unhappily just to please others etc. Similarly, 1994-1995 was one of if not the most difficult tome of James, Nicky and Sean's lives and revisiting that time through these gigs are fair enough, they've got total control over this. A film about Richey's life? I can see how they might find that uncomfortable to say the least.

Originally Posted by begging_to_be_cool

But if you have no self-esteem, no belief that your being around enhances the lives of others, no understanding of the fact that people do love you - no belief in the concept of love at all, in fact - then it becomes a lot easier to believe that you are doing the people you leave behind a favour by getting out of their way.

I hope he's alive.

Richey was an intelligent lad and everyone who's ever suffered with any kind of depression knows that from time to time their mind plays tricks on them. The band paid out of their own pockets for his stay at The Priory and I don't think anyone's such a kind soul to drag someone around with them for years if they didn't like them.

Originally Posted by Takk

Since it's christmas, go ahead and post them here .

Oh ok then, here's my reply to River Boy, up to him of he wants to post the reply he sent me:

Originally Posted by River Boy

I think you're simplifying this a bit. This criticism can be levelled at anyone who's ever acted selfishly through being depressed, or have attempted or committed suicide. That's a lot of people - Richey was also very complex emotionally that's certain and so justifying his actions to himself is his own business to judge.

I think the main difference there is, although neither of us have any way of knowing for sure either way, I'd expect most suicides to be unplanned. Sure there'll be warning signs and it's impossible to know what goes through someone's mind on the minutes or seconds beforehand, but I doubt that many people out anywhere near as much thought into their suicides as Richey did into his disappearance and I think that makes him worse. Not only has he deprived his friends and family of any closure, he's been so meticulous about it. This wasn't a moment of weakness or a cry for help, I think they could be forgiven. This, I don't know how.

Originally Posted by River Boy

Completely agree that disappearing can be interpreted as a selfish act but we can't demand of people that they live in turmoil in order not to be selfish or seek personal happiness. I know some very nice people who know longer talk to their families even though it causes a lot of hurt and bitternes.

I don't think that's really comparable. I could stop talking to my parents tomorrow without having them wonder if I'm alive or not

Originally Posted by PaulTMA

Is this part a joke?

Yeah it is, a crap one mind. The joke being that many Manics (particularly Richey) fans are extremely territorial and possessive over the band and sometimes know more about them than they know about themselves.

Originally Posted by Littlesue

This, not a lover of their lyrics at all, for me its about the music and James responsible for that

Yeah, music has always been what I've noticed first with the band, partly cos often the lyrics are indecipherable anyway :-P