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New appeal for missing Manic Street Preachers lyricist Richey Edwards

Richey Edwards of the Manic Street Preachers is interviewed in the offices of the NME, London, 1992. (Photo by Martyn Goodacre/Getty Images)
Richey Edwards of the Manic Street Preachers is interviewed in the offices of the NME, London, 1992. (Photo by Martyn Goodacre/Getty Images)

He has been missing for 25 years, and presumed dead since 2008, but a fresh appeal has been released for Manic Street Preachers band member Richey Edwards.

The troubled guitarist and lyricist went missing on 1 February 1995, same day he was due to fly to the US to undertake a promotional tour, and his car was discovered near the Severn Bridge, prompting fears he had committed suicide.

However, his body has never been found, prompting rumours and conspiracy theories, helped by alleged sightings, Edwards is alive and living abroad.

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His sister, Rachel has worked at Missing Persons since he went missing and the charity has issued a new appeal.

Kate Graham of Missing Persons said: “Richard, if you are reading this, please call or text us on our free phone number, 116 000. It’s confidential and we can’t trace your call.

Rachel Elias, sister of missing Manic Street Preachers guitarist Richey Edwards, holds up posters of her missing loved one outside the Houses of Parliament, London, ahead of her giving evidence at the UK's first Parliamentary Inquiry into the rights of families of missing people.   (Photo by Clive Gee/PA Images via Getty Images)
Rachel Elias, sister of missing Manic Street Preachers guitarist Richey Edwards, holds up posters of her missing loved one outside the Houses of Parliament, London, ahead of her giving evidence at the UK's first Parliamentary Inquiry into the rights of families of missing people. (Photo by Clive Gee/PA Images via Getty Images)

“We just want to provide you with the support you need and help you to be safe. The helpline is here to support people who are missing – or thinking of going missing – and their loved ones who are left behind.”

Rachel said: “I was 24 when I last saw my brother and 24 years have passed since the day he went missing. I have been without him for half of my life.

“I am almost the same age my mother was when her son disappeared.”

Edward’s parents both died before discovering what happened to their son.

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The police file is still open and the Met Police have said: “Richey Edwards is still listed as a missing person. The case remains open and we welcome any information.”

Group portrait of the Manic Street Preachers, Elephant & Castle roundabout, London, 1990. L-R James Dean Bradfield, Nicky Wire, Richey Edwards and Sean Moore. (Photo by Martyn Goodacre/Getty Images)
Group portrait of the Manic Street Preachers, Elephant & Castle roundabout, London, 1990. L-R James Dean Bradfield, Nicky Wire, Richey Edwards and Sean Moore. (Photo by Martyn Goodacre/Getty Images)

Since going missing, Edwards has allegedly been spotted in India and Spain, as well as closer to home in Newport.

Welsh rockers The Manic Street Preachers, James Dean Bradfield, Nicky Wire and Sean Moore, continued as a trio to great success after losing their main songwriter.

For many years they set aside 25% of their profits for Edwards should he still be alive.