Richey Edward's Disappearance and Association with Raf Simons

TW: Self Harm

Welcome to the fifteenth insertion of DEMUR®, an analytical series highlighting the intricacies of the artistic world and the minutiae lying within. In this episode we’ll be sifting through the files of Richey Edwards disappearance, analyzing his shadowed association with the ‘Manic Street Preachers’ and Raf Simons.

Richey Edwards began his career as a roadie for Welsh rock band ‘Manic Street Preachers’, inducted as the fourth official member in 1989. Despite little to no inherent musical talent, his genius lied in raw lyrics and gruelling subject matter - moulding the band into Europe’s iteration of Grunge. His lyrics poetic, Edwards went on to write nearly all projects prior to his disappearance in 1995, many echoing inner conflict and emotional despair. The creative frequently vocalized his inner conflicts, using methods of self-harm to cope while drowning in addiction. He lived vicariously through his lyrics, stanzas and structure, painting a symbol of relation and hope for fans around the world.

The disappearance of Richey Edwards began from January 1st, 1995 onwards. Intending to commence his promotional U.S tour for ‘The Holy Bible’ the same day, Edwards compiled £2800 in the leading two weeks before vanishing. He gifted the book ‘Novel with Cocaine' to his friend the night prior, a novel based on themes of disappearance, also sending a box full of books, quotes, collages and a note reading “I love you” to Jo, his most recent ex-girlfriend.

Before calling his mother and detailing his apathetic notion towards the upcoming tour, Edwards went to bed, the telephone line ringing silent while symbolizing the last note of his existence. The next morning, in the early hours of January 2nd, Edwards stopped at his apartment before taking a taxi to Pontypool Station and vanished. His car was found near Severn Bridge, a common suicide site, but his remains were never found.

Richey Edwards legacy prospers in the hearts of rock n’ roll fans, as well as on Raf Simons’ Autumn 01 ‘Riot Riot Riot’ bomber. The $40,000 jacket depicts a patch of Edwards and his carved forearm, signifying a beacon of hope and opposition, decimating all rules society withholds.