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Nicky Wire, musician born in Blackwood, Wales

  • Person's Name: Nicky Wire
  • Fame as?: Bassist and lyricist, Manic Street Preachers
  • Fame Hilite: Bassist and principal lyricist of Manic Street Preachers, one of the most successful rock bands to emerge from Wales.
  • Birth info: Born Nicholas Allen Jones, 20 January 1969, in Blackwood, Wales
  • Body Text 2:

    Wire studied law and political science at the University of Wales, Swansea, before Manic Street Preachers achieved success, and has continued to draw on his Welsh upbringing and valleys identity throughout the band's lyrics and public statements.
  • Career Highlights:
    • Career Highlight: 1989 – Co-founded Manic Street Preachers in Blackwood with James Dean Bradfield, Sean Moore and Richey Edwards
    • Career Highlight: 1996 – Everything Must Go album released, marking the band's commercial breakthrough
    • Career Highlight: 2023 – Released second solo album, Intimism
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  • Connection: Born and raised in Blackwood; formed Manic Street Preachers there with schoolfriends from Oakdale Comprehensive School.
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  • Location String: Blackwood, Oakdale, Swansea
  • Connection Place Map: 51.6708,-3.1936
Nicky Wire was born Nicholas Allen Jones on 20 January 1969 in Blackwood, in the South Wales valleys. He attended Oakdale Comprehensive School, where he met cousins James Dean Bradfield and Sean Moore, and later Richey Edwards, the four schoolfriends who would go on to form Manic Street Preachers. Wire went on to study law and political science at the University of Wales, Swansea, before committing fully to music. As bassist for Manic Street Preachers, Wire has been part of one of the most successful and enduring rock...

Ray Reardon, snooker wizard with a Welsh connection!

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Ray Reardon: The Wizard The Welsh Wizard of Snooker Ray Reardon, one of snooker's most iconic figures, was born on October 8th, 1932 [died 19th July 2024], in the small mining village of Tredegar in South Wales. Tredegar, historically known for its coal mining industry, provided a humble backdrop for Reardon's early life. Despite these modest beginnings, Reardon’s journey to becoming a six-time World Snooker Champion is a testament to his skill, determination, and passion for the game. Ray grew up in a close-knit...