MANIC STREET PREACHERS - MANICS NAMED GODLIKE GENIUSES

The Manic Street Preachers are to receive the Godlike Genius accolade at the 2008 Shockwave NME awards, it has been revealed.

The Welsh three-piece will receive the honour in February for their outstanding contribution to music.

After forming at school in south Wales, the Manics rose to fame for their clever manipulation of the media, with late lyricist Richey James Edwards famed for carving the words '4 Real' into his arm with a razorblade after DJ Steve Lamacq questioned the band's credibility.

Their albums Generation Terrorists and Gold Against the Soul performed well commercially before their third effort, The Holy Bible, marked a musical and lyrical departure, alienating many fans but critically received as a masterpiece.

Edwards disappeared in February 1995, with his car found abandoned near the Severn View service station near the Severn Bridge, leaving the Manics on hiatus before their triumphant return with Everything Must Go, with bassist Nicky Wire taking on lyrical responsibilities.

On hearing of the upcoming honour from NME, Wire told the magazine's website: "Well I've got to say, when our manager told us about it I just genuinely felt humbled and excited.

"We've won four Brit Awards, Ivor Novellos, but it's vindication. It feels like the best one because the NME is what I grew up with and for all its faults it still means a lot to me."

He added: "It's so f***ing brilliant, honestly. It's really made me feel fantastic."

The Manics will headline the Shockwave NME awards 'Big Gig' following the ceremony on February 28th, with support from Bloc Party, Klaxons and the Cribs.

The Holy Bible topped a Newsnight poll in July 2005 of the most culturally influential albums, defeating the like of Radiohead's OK Computer and Dark Side of the Moon by Pink Floyd.