Neale Howells: Provocative imagery

The work - which contained expletives and images of male genitalia - had been commissioned by the band in conjunction with the release Know Your Enemy.

The Manics had wanted the piece to be put up in the Cardiff Bay area of the city but that was were blocked by a billboard owner, who feared the use of expletives could lead to prosecution.

A band spokesman said: "Howells often uses extreme language in his work as well as unconventional painting materials, including certain bodily fluids.

"The council tore it down about two hours after it went up. They claim that they had several complaints.

Not sought permission

"But in two hours, in the drizzle, in Cardiff, there were only about four people who walked past it.

"A lot of people from the council have been getting excited in front of the media."

The band had not sought permission to place the poster on advertising space on the walkway.

Cardiff City Council could not be contacted for comment.

Powerful imagery: The band likes artwork to hit home

In February, the band played an historic concert in Havana attended by Cuban President Fidel Castro and 5,000 fans.

The documentary of the band's historical meeting with Castro is broadcast by S4C and Channel 4 on Saturday, 24 March.

The 35-year-old artist from Neath, south Wales, is a stand-out figure in the new wave of Welsh Art, using materials such as slurry, house paints and body fluids to reflect the angst-ridden cynicism of the world.

His talent and raw energy was picked up by Manics bass player Nicky Wire in one of the first shows he exhibited at.

Now his work is highly sought after, with underground art collectors buying up pieces at the 2000 Affordable Art Fair in Battersea Park, London.