Manic Street Preachers (the A-Side)

Manic Street Preachers talk about their third, career-defining, 1994 album The Holy Bible.

Series in which leading performers and songwriters talk about the album that made them or changed them.

Recorded in front of a live audience at the BBC's iconic Maida Vale Studios, each edition includes two episodes - the A-side and B-side.

In the A-side, Manic Street Preachers - Sean Moore, James Dean Bradfield and Nicky Wire.- talk to John Wilson.

Released a mere five months before the disappearance of main lyricist and rhythm guitarist Richey Edwards, The Holy Bible reflects his fragile mental state.

On its release, Q said "even a cursory glance at the titles will confirm that this is not the new Gloria Estefan album". And with tracks like "Yes", "Of Walking Abortion", "Mausoleum" and "4st 7lb", the lyrics deal with everything from prostitution and serial killers to the Holocaust and self-starvation.

For the first time in two decades, Nicky, James and Sean from Manic Street Preachers play songs from 'The Holy Bible' in front of an audience.

In the B-side of the programme, it's the turn of the audience to ask the questions.

Producer: Paul Kobrak

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2014.