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The Manics' James Dean Bradfield on his lifelong friends and the places that inspired them

In this episode of A Long Walk With..., Janice Long is joined by the passionate but modest James Dean Bradfield of the Manic Street Preachers, who clearly loves revisiting some of the places where he spent his formative years. He takes us to his old school and the steps outside the classroom where he first thought about music and lyrics. We visit the venue where the band played their first ever gig, and even though they ended up out of pocket, they were still determined to succeed. James also takes us to the the park between his family home and the studios where The Manics made some historic recordings.

Here are some highlights and extra interview material, that we couldn't fit into the show, plus photos of some of the key places.

You can hear A Long Walk With... every Thursday at 9pm on BBC Radio 2, or listen on the Radio 2 website or the BBC iPlayer Radio app.

James Dean Bradfield and Janice Long relax at Pen-y-fan Pond
Janice met James in Oakdale, where all the Manics first met at School

Who was the Great Western?

James talks about his solo album and the great feeling he gets from the Manics together

Here are the gates to the school, which has now moved to another site and this land is currently being redeveloped.
It was on these steps outside the classroom that James first started working on songs with the rest of the band

What did the Manics play at their first gig?

James Dean Bradfield revisits to the basement of the Crumlin Railway Inn

The site of that first Manic Street Preachers gig in Crumlin, where they ended up inspired and exhilarated, but sadly out of pocket.
James also took Janice to the Pen-y-fan pond where the band and their family and friends would dream of a life as beat poets and musicians

Which boxer gave James Dean Bradfield a run for his money?

James talks about his love of sport and family and remembers competing with Joe Calzaghe

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