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0:00:02 > 0:00:07- At the end of the 1990s, - Cool Cymru was in full swing.
0:00:07 > 0:00:11- We felt like we were flying the flag - in a new way.
0:00:11 > 0:00:13- It was a world stage for music.
0:00:14 > 0:00:17- These bands are special - and we'll celebrate them.
0:00:17 > 0:00:23- Catatonia, Manic Street Preachers, - Stereophonics, Super Furry Animals.
0:00:24 > 0:00:29- It produced films and actors and - was home to a new National Assembly.
0:00:29 > 0:00:34- We shouted from the rooftops - that we're Welsh!
0:00:34 > 0:00:37- This is the story - of a special time...
0:00:37 > 0:00:41- ..when Wales was cool - at the end of the 20th century.
0:00:50 > 0:00:52- At the start of the 1990s...
0:00:52 > 0:00:56- ..long before - Wales was considered cool...
0:00:56 > 0:01:01- ..Welsh popular music was something - of a joke to the rest of the world.
0:01:01 > 0:01:04- # The old home town looks the same #
0:01:04 > 0:01:08- It was definitely - a very dark period...
0:01:08 > 0:01:13- ..for popular culture in Wales.
0:01:13 > 0:01:18- Wales was stereotyped for male voice - choirs, Harry Secombe and Tom Jones.
0:01:19 > 0:01:22- We're fond of Tom Jones - and Shirley Bassey now.
0:01:22 > 0:01:26- They were disowned - by the rock 'n' roll fraternity.
0:01:26 > 0:01:31- They were cabaret singers. - There was no rock 'n' roll culture.
0:01:31 > 0:01:36- I thought people talked about - Tom Jones and Shirley Bassey...
0:01:36 > 0:01:37- ..as they were iconic.
0:01:38 > 0:01:42- They spoke about these artists - as no-one else had come to light.
0:01:43 > 0:01:44- Welsh bands didn't get recognition.
0:01:44 > 0:01:47- Welsh bands didn't get recognition.- - There weren't many big, cool bands.
0:01:48 > 0:01:50- There was this huge vacuum.
0:01:51 > 0:01:54- It was a very bleak time - to say the least.
0:01:56 > 0:02:01- But whilst Thatcher - transformed Wales in the 1980s...
0:02:01 > 0:02:05- ..there was a revolution - in Welsh music...
0:02:06 > 0:02:10- ..when Punk Rock influenced - a new generation of bands.
0:02:10 > 0:02:15- Bands such as Anhrefn, Tynal Tywyll, - Y Cyrff and Datblygu...
0:02:15 > 0:02:20- ..saw themselves as an underground - scene beyond mainstream Welsh music.
0:02:21 > 0:02:24- They wanted to challenge - the establishment.
0:02:25 > 0:02:26- Come in.
0:02:26 > 0:02:28- Rhys Mwyn was very prominent.
0:02:29 > 0:02:34- I've got a house full of posters, - photographs and memorabilia.
0:02:36 > 0:02:41- The music was exciting, modern - and was sure to cause a stir.
0:02:41 > 0:02:45- By the time this new wave - inspired other Welsh musicians...
0:02:46 > 0:02:48- ..the scene was very exciting.
0:02:49 > 0:02:52- Y Cyrff and U Thant - were at Clwb Ifor Bach.
0:02:53 > 0:02:55- This shows Y Cyrff - as the headline act.
0:02:55 > 0:03:00- There was a growth of new bands - with U Thant as the support act.
0:03:00 > 0:03:02- This one is interesting.
0:03:02 > 0:03:05- It's a showcase on St David's Day - in London.
0:03:05 > 0:03:08- This is very tongue-in-cheek...
0:03:08 > 0:03:12- ..as it says the St David's Day - Token Welsh Cultural Evening.
0:03:13 > 0:03:16- We had our own gang - in the underground scene.
0:03:16 > 0:03:20- Everything that had gone before us - was irrelevant.
0:03:21 > 0:03:23- This was the new generation.
0:03:24 > 0:03:28- This new generation - was supported by fanzines.
0:03:28 > 0:03:32- There were gigs, many organized - by Cymdeithas yr Iaith...
0:03:32 > 0:03:35- ..and independent labels - were established...
0:03:35 > 0:03:40- ..because the label, Sain, - refused to record their output.
0:03:40 > 0:03:44- Sain was like the Welsh version - of EMI in England.
0:03:44 > 0:03:47- It was a huge dinosaur - that couldn't move.
0:03:47 > 0:03:50- We were all forced - to create our own labels...
0:03:51 > 0:03:53- ..to get the music out there.
0:03:53 > 0:03:59- The music of Anhrefn was - a catalyst to get things out there.
0:04:00 > 0:04:03- Two Aberystwyth students - established Ankst.
0:04:03 > 0:04:07- The label was important - in nurturing bands in the 1990s.
0:04:08 > 0:04:11- We had the honour - of working with bands...
0:04:11 > 0:04:15- ..that I'd class as some of - the best bands in any language...
0:04:15 > 0:04:20- ..such as Datblygu, Y Cyrff and Ffa - Coffi Pawb who didn't have a label.
0:04:21 > 0:04:23- We have a collection of records...
0:04:24 > 0:04:28- ..that documents and is a reflection - of an exciting music scene.
0:04:30 > 0:04:33- Thanks to one influential DJ - on Radio 1...
0:04:33 > 0:04:39- ..Welsh music was heard beyond - the boundaries of Offa's Dyke.
0:04:39 > 0:04:43- Welsh pop music is more interesting - than a decade ago.
0:04:43 > 0:04:44- Why is this?
0:04:44 > 0:04:46- I think there's more of it.
0:04:46 > 0:04:49- If there isn't more of it, - I'm hearing more!
0:04:50 > 0:04:53- John Peel is an important part - of the story.
0:04:53 > 0:04:56- At that time, you had Radio Cymru...
0:04:56 > 0:05:01- ..who refused to play music such as - Fflaps first single, Dilyn Dylan...
0:05:01 > 0:05:04- ..as they didn't feel - it was good enough.
0:05:04 > 0:05:08- John Peel played it on Radio 1 - and offered them a session.
0:05:08 > 0:05:12- With the likes of John Peel - playing those records...
0:05:12 > 0:05:18- ..it was only natural that those - writing NME, Melody Maker, Select...
0:05:18 > 0:05:20- ..or one of those magazines...
0:05:20 > 0:05:25- ..realized that something - interesting was happening in Wales.
0:05:29 > 0:05:32- By 1991, in the English language - music scene...
0:05:32 > 0:05:35- ..a Blackwood band - stole the limelight.
0:05:35 > 0:05:39- Nobody was safe - from coming under fire.
0:05:40 > 0:05:45- Thatcher, capitalism - and even other musicians.
0:05:45 > 0:05:50- The Manic Street Preachers had - contracts with independent labels...
0:05:50 > 0:05:54- ..but set their sights - on something bigger, much bigger.
0:05:54 > 0:05:59- We wouldn't want to be the biggest - band if we didn't have good songs.
0:06:00 > 0:06:04- When the Manics started, they wanted - to be massive like Guns N' Roses.
0:06:05 > 0:06:08- They wanted - to escape from Blackwood.
0:06:09 > 0:06:12- They didn't sell billions...
0:06:12 > 0:06:18- ..but had an incredibly strong - vision for mapping out their career.
0:06:19 > 0:06:22- People thought - the Manics were a joke.
0:06:23 > 0:06:28- Many struggled to believe that Wales - could produce interesting bands.
0:06:29 > 0:06:33- Thinking of a band as extreme - as Manic Street Preachers...
0:06:33 > 0:06:36- ..with the strong, brutal lyrics - of Richey Edwards...
0:06:37 > 0:06:41- ..and Nicky Wire's image - in his feather boa...
0:06:41 > 0:06:43- ..was quite shocking.
0:06:46 > 0:06:51- I saw Manic Street Preachers - in Cardiff on one of their tours.
0:06:52 > 0:06:55- It was so different - and extraordinary.
0:06:55 > 0:06:58- I found it quite revolutionary.
0:06:58 > 0:07:02- I felt as if something exciting - was happening in Wales.
0:07:04 > 0:07:06- I thought they were a joke.
0:07:06 > 0:07:11- They looked awful, their clothes - were awful and they sounded awful.
0:07:12 > 0:07:17- Many people in the press - agreed with Iestyn's candid opinion.
0:07:18 > 0:07:23- This changed overnight with one - interview by Steve Lamacq in NME...
0:07:23 > 0:07:28- ..when Richey Edwards - scratched "4 Real" into his arm...
0:07:28 > 0:07:32- ..to prove that the Manics - were serious about their music.
0:07:33 > 0:07:37- The photographer, Ed Sirrs showed me - the images the following day.
0:07:37 > 0:07:40- We weren't sure - if we had them or not.
0:07:40 > 0:07:42- Richey was very patient...
0:07:42 > 0:07:47- ..and took off the bandage - to show the photographer.
0:07:47 > 0:07:51- An interesting narrative - was developing with the band.
0:07:52 > 0:07:56- Within a fortnight, they had signed - to the Columbia record label.
0:07:57 > 0:08:01- They were the first Welsh band since - the 1980s to get such a contract.
0:08:07 > 0:08:10- At the same time in Cardigan...
0:08:10 > 0:08:13- ..the son of a chief bard - and his friends...
0:08:13 > 0:08:16- ..set their sights beyond Wales.
0:08:16 > 0:08:20- Jess decided to sing in English - to progress.
0:08:20 > 0:08:24- This decision not only upset - but infuriated many people.
0:08:27 > 0:08:32- The public and the press - have picked up on this...
0:08:32 > 0:08:34- ..and blown it out of proportion.
0:08:35 > 0:08:38- The band hasn't made a fuss - about singing in English.
0:08:39 > 0:08:43- Brychan Llyr took the brunt of it - but many would follow suit.
0:08:43 > 0:08:47- It was an atmosphere - of change and excitement...
0:08:47 > 0:08:52- ..and at the end of 1991, 30 bands - and soloists gathered together...
0:08:52 > 0:08:55- ..to perform in Pontrhydfendigaid...
0:08:55 > 0:09:00- ..for a Cymdeithas yr Iaith event - called Rhyw Ddydd - Un Dydd.
0:09:01 > 0:09:03- The seeds planted in the 1980s...
0:09:04 > 0:09:07- ..with young, alternative, - experimental bands...
0:09:08 > 0:09:10- ..had now developed...
0:09:10 > 0:09:14- ..which meant these bands - were at the fore of Welsh music.
0:09:14 > 0:09:18- We played a lot of those kinds - of gigs with Y Crumblowers...
0:09:18 > 0:09:21- ..on Anglesey and in Corwen...
0:09:21 > 0:09:26- ..but I'd never seen that many - people in a Welsh gig before.
0:09:26 > 0:09:30- # If you're hiding from reality, - you have to understand #
0:09:31 > 0:09:36- I think that the best recording band - at that time was Ffa Coffi Pawb.
0:09:37 > 0:09:40- Hei Vidal! - is the best album of that era.
0:09:40 > 0:09:45- But the best band for live, stage - performances had to be Y Cyrff.
0:09:46 > 0:09:48- They were incredible that night.
0:09:49 > 0:09:51- # Joy
0:09:52 > 0:09:54- # Joy #
0:09:54 > 0:09:58- The gig itself was definitely - one of those moments in history...
0:09:58 > 0:10:02- ..where a lot of things - crossed over and met.
0:10:02 > 0:10:06- You got the feeling that these - things would never happen again.
0:10:07 > 0:10:08- # Joy #
0:10:09 > 0:10:14- For the Llanrwst band, Y Cyrff, - this was their final gig in Wales.
0:10:14 > 0:10:18- I think it had to be - a great farewell gig for them.
0:10:18 > 0:10:20- # Joy #
0:10:21 > 0:10:24- Mark from Y Cyrff - started another Welsh band...
0:10:24 > 0:10:27- ..and covered the same circuit.
0:10:27 > 0:10:29- You didn't expect him to do that.
0:10:29 > 0:10:32- It offered something different.
0:10:32 > 0:10:37- This gave them the opportunity to - have an audience outside of Wales.
0:10:37 > 0:10:43- It also meant that people could make - a living as a full-time musician.
0:10:43 > 0:10:46- When one door closes, - another one opens.
0:10:46 > 0:10:50- For me, the period - after Rhyw Ddydd - Un Dydd...
0:10:50 > 0:10:54- ..was one of the most exciting times - in Welsh history.
0:10:58 > 0:10:59- .
0:11:01 > 0:11:01- Subtitles
0:11:01 > 0:11:03- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:11:05 > 0:11:07- By 1992...
0:11:07 > 0:11:11- ..one dark, dingy and obscure club - in Newport...
0:11:11 > 0:11:15- ..attracted musicians - from around the world.
0:11:15 > 0:11:17- It's hard to believe now...
0:11:17 > 0:11:21- ..but music journalists, - such as NME's Iestyn George...
0:11:22 > 0:11:25- ..and executives - from the big labels...
0:11:25 > 0:11:30- ..made the pilgrimage from London - to the fracas on Clarence Place.
0:11:30 > 0:11:34- This is one of the most important - places in terms of 1990s music.
0:11:35 > 0:11:37- Many American bands - came here to play...
0:11:38 > 0:11:41- ..such as Hole, - Nirvana and Mudhoney.
0:11:41 > 0:11:45- Yes, TJ's was the place to be!
0:11:46 > 0:11:51- The scene in Newport was really - lively but was punky and hard.
0:11:51 > 0:11:56- It played more of a role in Britpop - than in the Welsh music scene.
0:11:56 > 0:12:00- I went to Clwb Ifor Bach - to see the Welsh bands...
0:12:00 > 0:12:05- ..but often went to Newport - to see the touring bands...
0:12:05 > 0:12:09- ..new bands on the British scene - and bands from Newport.
0:12:10 > 0:12:15- The most prominent Newport band - to play at TJ's was 60 Ft Dolls.
0:12:16 > 0:12:19- They were total hellraisers!
0:12:19 > 0:12:24- I formed the group with Mike Cole - and we didn't have any expectations.
0:12:24 > 0:12:29- That no expectations attitude - combined with creativity...
0:12:30 > 0:12:31- ..was very healthy for us.
0:12:32 > 0:12:35- We didn't care at all - about what anybody thought.
0:12:36 > 0:12:42- TJ's was a place to do anything you - want and was crucial to everything.
0:12:42 > 0:12:46- As TJ's provided an international - stage for the Welsh scene...
0:12:47 > 0:12:52- ..Fideo 9, one of the main platforms - for Welsh music came to an end.
0:12:53 > 0:12:57- Half of the bands who had - released records in this era...
0:12:58 > 0:13:04- ..would not have existed or made - any money if it wasn't for Fideo 9.
0:13:04 > 0:13:09- They gave the opportunity to visit - a studio that was beyond our reach.
0:13:09 > 0:13:12- # I'm out of my head
0:13:13 > 0:13:14- # I don't feel right #
0:13:15 > 0:13:17- In the early days of Fideo 9...
0:13:17 > 0:13:20- ..you had a mixture of pop videos...
0:13:20 > 0:13:25- ..and interviews with an author, - young poet or a sculptor.
0:13:25 > 0:13:30- As the music scene grew, with bands - popping up all over the place...
0:13:30 > 0:13:34- ..there was less room - for the other arts.
0:13:34 > 0:13:38- He realized the guinea pigs - had bitten through their cage.
0:13:38 > 0:13:42- You didn't know that you were part - of this revolution.
0:13:42 > 0:13:44- I'm not sure - if it was a revolution...
0:13:45 > 0:13:47- ..but it gave the scene - some attention.
0:13:48 > 0:13:50- # Rubbish on the walls - and it's dirty
0:13:51 > 0:13:52- # Making no sense
0:13:52 > 0:13:56- # Let our senses run free - and feel something... #
0:13:56 > 0:13:59- We gave bands a lot of attention.
0:13:59 > 0:14:04- Many wondered if the scene existed - or if Fideo 9 created the scene.
0:14:04 > 0:14:07- Fideo 9 was a stage - and people gravitate to a stage.
0:14:08 > 0:14:12- # With a smile from ear to ear #
0:14:12 > 0:14:17- One very familiar face found her way - to that soon-to-disappear stage.
0:14:17 > 0:14:22- # It was easy
0:14:23 > 0:14:27- # Completely natural #
0:14:27 > 0:14:28- Catatonia had arrived.
0:14:29 > 0:14:32- Mark Roberts, formerly of Y Cyrff - formed the band...
0:14:33 > 0:14:36- ..with his new girlfriend, - Cerys Matthews.
0:14:36 > 0:14:38- # But thinking held him back #
0:14:38 > 0:14:42- We had the opportunity to make - a few video thanks to Fideo 9.
0:14:43 > 0:14:46- It meant we could work - in a proper studio...
0:14:46 > 0:14:48- ..and take the songs further.
0:14:51 > 0:14:57- # And oh, I'm sorry #
0:14:57 > 0:15:01- In terms of Catatonia, - I'd seen Gyda Gwen.
0:15:02 > 0:15:07- When I saw that, I could immediately - see where we were going next.
0:15:07 > 0:15:12- # That you didn't see it #
0:15:12 > 0:15:15- I remember seeing Cerys and Mark.
0:15:16 > 0:15:18- I thought - they looked great together.
0:15:18 > 0:15:22- They looked like a glamorous - and really cool couple.
0:15:22 > 0:15:26- When I heard - that they were writing together...
0:15:26 > 0:15:28- ..I knew it would be excellent.
0:15:30 > 0:15:34- # Answer back #
0:15:34 > 0:15:37- Another group - taking Wales by storm...
0:15:37 > 0:15:41- ..and mesmerized the nation - with unusual songs...
0:15:41 > 0:15:45- ..on Nia Melville's Radio Cymru - programme was Gorky's Zygotic Mynci.
0:15:46 > 0:15:49- They were a school band - from Pembrokeshire.
0:15:49 > 0:15:53- Everything by Gorky's was so fresh.
0:15:53 > 0:15:55- The lyrics, the melodies.
0:15:55 > 0:15:58- And the fact - they wrote so many songs.
0:15:58 > 0:16:02- They were more than a boy band - as they played instruments too.
0:16:03 > 0:16:05- Their music was very quirky.
0:16:05 > 0:16:09- # She takes off her clothes - for 1,000 #
0:16:10 > 0:16:13- I remember the first time - that I heard Gorky's.
0:16:13 > 0:16:16- There was this high-pitched voice...
0:16:16 > 0:16:20- ..singing these amazing - and raw pop songs.
0:16:21 > 0:16:25- This was a group that didn't follow - mainstream Welsh music.
0:16:25 > 0:16:30- They didn't use technology - to create dance music...
0:16:30 > 0:16:34- ..but a group who followed - the pioneering bands of the 1970s.
0:16:35 > 0:16:37- This group came from nowhere...
0:16:37 > 0:16:42- ..and you didn't know where - they were going to take you next.
0:16:43 > 0:16:47- # Feeling strawberries and a fox #
0:16:47 > 0:16:51- Gorky's were set to step - into the big, wide world...
0:16:51 > 0:16:53- ..like many other Welsh people.
0:16:59 > 0:17:04- At the start of 1994, Wales and - her language arrived in Hollywood...
0:17:04 > 0:17:08- ..as the film, Hedd Wyn, - was nominated for an Oscar.
0:17:08 > 0:17:13- It says you've won in Pwllheli and - you need to go to accept your Chair.
0:17:13 > 0:17:16- The acting is terrific - and it looks so good.
0:17:16 > 0:17:21- Seeing the Welsh compete with people - from across the world...
0:17:21 > 0:17:24- ..and being acknowledged - was incredible.
0:17:27 > 0:17:32- The film didn't win the Oscar for - the Best Foreign Language Film...
0:17:32 > 0:17:34- ..but it planted Wales on the map.
0:17:36 > 0:17:40- The 1990s was an era where people - wanted to recreate Wales.
0:17:40 > 0:17:43- A Wales that looked to the future - and not the past.
0:17:44 > 0:17:48- A modern Wales where there was - employment for everyone.
0:17:48 > 0:17:50- We saw the culture of Wales.
0:17:50 > 0:17:54- People created a modern, - young and vibrant Wales.
0:17:55 > 0:18:01- Cardiff was the one place in Wales - that embodied this new energy.
0:18:01 > 0:18:06- Developments in Cardiff Bay - and the centre transformed the city.
0:18:06 > 0:18:09- Young people flocked to the city.
0:18:09 > 0:18:12- One Bala girl who moved there - at this time...
0:18:13 > 0:18:17- ..is the artist and blacksmith, - Angharad Pearce Jones.
0:18:17 > 0:18:21- Creative types landed in Cardiff - at the same time.
0:18:21 > 0:18:25- There were television companies, - artists...
0:18:25 > 0:18:29- ..Catatonia, Manic Street Preachers - and Stereophonics.
0:18:30 > 0:18:32- They were all in this one area.
0:18:32 > 0:18:36- It was a strong - and creative melting pot.
0:18:36 > 0:18:41- # Playing guitar - in a bar in my spare time #
0:18:41 > 0:18:45- This exciting time saw four - furry musicians form a band.
0:18:45 > 0:18:49- They learnt their craft - in the Welsh music scene.
0:18:49 > 0:18:53- Gruff Rhys and Dafydd Ieuan - from Ffa Coffi Pawb...
0:18:53 > 0:18:58- ..Huw Bunford and Guto Pryce from U - Thant and Cian Ciaran from Aros Mae.
0:18:58 > 0:19:01- I was always going to do something - with Gruff.
0:19:01 > 0:19:05- We'd hang out with Guto - and Bunf was friends with Guto...
0:19:06 > 0:19:08- ..and we'd all hang out together.
0:19:08 > 0:19:11- When Super Furry Animals formed...
0:19:11 > 0:19:15- ..they said they wanted to sign - an international contract.
0:19:16 > 0:19:21- We want to use English and any other - language to travel the world...
0:19:22 > 0:19:25- ..and as a result, - we'll produce Welsh songs too.
0:19:27 > 0:19:30- They recorded two EPs with Ankst, - Mwg Drwg and...
0:19:31 > 0:19:36- ..Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndr - obwllllantysiliogogogoch (in space).
0:19:36 > 0:19:39- It's the longest title in pop...
0:19:39 > 0:19:42- ..and the Furries - hit the English headlines.
0:19:43 > 0:19:47- That's why we called the EP - LlanfairPG-blah-blah (in space).
0:19:47 > 0:19:51- We knew that they were going - to take the piss...
0:19:51 > 0:19:56- ..so we handed them the longest, - stupidest word in Welsh on a plate!
0:19:59 > 0:20:04- I remember getting a box full of the - copies of the Super Furry single.
0:20:04 > 0:20:08- I played it and within seconds, - everyone was asking for a copy.
0:20:08 > 0:20:13- That had never happened before - with a Welsh band.
0:20:15 > 0:20:19- At the end of 1995, - after four public performances...
0:20:19 > 0:20:23- ..the music world was eager to sign - Super Furry Animals.
0:20:23 > 0:20:27- They chose Creation Records, - the label owned by Alan McGee.
0:20:27 > 0:20:30- Alan McGee was at our second gig - in London.
0:20:31 > 0:20:34- We did a few demos - for them in Fulham.
0:20:34 > 0:20:37- He came over and said, - "OK, I want to sign you!"
0:20:37 > 0:20:43- We were arrogant enough to think we - were good enough for that to happen.
0:20:43 > 0:20:47- It never crossed our minds - that we wouldn't get signed.
0:20:47 > 0:20:50- # Tinkerbell should have waited... #
0:20:50 > 0:20:53- The future also looked bright - for Catatonia.
0:20:53 > 0:20:56- Their manager at that time, - Rhys Mwyn...
0:20:56 > 0:21:00- ..pushed the band to tour Britain - and further afield...
0:21:00 > 0:21:04- ..and record their debut album, - For Tinkerbell.
0:21:04 > 0:21:09- After recording For Tinkerbell, - we knew it was going to take off.
0:21:10 > 0:21:12- # Before the show #
0:21:12 > 0:21:17- Mark Radcliffe started playing - the song regularly on Radio 1...
0:21:17 > 0:21:19- ..and within days...
0:21:19 > 0:21:23- ..we had phone calls - from about 102 record companies...
0:21:23 > 0:21:25- ..who wanted to hear Catatonia.
0:21:26 > 0:21:31- In February 1995, Catatonia - signed with Blanco y Negro...
0:21:31 > 0:21:34- ..a subsidiary of Warner Bros.
0:21:36 > 0:21:40- After releasing three successful - albums with Ankst...
0:21:40 > 0:21:43- ..Patio, Tatay and Bwyd Time...
0:21:43 > 0:21:47- ..Gorky's Zygotic Mynci - were in demand in one country.
0:21:47 > 0:21:50- The money in the music industry - in Japan...
0:21:51 > 0:21:55- ..and advances they offered - got the Gorky's out of school.
0:21:56 > 0:21:59- Three members of Gorky's - had a wage for a year or two.
0:21:59 > 0:22:02- It enabled them to do - what they wanted.
0:22:02 > 0:22:05- They also got to go to Japan.
0:22:05 > 0:22:09- There were hundreds, - if not thousands of fans...
0:22:09 > 0:22:12- ..waiting for the band - when they landed.
0:22:12 > 0:22:16- The concerts were wild - and they were so successful.
0:22:16 > 0:22:19- People even chased them - down the street.
0:22:19 > 0:22:21- It was like a fantasy.
0:22:21 > 0:22:23- It was bizarre.
0:22:23 > 0:22:28- Gorky's records were released - in Wales, Japan and nowhere else!
0:22:28 > 0:22:31- One of the early images - of Cool Cymru...
0:22:31 > 0:22:36- ..was seeing the footage - of Gorky's playing in Tokyo...
0:22:36 > 0:22:40- ..with these Japanese girls - singing along with them in Welsh.
0:22:43 > 0:22:47- It was looking good - for Welsh bands.
0:22:47 > 0:22:53- Manic Street Preachers were praised - for their album, The Holy Bible.
0:22:54 > 0:22:58- Despite this praise, - the album reflected the anguish...
0:22:58 > 0:23:00- ..of Richey Edwards.
0:23:01 > 0:23:02- After spells in rehab...
0:23:03 > 0:23:08- ..on 1 February 1995, the day before - the band was set to go to America...
0:23:08 > 0:23:13- ..Richey disappeared after leaving - his car near the Severn Bridge.
0:23:13 > 0:23:18- It was a massive blow to the band - and the future was left uncertain.
0:23:22 > 0:23:25- Next time, the bands conquer - the British charts...
0:23:26 > 0:23:29- ..and Welsh politics - changes forever!
0:23:45 > 0:23:47- S4C Subtitles by Tinopolis
0:23:47 > 0:23:47- .