In Johns words: "The Manics appeared in the early 90's antagonizing nearly everyone they came across with their fiercely anti-fashion stance. They put out a homespun philosophy of culture alienation, boredom and despair wrapped in fake leopard skin and lipstick. They rejected slacker culture in favour of proud working class intellectualism and self-determination. Forget the Libertines, Manic Street Preachers are the last truly great mainstream British rock band"