Manic Street Preachers said they felt very close to Richey Edwards while recording their latest album.
Frontman James Dean Bradfield said using the missing guitarist's final lyrics on the upcoming album, Journal For Plague Lovers, was like being in a "full band" again.Speaking to XFM, he said that the album was based around a "booklet" of lyrics left by Edwards "on the eve of his disappearance".
Edwards mysteriously vanished on 1st February 1995 and was declared presumed deceased in November last year.
Bradfield said: "For years we haven't felt like we were ready to tackle the lyrics or use them in any songs. But as the time has passed, it suddenly felt that it was right to use these lyrics.
"Over the years myself and Nick have picked up the lyrics and looked at them in awe, but haven't felt ready, but it was only two years ago that we felt ready, like we could do this really."
He added: "We really enjoyed it, but there was a sense of responsibility to do Richey's words justice. I suppose that was part of the whole thing of letting enough time lapse.
"Once we actually got into the studio and we started actually making the music, it almost felt as if we were a full band again. It was as close to him being in the room again as possible.
"We actually enjoyed feeling as if we were in a band with Richey again."
Journal For Plague Lovers is released on May 18, and the band tour the UK in May and June.
