Rock band the Manic Street Preachers yesterday launched a battle to save the school where they first met.
Singer James Dean Bradfield, bassist Nicky Wire, drummer Sean Moore and guitarist Richey Edwards - who mysteriously went missing in 1995 - formed the group when teenagers.
They would "talk constantly about music" in between lessons at Oakdale Comprehensive School near their home in Blackwood, Gwent.
With teachers' encouragement, they formed the Manic Street Preachers, eventually selling millions of records globally.
But the 680-strong school, with 183 surplus places, is at risk because of falling pupil numbers.
Wire has joined his poet brother Patrick in trying to save it. He said: "We're very sad that this school is earmarked for closure."
A final decision will be made by Caerphilly County Council by March. If it goes ahead, the school will be closed in 2007.
|