James Dean Bradfield is the lead guitarist and vocalist for the famous Welsh rock band Manic Street Preachers. Regarded by many of their fans as one of the most talented popular guitarists of his generation. He was due to be named "Clint Eastwood Bradfield", after his father's favourite actor, however a compromise had to be reached with James' mother.

On 27 April 2006, a track from Bradfield's upcoming debut solo album entitled "That's No Way To Tell a Lie" premiered on Janice Long's show on Radio 2.

Bradfield played three dates in late May 2006 (Manchester Roadhouse, King Tut's Glasgow and London Barfly) to offer fans a chance to preview his new solo material. He also played a couple of Manic Street Preachers songs such as "Ocean Spray" to which he contributed the lyrics and "This Is Yesterday"

Released as a single on the 10th July 2006, "That's No Way To Tell a Lie" charted at number 18.

His solo album "The Great Western" was released on Columbia Records on 24th July 2006 and reached number 22 in the Album Chart. He also has enlisted the help of Super Furry Animals drummer Daf Ieuen to provide drums for the track "Run Romeo Run". Nicky Wire provides lyrics for the track "Bad Boys and Painkillers". The album also includes a cover of Jacques Brel's "To See a Friend In Tears".

He is currently scheduled to play a solo concert at the 2006 V Festival in late August, and has announced he is playing 14 tour dates in October 2006. He is also believed to be involved in writing and recording sessions for the next Manic Street Preachers studio album believed to be released in Spring 2007.