After signing to the Sony label, "Stay Beautiful" became the Manics' first Top 40 single in July 1991, followed in early 1992 by a re-issued version of "You Love Us" which cracked the Top 20. From here on, they began to attract a devoted, even obsessional fan base, while insisting that their debut LP would be their last - there would be no opportunity to sell out. In the event Generation Terrorists (February 1992) was not followed by a split.After a rash of singles - including a cover of "Suicide Is Painless", which hit the Top 10 in September 1992, as they embarked on a US tour - a second LP, Gold Against The Soul (1993), revealed a more polished, anthemic sound. The anger remained, however, as did the 'them and us' stance, with motormouth Nicky berating everyone from New Age travellers to R.E.M.'s Michael Stipe.
