C90 Live Compilation – monthly live night at the Litten Tree, Colwyn Bay, run by DJ Silv and Tom Edney (now ex-Racketears) since autumn 2007. Silv explains that they ‘aim to bring an “evening of live, original music” to the streets of Colwyn Bay. We have also made it into a bilingual night as there is a huge amount of Welsh music which we are trying to expose. We’ve also been working alongside Community Music Wales who’ve helped with the night and bands.’
Cobolt – band (2001) involved with MASE project. More info req’d.
Cob Records – independent record shop orig based in Porthmadog (managed by Tony Owen) where it opened in 1967 selling ex-jukebox singles and within a year set up a mail-order catalogue. Also opened an outlet in Bangor (Dec79). Selling wide range of new & 2nd hand material. There used to be a saying, ‘if Cob can’t get it then no one can.’ Alan Holmes (ex Lungs, Fflaps now Ectogram) worked in the Bangor shop which was run by Owen Hughes (ex Fay Ray) who took over the lease in 1995. Sadly, the Bangor shop closed its doors for the final time 24.03.12 (reviews) (website)
Bev Cocks – porno actress, (b.5.2.75 or 1976) from Wrexham. One of the UK’s best known porn stars, appearing in over 100 adult movies.
Cofi Bach a Tew Shady – Welsh hip-hop outfit from Caernarfon, feat; Kerry Walters and Gronw Roberts (website)
Stacey Cohen – singer songwriter (c2009) from Bangor area. (website)
Cold Committee – Prestatyn band (c2012), feat; Jordan Samuel (gtr,voc), James Cairns (gtr,voc), Adam Bass (bass) and Sam Hughes (drms). Live debut at Party in The Park, Llanddulas 03.06.12. Rel track Ice Man (Feb13) (FB)
Cold Core Theory – Rhyl blues/funk/indie band (formed 2009), feat; Dav (gtr), Ad (bass,gtr), Chris (bass), Tien (drms). (website)
College Girl Project – (2001) collaboration between the industrial Skinflick & the ambient SpongeBrain, both of Bangor, with excellent results. LP Acid Theatre on MP3.
Collide-a-scope – Fanzine/community mag from Rhyl which ran for 9 or 10 issues in 1987. Written by Steve & Erica Rastin. Unusual for fanzines in that it relied on local advertisers to cover running costs. Covered various local issues with features on bands & interestingly a short history on Welsh cattle. Steve later edited Shantytown website. See also Blood & Lipstick, Red Mamba
Colobos – Wrexham alt-country band (formed 2006), feat; Gareth Williams (voc), Roger Hughes (bass), Luis Titchiner (keys,gtr) Ben Kirkham (drms) (later Peakz), Simon J. Dobbs (drms). Gareth and Roger left 20.12.08
Colonel Shrub – Rhyl (?) band (early 90s?); feat; Stuart Maxwell (see also Fluff).
Coloursound – (pic) (1998-2004) project feat; Mike Peters (voc,gtr), Billy Duffy (gtr) (ex The Cult), Craig Adams (bass) (ex The Mission), Johnny Donnelley (drms), occasional stand in drummer Steve Grantly (Stiff Little Fingers). Rel an eponymous album at the end of 1999, & 2 EPs.
Comfy Chairs, Parlour Jim & The – Rhyl based jazzy blues band who have been around since time began and formed by Jim Taylor (gtr) performing at pubs around North Wales. Feat; Guto Lloyd-Davies (also The Fluff) on congas & percussion, Chris Wright (drms) (ex Patchwork, Baby Blue)
Company, The - MOR group the coasts’ musicians, formed 1988, feat; Eric James (keys,gtr.voc), Kev Bailey (nothing to do with the Kev Bailey in Republic) (gtr), Tony Parisella (bass) (see also Jina, Llwybr Cyhoeddus, Harvest Moon, Mwg), Jim Jones (drms), Richie Pond (drms) (see Stonegang) has also been involved. Played Arcadia Theatre Dec92. Frank’s Dad raided their dressing room & nicked their sandwiches & booze.
Company HQ – Denbigh based rock band (early 80s). Feat; Keith Carruthers (voc) last heard of running a pub in Ruthin & David Stewart Jones (bass) (Gyro Gypsy), Gareth Davies (keys) (ex Crator), Steve Cawthray (drms) (ex Crator & V8′s), Nigel Peters (gtr) (ex Terminal), Mike Jones (gtr) (ex Crator), John Daniels (sax), Stan the Man (trmpt) (ex River City Jazz Men). Reviewed by James Hamilton (Mr Motown) Record Mirror. Feat on Rock Solid (HTV)
Complex – band (c2005), involved with MASE. More info req’d
Concrete Kiss – young Chester glam-metal band (formed early09), feat; Lexx Dymond (voc,bass), Lick Valour (gtr), Sonnick Cymbadass (drms). Orig had a 4th member. Played debut gig in Chester, rec EP ‘Welcome To Our Hell’ (website)
Condemned - former name for Elapse.
Confession Box – Rhyl punk-alt band (c2010), feat; Aaron Griffiths (voc,gtr) (ex Blindfold, Crave), Mark (bass), Gavin (gtr), Mike (drms) (website)
Conquistadors – Colwyn Bay band, formed for one gig (2006) then split, feat; Ashley Hammond, Chris McDonald, Edwin Stevens (voc) (Gape), Thomas Mason. Have since talked of reforming, but is unlikely as members have since gone on to form Capguns, Denuo, Jacobi, Klaus Kinski, Sex Hands (website)
Convex – Buckley indie band, (formed May04), feat; Ross Mccaddon (gtr,voc), Pete Mortimer (bass,voc), Sean Williams (drms). Rec LP ‘Empty Vortex’.
Convict – Bangor punk band (formed 17.2.06), feat; Dave (voc), Iwan (gtr), Adam (bass), Louis (drms). May have split by now.
Convoy– band formed Sep01 from Colwyn Bay area. feat; Aaron Roberts (vocs), Stevey Bond (bass), Dave Rigby (drms), Justin Griffiths, James Whittaker (gtrs). Played MASE 08.04.02
Cooara – Mold band feat; Andy Jones (voc,gtr), Jake Hemmings (gtr,voc), Robin Parker (drms,prog), Alli Cameron (bass). Sounded like Led Zep meets Chemical Bros. Formed in 1996 from the remnants of Girohead. Robin left ‘98, & they changed their name to Speedball 17.
Cool Colour Purple - Rhyl band (formed 2003), feat; ‘Hilly’ (voc), Jay Blythin (gtr) (ex The Cox), Gazz Lewis (bass), Jonny Barton (gtr), Si Markendale (drms). Played 1st gig Aug03 after which Jay left. Have EP ‘Baby, Lets Share Eyeliner’
Corky’s Cat – Nu-jazz band (c2007), feat; Betsan Lloyd (voc,keys), Phil Powell (bass), Colin Owen (drms) (website)
Corky’s Kittens – off shoot of Corky’s Cat feat; Emma Briscoe and Linda Noden
Cornucopia – Wrexham band (formed 01), feat; Mike (voc), Thomas (bass), Steve (gtr), Daz (drms). Acoustic rock infl, rel 4 trk demo within 2mnths of forming. More info req’d
Corridor – feat; Aled Roberts (voc) (now of Dau Cefn), Dewi Wood (drms), Simon Beech (gtr) (all ex Boff Frank Bough), Iwan Williams (bass), released a CD (2000) Average Welsh Band & before that a tape Sesiwn. Both on Recordiau Awen. (website)
Coryphaeus – Anglesey death-black metal band (formed 21.1.08 in school), feat; Gareth Thomas (voc,gtr,keys), Ben Jones (voc,gtr,bass), Sion Mason (drms). (website)
Cottrell, Ian – Welsh DJ / TV Presenter from Connah’s Quay – (read S4C biog)
Courteous Thief – Colwyn Bay / Llandudno acoustic rock band (c2009), feat; Gary Roberts (gtr,voc), Justin van Marle (gtr) (both ex Whiteside), Carl Hughes (bass), Cumi Pants (drms) (ex 4Q, Franks Dad, Sons of Selina, Affliction, Alien Matter, Deadlight Spiral), joined in Jul11 by Gary Gumpsh (gtr) (ex 4Q, Franks Dad, Wild Mornings) who replaced Dave Malam. App live in session on BBC Radio Wales’ Evening Session 02.08.10. Rel debut LP ‘Symphony’ (6.2.11), followed by single Eyes Wide Open (Nov11). Joined on keys (Oct11) by Steve Sync (ex Sync, Sons of Selina, Alien Matter, Affliction) (more) (website)
Cousin Grace – Wrexham / Chester indie band, formerly called Roundabout, version #1 formed (Spring 91~May92) – David Clutton (gtr/voc), Tim Holdsworth (bass), Jeremy Swash (vox), Ian Powell (drms), Russell Sheldrick (gtr). Gigged around Wrexham/Chester area, Rec demos at Dead Sound Studios, & Walsall College. Cousin Grace #2 (May92~Mar94) – David Clutton (gtr,voc,keys), Tim Holdsworth (bass), Jeremy Swash (voc), Steve Gorse ‘Tash’ (drms) (ex Carnage, Bomb Disneyland), Frank Whitehead (gtr,voc,keys). Gigged extensively around UK. Rec 3 Demo Tapes at Pentagon Studios, Widnes, & Hard City Studios, L’pool. Rel self-financed 7″ single ‘Follower of Fools / Wannabe’. Played many support gigs, incl ‘The Tansads’ & ‘Miltown Brothers’. Supported ‘Mike Peters & the Poets….’ at the first ‘Gathering’ at Rhyl Town Hall Dec92. Cousin Grace #3 (David Clutton & Tim Holdsworth) now exists as a studio band.
Cover, The – Rhyl band (late 70s early 80s?), feat; John Wray (gtr), Tim Stone (bass), Jon Farrington (drms). Named The Cover cos they played covers, mainly of The Jam (whose sartorial elegance they also copied) & The Who. Supported Mercenary Skank.
Cowbois Rhos Botwnnog – (pic) country, rocka-psychobilly band from Rhos Botwnnog (formed 2006), feat; Twm Colt (voc,gtr), Edgar Sgarled (voc,bass), Dei Morlo (voc, drms). (website)
Cox, The – (pics) Rhyl hardcore punk band (2002-04), feat; Leigh Hodson (ex-Floaters Revenge), Ste Ska and Dave Cox Warburton (ex Chinese Chicken Balls, later Der Bomber) Rec EP You Know Who We Mean on own Drunk Munkey Recs. Rel Nailbomb The Dancefloor single (Jan04) of which an edited vers rec’d countless airplays on Adam Walton’s BBC Radio Show. Also rel LP ‘Full Length Cox’ (Jan04). Band split Jun04 having achieved what they set out to do. (biog)
Crai Records – Welsh language record label based in Caernarfon, a subsidiary of the more folk-oriented Sain Records. Began life in 1989, & its current roster includes the back catalogues of original Welsh punks Anhrefn, folk-roots band Bob Delyn, hard-edged Catatonia, ex-Alarm vocalist Mike Peters & reggae band One Style, who, though based in London, apparently have a strong affinity with Wales. Ex-Anhrefn bassist Rhys Mwyn now has a leading role with the label.
Crash Disco – electro-beats project by Gruff Jones of Bangor. Had session mix aired on Adam Walton’s BBC Radio Wales show Aug10 (repeated 2.1.11)
Crasis – 3-pc school punk band formed 2003 as Ethos, from Ruthin feat; Isaac Birchall (gtr) (brother of Neil Crud), , Robert ‘Twiggy’ May (bass), Kieran ‘Bambi’ Elsdon (drms) (son of Bomb Disneyland‘s Mark Cooper) (website)
Crator – Denbigh rock band, formed 1974. feat; Gareth Davies (keys) (later Midlife Crisis), Steve Cawthray (drms), Mike Jones (gtr), Peter Watkin Jones (early member) (gtr) (Driving Wheels). Richard Harris (ex Wild Weasel) (gtr) (ex `Handsome Beasts` a Birmingham heavy rock outfit mid 80`s.). Rel single Blas Da (1979). Gareth is now head teacher at Ysgol Frongoch
Crave – band (formed 2003), formerly called Flea Cirkus. Feat; Lee Dawson (voc,gtr) (later Bright Young People), Lee Roberts (drms), Aaron ‘Azz’ Griffiths (bass) (later of Blindfold, Confession Box), Mike Ellis (gtr). Started gigging Jan04, rel ‘Today’s The Day’ EP (Mar05) (listen)
Crazed, The – Llandudno based psychobilly band of mid 80s, feat; Paul Duffield, Fred Howard, Phil Marshall, Mark Duffield (also of Prophet Scizmatic), & Alan. More info req’d.
Crazy Little Sister - Abergele based band (approx 1991). Feat; Steven Edge (bass,voc), Mike Bennett (gtr), Stephen Hughes (Stand in drummer). Supported Eazy To Smile.
Cream Tangerine – Wrexham band (formed summer’99), feat; Gini (gtr,voc), Joni (keys), Laszlo (drms), Zen (bass), Joey (gtr). rated as eclectic with good material. Played The Stand, Rhyl 30.09.2000, aired live on Adam Walton’s Radio Wales show (Mar03) & supp Bluetones, Stands, Haven. Rel EP ‘Horseface’ (Apr02), ’7 Deadly Skins’ (Jul03), ‘Kerb This’ (Mar04). See also Redi Nights (website)
Creision Hud – Caernarfon band (formed 2006), feat; Rhydian Lewis (gtr), Ifan Williams (gtr) and brothers Sion (bass) and Cai Llwyd (drms). Rel single Ffyrdd Gwyrdd (Ciwdod 15.12.08) (website)
Crimson – Mold based alternative rock-indy-born-again Christian band. The reason for, & the driving force behind, the band is not just having fun & making good music. Crimson is all about telling young people that there is life, rich, deep life, & eternal life in Jesus Christ. That anyone who turns to Him will find forgiveness for what they’ve done, & will find God. You can visit their website, or call at your local church.
Crippen – (c2001) ‘punky/metally/poppy’ band from Llanrwst area feat; Ben (voc), Stu (gtr), Matt (bass), Jase (drms). Played a few gigs, mainly at the Swallow Falls (Betws y Coed) Formed late 2000 with another Matt (gtr) who was ousted soon after. Rec (Apr01) demo in ‘a shit little shed just outside Llanrwst’ called ‘Loss of Face’ and feat tracks Want You Dead, Vitriolic Outburst, Bleeding And Open Hearted, Voices Of The Silent and Burning Flag. Involved with the MASE organisation
Crocodile Records – specialist independent record stall at Rhyl’s Queens Market Hall (1985-88), supplying the latest major & indie releases. Russ than had an outlet in Mold, which closed down a few years ago. Later had a stall in Manchester Uni Students Union, he was also to be found selling his wares at Scooter Rallies around the country & also had a stall every year at Reading Festival.
Crosbi – Wrexham band (now based in L’pool & Manc), feat; Andy Jones, one of two sets of brothers in the band, play melodic rock with a verve and passion beyond their years.
Crud – North Wales based fanzine that broke all the rules & turned the local press into an occupied zone for 2 years. Prototype copy 1st issued in Nov86 as Crud #0. This & #1 was put together by Neil Crud, Wayne The Bastard & Edi Filmstar. Wayne assisted with #2 with Jill The Ripper, before Neil went it alone by #4. Reached a print run of 5000 thanks to Neil relocating to Leeds in summer 1988 & aquiring outlets in the city, Manchester & L’pool. The fanzine Crud reached new heights (or lows) with front page news after an article on helping people to shoplift. Then the 6th issue had an advert stating ‘Be Warm Be Wise Be An Arsonist’ which provoked a wave of fury, the Gt.Manchester Fire Chief appeared on Radio 2 condemning the zine & the story ran in the Daily Mirror. Then Crud #7 ran a joke on the then North Wales Police Superintedent, who threatened to sue the publication. Writs then followed from The Daily Express over a cartoon of Rupert The Bear growing cannabis & a BBC producer threatened libel action over his name being used as the author of obscene poetry. The final issue of Crud #8 faced the wrath of the North Wales police force & the Home Office, Neil was arrested & charged with possessing with intent to supply obscene literature (Crud) & shop owners were also arrested for selling the ‘zine. It had ran its course by the time the Home Office, police & national papers started taking an interest.
Crud, Neil - Editor of Crud fanzine, former guitarist & bassist with 4Q & Psycho Sexual Sex Terrestrials (PSST), later of Sons of Selina. Began the fanzine in Nov86 & helped form 4Q in May87 both subjects are well documented elsewhere. Decided to split 4Q & end Crud fanzine in Sep90 & began concentrating on other projects, Lemon Meringue Gang, Sons of Selina, Jon Bon 10p, PSST, all of which ran concurrently. Also sang briefly for heavy rock covers band NRG in Oct-Nov87. Moved to Greece in 1991 to remove himself from the past 5 years, returned the following year & rel vinyl with both Sons of Selina & the Psychosexuals (the latter ironically, after having been ousted from the band). The Sons of Selina activity of rel 2 albums & 3 singles is again well documented elsewhere. Neil was the subject of a short retrospective look at his career on BBC Choice TV show In Full View (Nov99) & then rec 5-minute slots in a ten-part cult programme, Sleeping Dogs, of which only one was broadcast. In Jul01 he relaunched the Secrets of Sound label & produced an EP for Pocket Venus, & subsequently managed the band in 2002. In Jan04 he began a monthly slot on Adam Walton‘s BBC Radio Wales show demoing material from bands feat on this website (which ran until Nov05), he also hosted 3 entire shows covering for Adam’s holidays. Also edits this website and was part of the 1000 Words Production video team. In Jul12 he joined/formed punk band Braxton Hicks
Crud Crew – tag given those involved with the fanzine Crud; Neil Crud, Wayne The Bastard, Edi Filmstar, Cumi Pants, Paul Puke, Matt Vinyl, Gumpsh, Robin Reliant, Jill The Ripper, Ann The Beermonster, Jane Bach, The Dub Brothers, Helen The Hair, Annie & The VD Crew, Dean Obscene, Bodger John, etc etc
Crumble – Prestatyn band prev called Dred then changed name back to Dred (Jan05)
Crusty Cheese – short lived project in 2006 by Bodelwyddan based Joe Booker (voc,keys,drms) (also Gintis), Gwynan Hughes (bass,keys,voc). Played happy pop tunes with pretty tasteless lyrics about stapling their testicles to trees etc! Orig feat Mark and Grant (website)
Cryogenics – Cyffylliog rock band, heavily influenced by Led Zeppelin (c1990), feat; Tim Shakespeare (gtr) Womble (voc), Simon Morris (drms) Gareth Evans (bass). Mostly performed gigs round Ruthin and area, supported Ruff, Ruff & Ready at Ruthin Leisure Centre (who Gareth later saw at Glastonbury), once offered a support slot with Engine, and (as Gareth says) ‘nearly did a gig with 4Q at Ruthin Town Hall but got cancelled – did make the local newspaper – heady days!’ Rel demo ‘Live At Leisure’.All but Womble joined Kaleidoscope Deep
Cuban Heels – Wrexham based garage band (late 80s), feat; RP McMurphy (drms), Steve ‘Dick’ Barton (gtr,voc), Richard King (bass,voc). Rec demo at Amazon Studios, L’pool Feb’89 ‘5/4 Favourite’ 4 tracks incl; These Boot Are Made For Walking. Played well over 100 gigs. More info req’d.
Cubics – Abergele beat band (1960s). Supp The Spectres (who became Status Quo).
Cut The Mustard – Bethesda based outfit (pre-1992), feat; Jim ‘Spread’ Andrews (ex Offspring), Les Morrison, Sion Jones (gtr) (ex Maffia Mr Hughes, Anhrefn), his brother, Gwyn (also from Maffia), and another Shaun referred to as “The Mad Scouse Fiddler” who still lives on his own in Bethesda. According to Jim they played “infectious music”.
Cut Tunes – Bangor based band (1983-93) orig feat; Gary Cut, Alan Holmes (later of Flaps, Lungs, Ectogram), Maeyc Hewitt (drms), Ian MacMillan (perc) & Phil Leyton (sax). Later Jim Prosser (sax), Ann Matthews (Flaps) (clarinet). Described as industrial white noise, debut rel, 12″ Shakespeare on Alan’s Central Slate label in Sep 85, received airplay from John Peel. Band’s classic line up was in 1986 feat, Gary Cut, Nick Hadley, Pete Townshend, Steve Tate, Maeyc & Ian. Soon to be join by John Wyer (ethnic perc) & Meryl Barton (keys). Band became very popular in Bangor before almost becoming the darlings of the music industry after a series of explosive gigs in London. See website for superb history. See also Cut 23. (discography)
Cut 23 –Bangor based industrial noise merchants (1994-present) feat; Gary Cut, Betsan Williams (nee Lloyd) (ex Sugarcubes, Munchies) & Dewi Evans. Released LP Metal Ghosts described as ‘a soundtrack for the end of the world.’ See excellent website. (discography)
Cut 72 – variant project by Gary Cut of Bangor; rel LP Insane Asylum (Jun09)
Cwn Dall – Bethesda based outfit (pre-1992). More info req’d.
Cyffro – (or Y Cyffro), feat; Malcolm Lloyd & Teri Owen (voc), Dave Roberts (gtr) (also of Last Chance UK), Derek Hughes (gtr), Huw Jones (bass), Merion Jones (drms), band reformed 2001 having been big in 70s, but as opposed to every other Welsh rock band out then they’re back doing new stuff instead of playing the old stuff they used to be popular for. 2001 rel CD ‘Dechrau o’r Diwedd’ on Recordiau Awen, then 2002 CD ‘Byw am y Weekend’ on Sain Both CD available in shops. (website), (MP3).
Y Cymry – Graigfechan folk band (formed 1993), feat; Jim Rowlands (voc,gtr), Tom Gaudig (bass), Frank Hampart (drms), Bill Monk (gtr), Hywel John (harp,voc). Played many gigs in France as well as home. Rel; LPs Gobaith (M10 2001), Pasbort (SAIN 2001), Odell Barnes Blues (BMG 2002). (website)
Cynganeddwyr, Y – band formed in 1970s, feat; Geraint Jarman (voc,gtr) (ex Bara Menyn), Pete Hurley (bass), Arran Ahmun (drms). Name means ‘The Poets’. Ankstmusic rel ‘Yn Fyw 1977-81 Live’ showing the band at the peak of their career, reaching almost superstar status. Continue to rel material incl EP ‘Moladron (Sain 2002). Pete has also concurrently been working with Van Morrison at has Arran with John Martyn.
Cyra Elia - Llandudno band (1998) 3-pc feat; Cyra (voc), Bluejooz (keys). Gigged with Marcher Coast roadshow & rel 4 CDs. Dec01 reformed. (website)
Cyrff – Llanrwst based indie band. (1984-1992), feat; Mark Roberts (voc/gtr), Barry Cawley (gtr), Paul Jones (bass), Dylan Hughes (drms). Rel 7″ singles Pethau Achlysurol / Hwyl Fawr Heulwen, Pum Munud, Trwy’r Cymylau, Y Testament Newydd, Yr Atgofodi EP. Final rel Llawenydd Heb Diwedd. Dylan joined Anhrefn & was replaced by Mark Kendall. After their split, 2 members, Mark & Paul went on to form Catatonia. Barry, who became Catatonia’s guitar technician was tragically killed in a road accident near his hometown in July00. (website)
Cyrion – Llangefni / Bala electro outfit, feat; Rhodri Owen (keys), Theston Jones (drms). Going since c2008 (website)
Cyris – Mold band (c2002), feat; Jeff (b.27.8.85) (voc) (later Sullen), Thomas (b.4.12.83) (bass) (ex Heathen, later Sullen), Dan (b.6.6.85) (drms) (ex Mirus). Rel ‘Apparitions’ EP 8.11.02.
Cytgord- formed in 1985 by Dafydd Rhys & Gareth Siôn. Its main purpose (among others) was to set up an information & news research organisation which would give a boost to the rock scene in Wales. The company used to publish the now defunct monthly pop magazine Sothach. Cytgord still publish a weekly Welsh Music Chart, & provides information to the BBC & others.
