Face Ache – Rhyl school punk band (c2001), feat; Spikey Cat (drms). Later called Kneejerk.
Face Fish – Bangor band (formed 2008), feat; Maeyc (gtr) (of Ectogram died 2015), Mark (bass), Wills (voc), Ian (drms) (website)
Face to Face – band (2000) from Bangor area (?)
The Fades – indie-rock’n’roll band from Bangor (formed 2012), feat; Duffy (voc), Jack (gtr), Jordan (bass), Lewis (drms). (website)
The Fag Machine – Wrexham psyche-band (formed 2008), feat; Philip (voc), Iggy (gtr), Dan (gtr), Alfie (bass), Lazlo (drms). Rel EPs ‘New Ways to Walk’, ‘The Safety Word’ (26.04.09), ‘Interrogation’ (2011), and vinyl Album ‘Daylight Saving’ (2013). Changed name (and direction) to Lovers Open Fire (Jan14) (bandcamp)
Fairhurst – Rhyl based DJ, Rhys Fairhurst (b.21.09.99). Collaborated on track Gweld Dy Hun as Endaf, Skylrk & Fairhurst and rec’d airplay on BBC Radio Cymru from Lisa Gwilym (11.08.21), also had a 20min mix aired on BBC Radio Wales’ Bethan Elfyn show (18.09.21). Rhys is nephew of Neil Crud.
Fairziff – The man behind the now defunct Blind Lesbian Dwarf Appreciation Society website. Born Mike Fairhurst in 1968, Fairziff’s adult life was spent drinking with the likes of Steve Sync & Andy Fatman & getting into many a predicament. Sang for Zig-Zag Quad. Discovering the medium of the internet Fairziff set about harnessing his wit & wisdom into the pages of the BLDAS, eventually earning him a front page headline with the Evening Leader newspaper, & a ban from AOL for his too close to the truth website. Shouts ‘Come’ on Sons of Selina track Once Bitten (Fire In The Hole LP). 2001 broke into TV with a leading role on a 5 minute sketch on BBC Choice programme Sleeping Dogs.
Fake City Lights – Bangor indie band (2008), feat; Sean Lee (gtr), Stuart Jones (keys,voc), Danny Morrison (drms), Sandy (bass) – changed name to Chillingtons (Aug11). (website)
Fall & Rise – band (2001) involved with MASE project. More info req’d.
Fall Of Dysphoria – metal band from Colwyn Bay (c2015), feat; Thomas Doody, Connor Thomas, James Irwin, Adam Bevins. Some members used to be in Surrounded By Silence. Rel online single Reflections (31.07.15) (soundcloud)
Falling Not Flying – Colwyn Bay post-hardcore/emo/screamo band (c2006), prev called Plan B, feat; Alan Roberts (voc), Ryan McIntyre (gtr), Nick Coles (gtr), Coop (bass), Jason Jones (drms). Coop joined just before debut gig when orig bassist (name?) left. (website)
Falls – mad, bad, noisy band from Flintshire (formed 2011), feat; Martin Gallagher (gtr,voc), Ben Griffiths (bass,voc) (both ex Stokoz To Moscow), Phil Kelsall (gtr,voc), Steff Jones (drms). Noted for their incendiary live performances. Rel ‘Dirtbox EP’ (28.04.14) and 7″ single Mastiff (Too Pure 30.3.15), rel d/l single Mlik (23.11.15). Been in session on Radio One. Announced Jan17 that they had up (bandcamp)
Family Dog – now defunct rock band from Bangor area (c1998). Feat; Barry Nolan (drms) (ex Depth), Rhian Mostyn (voc), Tex (gtr), Curls (bass).
Family of The Year – Los Angeles band (c2012), feat; the Keefe brothers from Wrexham, who emigrated to the States (website)
Fantastic – Rhyl band (1992) styled on Jesus & Mary Chain, feat, Dean ‘Obscene’ Roberts (see also PSST, Hate Time) (gtr), Hot Scott Causer (bass) (later Electric Mainline, Perfect Blue, Premonitions, Cult Of Free Love), Dave ‘The Rave’ Jones (later, PSST, Agent 1475), Rob Snapshot (later of Grasshopper, Premonitions) & Johnny Napalm (voc). Lasted one incident packed gig (review).
Fat Bob – band involved with the MASE organisation
Father Karrus – new name for 90s metal-grunge band from Bangor, Plastic.
Fatty Hatners – Colwyn Bay band (early 90s) feat; Nathan Page & Terry Watkinson (both also of Radionic, Gizmo), Mark ‘Dusty Moo’ Moonan (later of Babakin, PSST 2001, Affliction, West Coast Sick Line). Naldo Algieri (Pocket Venus). The 4 were only together for about 2 months before Naldo’s departure. The remaining 3 played the Cayley, Rhos-on-Sea twice, The Central in Colwyn Bay, & Conwy Civic hall. Moo said, ‘Terry was regarded as the best drummer the band had ever seen but he’s now roaming the Bay off his head.’
Fashion Victims – band (1990) feat; Steve Buckley (later of Mr Big Time Recs, GMX Stuns) (bass,b.voc), Steve Hughes (drms) & Paul Claxton (voc,gtr), both later to play in Pineapple. Played only one gig doing loads of Wonderstuff & Neds Atomic Dustbin covers at the Bee in Rhyl & split-up.
Fatal Mistake – new name for Anglesey band Dirge before they split in 1992
Fathead – 3-pc rock/punk band from Rhyl & Meliden, formed 1999. Played on the opening night of Cats in Rhyl (Mar00) & took up residency at The Stand in Rhyl – described in SLF, early Clash mould. Britney Spears’ Baby One More Time was inc in the live set. Feat; Luke Drummond (voc,gtr) (b.1982), Ben Jackson (drms), (later Fudged), Jamie Cardno (bass) (later Floaters Revenge, Der Bomber). Jamie was also been spotted doing acoustic sets (review). Band now split
Andy Fatman – Andy Heywood, born 1968 in Penmaenmawr, name Fatman after being appointed sheriff of Rhyl. Founder of the Yassassin name partnering Neil Crud playing alternative dance & industrial music at The Bistro, Rhyl 1996-98, before going solo at the same venue for another year. Co-writer on the Sons of Selina track Our Glass. Fatman is the man who could say he was there at virtually every musical event in the latter history of North Wales. Use to write reviews for this website. Also app on Walton’s Records on BBC Radio Wales (Jun05).
Fay Ray – Bangor band (formed 1980, orig called Fay Ray & The Rubbermen) feat ex-Hot Water members, Sheila Brook McCartney (voc) (later, Turnstone, now Babel), Owen Hughes (drms), John Lovering (gtr), Jeff Taylor (sax), with Tony Travis (bass). Worked with Nigel Gray (producer for The Police) and rel a 1980 Surrey Sound single Family Affairs (1980 on Surrey Sound) and LP ‘Contact You’ and single Heatwave (both 1982 on WEA). Were staples of the Tuesday Night Rock Nite at Plas Coch. Supported Killing Joke in London (29.05.80). John Lovering, a guitarist who looked like Robert Fripp, was last seen as a college lecturer in Bristol. Jeff still lives in Menai Bridge. Sheila McCartney now does voice coaching and theatre stuff, occasionally works with MASE and has run a small ladies choir The Bluebelles since 1995. Lovering is now Professor at Cardiff Uni and one time advisor to the Clinton administration (Eastern Europe expert). Owen ran Cob Records in Bangor. Reformed to play gig at Neuadd Ogwen, Bethesda (20.12.14) and subsequently have done so. John Lovering sadly died 21.03.22
FBF – Anglesey based prog-metal-funk band – 1994-95, featuring Dave P (voc,gtr), Dean (bass) (ex-Just for the Halibut), Duncan Black (gtr), Dan Alexander (gtr), (also played for Fubar, Mucus, Skink, Nexxus Empire, Lullaby For A Unicorn) and Chris ‘Squirrel’ Jones (drms) (also Red, Mucus, Y Profiad). Band used to play space-rock, punk, heavy metal and Prince-type music. One demo recorded, of which the finest moment is a cover of The Ace of Spades. After necking copious amounts of narcotics, Dean improvised the lyrics – Duncan says, ‘We didn’t think Dean’s song How many coppers can you kill with a letter bomb? was fit for public consumption. The recording’s pretty funny though. FBF stands for something pretty offensive – I can’t bring myself to tell you what it means.’ FBF played 3 or 4 gigs in North Wales, before fizzling out in 1995.
Fear ‘n’ Loathing – (pic) 3-piece punk band from Rhyl (formed 1998 as Homespun). Feat; Terry Foster (voc,gtr), Geth Jones (bass), Tony Tuna Foster (drms). Forced to change name Sep03 after legal wrangle with members of Beautiful South who used the name. Changed their name to The Hellfire Club (Jul05) but then appeared in Bar Blu, Rhyl under the F’n’L moniker (Sep05) and by Jan06 had reclaimed the Homespun title. Tony and Terry ended up in Kicking Seagulls
Fear Of Flying – Rhyl band (formed late06). More info req’d
Fear Of Flying – Chester ska band (late 70s / early 80s), feat; Pete Benbow (drms), Richie Sherrat (gtr), Paul Swindley (gtr), Chris Thomas (voc), Ken Webster (bass). Played lots around the city and North Wales. Rel single Tired / This Thing (Fobik Recs 1981). Chris is father of Matt Thomas (Modern King) More info req’d
Feedback – Colwyn Bay, Abergele outfit, formed spring 2000, of punk/indie genre feat; Mark (voc,gtr), Alun (bass), Sion (gtr), Dan (drms), Simon (keys, perc) (website)
Feedback – Denbigh band, feat; Sarah Davies (voc,bass), Alun Roberts (gtr), Colin Jones (gtr) (later of Dressed Naked, Sabretooth), Martyn Peters (drms) (son of Nigel Peters of Terminal). Played 1st gig at Denbigh High School 19.10.02. Sarah has also performed acoustic solo shows, inc Pigstock (Aug02, Aug04). Band split Oct03 after a drunken gig at Bar Blu Rhyl. Sarah now performs acoustic solo shows as well as a guest for Giro Gypsies (website)
Felix And the Bosscats – name used by The Predictors to avoid having their gig wrecked by local Hell’s Angels The Henchmen (c1978)
Festival No.6 – rock festival held in Portmeirion Village, first in 2012, headlined by Primal Scream, Spiritualized, New Order. Also had a strong local Welsh music presence. 2013 saw Manic Street Preachers, My Bloody Valentine and Chic headline. As festival grew popular so did the prices. Definitely aimed at middle class indie-types and is successful at doing so. One commentator said, ‘They only photograph the pretty people.’ (reviews) (website)
The Fetish – Ruthin punk band (c2002), prev called Paracite, feat; Luiz Stockler (gtr,voc), Joe Coope, Rhys, Richard Shemilt (bass). Became Hoodwink
Fetish Faye – Llandudno based goth band (c1985) feat; drummer Paul Hulme who went on to found 4Q, Simon Baguley (bass) & James Baguley (gtr), Nick Berry (gtr) who later moved to Greece (accompanied by Wayne The Bastard) before moving to Waunfawr & Doug Downes (ex Big Waves, Picture Palace) (his brother Rob Downes was in Then Jericho). James was involved in a fight with 4Q’s Edi Filmstar after a Fetish Fay gig in the Speakeasy in Llandudno & ironically Simon auditioned for 4Q after Neil Crud had quit the band in 1990. Played 4 gigs, 2 at Penrhyn Old Hall & 2 at The Speakeasy.
A Few Good Men – Llandudno band (1987-88) feat; Ron Hornsby (voc) (also Hunneymonsters), Mark Thatcher (bass) (ex Llwybr Cyhoeddus, Grams, Route 66, now Deadline), Tony Parisella (ex Llwybr Cyhoeddus, Harvest Moon, Jina), Stef Querci (drms) (ex Llwybr Cyhoeddus), James Dixon (gtr).
Ffa Coffi Bawb – obscure Welsh language band (1987-92) became Super Furry Animals. feat; Gruff Rhys (voc,gtr), Rhodri Puw (gtr) (later of Gorky’s Zygotic Mynci), Dewi Emlyn (bass), Daffyd Ieuan (drms). Gruff (b.1970) is from Bethesda in N.Wales, & started messing around with instruments at a “rock-school” type place in a disused hall when he was 12. He then went on to play with early Creation band “Emily” before fronting Ffa Coffi Pawb. First rel was possibly a demo ‘Dalec Peilon’ (on Cassetiau Huw 1987). They soon became well known in Wales & cass LP Clymhalio (on Ankst 1991), & Hei Vidal! (1992). Not bad for a band whose name colloquially translates into “Fuck Off Everyone” in English, HTV Wales wouldn’t caption Ffa Coffi Pawb when they appeared on screen, & made them change the billing to FCP. They split up after making their classic 3rd LP. Also released a live tape with the Crumblowers called ‘Angylion’. The tracks were Valium, Mae’n Gwneud Fy Mhen i Mewn, Telyn Wedi Trwsio & Rege Racs Mwnci. It was recorded at the Square Club in Cardiff on 3.8.88. A flexi-disc also appeared feat their song Gwn, together with a track by Terry Waite Ar Asid (Chicken Jane). Gruff apparantly met fellow Super Furry member Huw Bunford on the roof of a moving train shortly before being asked to get off the train at the next station. His influences include Jeff Lynne, ELO & the Beach Boys. Most of Gruffs’ ELO record collection was “complete shit”. But apparently he “liked to find the beauty in the shitness”. Before forming SFA he used to go to Daf’s house with analogue equipment & a drum machine & jam for 12 hours on end. “It was mad stuff, very fast. You’d get a tune ringing in your head, then one night one tune turned into a song If You Don’t Want Me To Destroy You“. Dafydd Ieuan from Anglesey, is the brother of Cian who apparently both went to the same school as Aled Jones. Released Cymryd Y Pys 12″ on Ankst 1992.
Ffandango – band from Anglesey, rel CD “Gwres Canolog” (Central Heating). All students at various colleges. Arwel Stephen (voc,oboe), Meilyr Wyn (keys), Gwion Gwilym (gtr), Robin Owain (bass), Jams Ward (drms)
FFF – name change used by The Fluff‘s management without the band’s consent to take part in ‘a Song for Europe’ (they lost). However, using a revamped 10CC song, Then There’s A Knock At The Door [see] earned them a spot on Top of The Pops in May95 (watch)
Ffilm Ffwoar – video project (Sep06) set up by Johnny R (see also R-bennig), no doubt as part of his relentless campaign to wind up the Welsh mainstream. (website)
Fflaps – Bangor noise-trash-garage band (Apr87-1993) feat; Ann Matthews (voc,gtr) (ex Alternative Destinations, later Ectogram), Alan Holmes (bass & later producer for Gorkys) (later Ectogram, ex Parking Non-Stop, Lungs, Reinheitsgebot, Third Spain, Spectralate) & Johnny Flaps Evans (drms) who sadly died after an illness Mar01, age 33. Played a few early gigs with 4Q in 1987 before branching more into the Welsh scene & changing their name from Flaps after 1st 2 shows to play 154 gigs in 7 countries. Recordiau Anhrefn gave them their 1st vinyl break in 1988 with a self-titled EP, then followed 3 LPs: ‘Amhersain’ (1988) & ‘Malltod’ (1990), both on L’pool’s Probe Recs, & ‘Fflaps’ (Central Slate Recs 92). Rec 2 sessions for John Peel. Also feat occasionally Dewi Evans (ex-Dros Ben Llestri) & also Stephen Davies on keys during a tour of Germany & France in 1993, Maeyc Hewitt was playing as a replacement drummer as Johnny left to continue college studies & the band became Ectogram. In 2022 Ankst made the 3 LPs available digitally for the first time (bandcamp). [See also Cut Tunes, Radio 23, Nixon & Jarvis.]
Fflint Central – Experimental Electronic Music label cum ‘virtual’ record label founded in 1998 by Tim Jones and Barry Williams from Fflint who are now based in Manchester. Recordings from the label have been featured on Peel’s Show on BBC Radio One, WFMU of New Jersey, KFJC of California and are due to have releases in conjunction with Tumult Records of San Francisco. (website)
Y Ffyrc – Llanrwst band (formed 2006) by Mark Roberts and Paul Jones (both ex Cyrff, Sherbet Antlers, Catatonia). The name means The Forks and is an anagram of Y Cyrff. Rel LP ‘Oes’ (Rasal CD017 – 07.08.06)
1520 Club – anti-disco disco, new wave club in Rhyl in 1977-78 promoted by Mike Peters & John Sox. Noted for its broad alternative music policy & hosting local bands such as The Toilets, Fractures, Amsterdam, Cellophane Boys. Situated opposite the funfair on Sydenham Ave & went on to be renamed The Buccaneer & Clwb Mic a’r Meic before it got demolished (1997). The 1520 Club itself was actually a gay haunt that allowed promoters to put punk nights on there & among the bands who performed were Big In Japan who had Jayne Casey (later of Pink Military), Ian Broudie (Lightning Seeds), Holly Johnson (Frankie Goes To Hollywood) & Budgie (Siouxsie & The Banshees, The Creatures, The Slits) in their ranks.
50 Hertz – band (c2006), mayne from Ruthin / Mold area? More info req’d
Edi Filmstar – vocalist with 4Q (May-Sep87). Born Ian David Edwards 23.11.67 – 21.08.2010, Edi became notorious in his hometown of Colwyn Bay for his punk attitude & became close knit friends with Neil Crud & Wayne The Bastard; with whom he formed 4Q & co-wrote the prototype issue of Crud. His vocal style was similar to Jello Biafra (accent as well) & was the perfect frontman for a crazy punk band; why he left 4Q after only 4 gigs is a mystery & a great loss, he claimed he wanted to join the foreign legion (ironically the name of a band he used to sing for), but he didn’t leave Colwyn Bay & tension between himself & Neil ended up in a fracas with Edi threatening to form a band of his own & calling it 4Q. He retired from hellraising a became a family man (with a bit of surfing thrown in) in Torquay. Sadly after a long battle with illness he died Aug10 aged 42.
Filthy Rich – Colwyn Bay pub rock band of the mid 1980s. More info req’d.
Final Chapter – Buckley band (Nov05 – 6.7.09), feat; James (voc,gtr), Jamie (gtr), Gary (bass), Matt O’Grady (drms). Rel EP ‘Prologue’. On splitting they cited animosity at rehearsals and ‘Things haven’t been going right for us this year and we have come a long way to make this decision.’
Stephanie Finegan – solo artist, born in Liverpool, raised in Warrington, worked in Machylleth, has lived in Cardiff and currently (2018) based in Bangor. Listed here in the North for her prolific work within and without the Wrexham scene. Rel EP ‘Beyond This Label’ (2015) and ‘Kin Kali EP’ (2016). Also fronted Arms Like Legs, and then formed Glove (2017-19). In 2021 she began a new project OORYA (website)
Finite Death – long planned but short lived industrial noise-core project from Conwy, featuring Mark Watson-Jones (bass,voc) (ex Skinflick, Blacklisted, now Emissaries Of Syn, Warlockhunt), FMW (gtr,contortions), Doc Ridim (drms,battery). Rel “Definite” EP in 2005 on Dead Sexy label as a benefit fund-raiser for various troublemaking organisations. Described variously as “Strong stuff” (Soundnation), “Dense” (Adam Walton) and “Unlistenable” (Neil Crud). Released new material in May09 and pride themselves as pricking ones conscience whilst making ones ears bleed.
Firetown – Rhyl band of early 1990’s prev called Hidden Secret. Feat; Mike Carran (voc,gtr), Pete Gillett (bass,voc), Nick Howes (keys), Martin Gillett (gtr), Leon Girling (drms). In total they had 4 drummers, Ian Cummins, Roger Bickley, Leon & John Farrington (who was apparently in Spain doing some kind of “Knights of the Caribbean” stuff for tourists), another earlier bassist was Andy, 2 prev keyboard players Lee Wharton & Nicola, 2 prev vocalists Andy & Sean, & prev guitarist Martin. Played summer seasons at the Sun Centre, with Mike Carran then on lead vocals, moved to London & played at the Rock Garden a few times, & had a residency in an East London pub (well almost). Runners up in the 1992 UK Bandsearch comp, rel CD (Living Without your Love / Take my Rhyme) in 93/94. Pete, Nicky & Mike after Firetown split carried on rec songs. In 92-93 Nicky was engineering / keyboard tech / programmer for Ultravox on the Revelation world tour, which Firetown were supposed to be on, but sadly weren’t. This kind of bad luck proved to be the splitting factor, or at least one of them. Martin then went on to form Deadbolt, a rather good rock group, where he was vocalist. They were signed to a small label, & potentially should have been massive, as they were fucking great!! They split a few years ago. Firetown reformed for one rehearsal in 2000, which although sounded good, there was too much tension & they called it a day. Nicky now works at Yamaha R&D in product planning & development, Mike manages a large leisure centre in Essex, Pete is Head of the Maths dept at a London school, Ian works in the city as a programmer & Martin works for Tiscali ISP. They were the only Rhyl band to have stalkers…girls used to wait outside their houses when they were playing at the Sun Centre. Known for PVC pants, big PA systems, pyrotechnics & thinking they were gonna make it
First Grade Juice – Denbigh based band of mid-1970s feat; Kim Ellis (drms) Haydn Royles, Buz (bass), Alan “Haner Coron” (gtr) & Keith Carruthers. They played venues like the Morville Hotel in Rhyl & covered songs like Wishing Well, You Ain’t Seen Nothin Yet & Mony Mony. They practised in the back of the Kings in Denbigh & Andrew Wilcox-Jones being their only mate who could drive was often their roadie. Band split & members formed Luke.
First Hand Fury – Rhyl indie/rock band, feat; Andy Stein (voc), Kev Hughes (drms) (later of Sunspy), Pete Floyd. Relocated to London for the big time in 1986 after touring the UK with The Alarm, lasted 3 years in the capitol. Rel a single produced by Mike Peters which made the playlist on Radio One, the music press were soon reviewing gigs in & around London. This landed the band a British tour followed by a 6 month residency at the Marquee Club in London. Front man, Andy formed the band at the age of 15, & became half of a well received cabaret duo. (video)
First To Die – Amlwch based thrash/metal with a groove, (formed Feb06), feat; Ash Jones (voc) (ex Mishap), Nick Shaw (gtr), Dan Walne (gtr) (ex Hole In The Sky, Violated), Chris Wilson (bass), Ian Collins (drms), gigged all over N.Wales and played Cavern. L’pool. (website)
Fistycuffs – Ruthin based band feat; Tom Barrie (gtr,drms), Rhys Carrington (bass), Will Hesketh (drms), Henry Hobson (voc,gtr) and Evan Morgan (voc,gtr). Played many gigs but realised that they could only go so far playing Weezer and Pixies covers, the 5 school friends; invited indie poster girl chanteuse Jess Balla to sing and formed Model Superb.
5th Column – Denbigh rock band (formed 1976 in the High School) feat; Nigel Peters (gtr) (later of Terminal, Company HQ, Midlife Crisis) & Stu Wynne (drms) (later of Midlife Crisis), Steve Aspey (gtr) & Mike ‘Porky’ Jones (bass) who was replaced for a while by Paul Evans (brother of Huw & John Pigstock). They had various singers over the years firstly 2 females: Lowri Hughes (later married Stu Wynne) & Glen Jones, then Colin Hughes finally John Sellers. They reunited for one-off gig 27 years after splitting, see Pudstock
Fit To Blitz – Colwyn Bay band (mid-90s). Feat; Pete. More info req’d
Five Dogs Fighting – feat; Jimmy (drms) (later of Relatives). More info req’d.
Five Mile High – Holyhead 4-pc punk band, feat; Jamie Burne (later of Portrait of A Lifetime, Bastions, Sleep Beggar, Cartograverse) played The Dudley Arms, Rhyl 04.01.03. Became Indecline.
Fizzy O Therapy Quartet – Rhyl bluesy-jazz band (late 80s) (who were an off-shoot of Misery Bros). Did a xmas gig in the Rhyl Arts Centre in conjunction with the cafe run by the Women’s Cooperative, Billy and Jackie, set the place up like a Caribbean beach, sand and straw umbrellas, about 5 bands played.
Flashbax – Prestatyn based band feat; Carl Hogan (see Utopia) (voc,bass). Split up Feb 98 due to personal differences.
Flatulent Hermits – Bethesda based outfit (pre-1992). More info req’d.
Flea Cirkus – (pic) Rhyl 4-pc speed punk band, 2001-02, feat; Lee Dawson (voc,gtr), made debut as 15 yr olds at the Breeding Ground. Rec 4 track session prod by Neil Crud at Rockcliffe (02.03.02). Lee went onto play in Crave, before forming Bright Young People (2010)
Fleshwound – Anglesey metal-grunge 6-pc band formed 2000, feat; Gwilym (voc), Iestyn (bass) (now of Zygote), Iwan Jones (gtr) (now Zygote), Emyr (gtr), Josh (gtr) and Simon (drms) (now Zygote). (website)
Fleur-de-Lys – Anglesey rock’n’roll indie band (c2014). More info req’d
Flinch – former name for Flynch
Flint Borough Club – Every Friday Night – Jam Night with Nidd and Friends run by Nigel ‘Nidd’ Lovatt, a veritable floorshow for local talent with a variety of musical styles: Rock, Blues, Folk, Punk / Power Pop etc. only £1 entrance fee! Premonition were banned from playing there thanks to the antics of two male streakers during a set in 2000.
Flintstock – festival held in 2002 at Flint FC ground headlined by Think Lizzy other acts included Dr. Jeckyl, Waterburn, Nidd and Friends and Seedy/DC. Event organised by Nige Lovitt (Nidd, ex- Premonition).
Floater’s Revenge – (pic) Colwyn Bay based punk band (2001-02) prev called Superweak then Terminal CC then Floaters, feat; Dave ‘Cox’ Warburton (voc,gtr) (later of Chinese Chicken Balls, The Cox, Boycott UK, Global Parasite), Leigh Cox (voc,gtr) (later The Cox), Jamie ‘Cakes’ Cardno (drms) (ex Fathead, later Der Bomber) & Gaz White (bass) (ex Sulphur, later Fudged). Ex-Infest bassist Matt Pipkin left the band (Sep02) after not being told about a rehearsal & formed Suicidal Mushrooms & Pledge. Have played the MASE shows & support to Carpet in Rhyl. Split up for various reasons Feb02. (website)
Floating Bear – band formed at Bangor Uni in 1990-91 by Laince Paine and also Dominic Chad, who went onto be in Mansun. Rel a 5 track demo. More info req’d
Float Jones – real name Dave Jones, DJ on Shore FM‘s Into The Valley radio show (1998). See also Macher, Windshite, Wank Williams & Pyw Dall.
Flood – Wrexham / Chester band (c1994) feat; Andy Clarke (voc), Ian Parrish (gtr), Simon Garratt (drms), Sty (bass) (ex Carnage). Rel demo ‘Isolation’ (view) Also Carl Ridge (bass) (ex Disco Fish) is known as a member
Floppy Bunny Blokes – Prestatyn band heard of around 1991-92, feat; Gary Jones (voc,gtr), Roger Bickley (voc,bass), Stuart Bickley (gtr), Gavin (drms), Claire Jones (keys). Played one gig (at Elwy Hall) with songs mainly about drugs.
Flourescent Daydream – Rhyl based indie band 1990-91 fronted by Paul Claxton (later of Pineapple), Stuart Maxwell (gtr) (see The Fluff, Sigmoidoscopy), Steve Buckley (bass) (see Mr Big Time, GMX Stuns), John Sparkles (drms). Had a guitarist called Lee (?) but he left before 1st gig, also had an onstage dancer (when he was brave enough) called Murf The Smurf, he used to come on for a tune entitled ‘Funky Chicken’, Steve left the band before Stuart Maxwell joined.
The Fluff – Indie-pop band from Rhyl feat Leigh & Stuart Maxwell, Dyfed Glyn Roberts (gtr), (Gwacamoli, Pocket Venus), Garry Owens (bass), Guto Lloyd-Davies (perc) & later on in their career, Dave The Rave Jones (ex PSST, Agent 1475) & female singer Krissy from Ruthin. Began as a 3-piece around 1994 with Stu, Leigh & Krev. The Fluff were known briefly as FFF while they were being whirled through a Song for Europe entry but then reverted to their original name. (website). Jonathon King (whoops!) wanted to turn them into 1950s crooners, they refused. Songs include Instant Cash & Streetlamp. Fizzled out 2001 See 3 gig reviews.
Flyin’ Sheep – band feat; Sian Lloyd-Jones & Aimee Stead (now of Wildfire).
Flynch – (pic) 4 piece band from Shrewsbury / Oswestry area. Formed 1997, feat; Andrew Hawley- aka ‘Spud’ (gtr,voc), Rob McFall (gtr), Luke Davies (bass), Barry Turner (drms). Mar99 they win ‘Demo of the Month’ in Guitarist magazine with ‘Nothings Wrong‘ being feat on the cover CD. Rel debut CD ‘All Day Breakfast‘ through HTT management, played over 30 gigs nationwide. feat on Radio 1’s ‘Session Exposure’ Jun01. Orig called Flinch.
FOAD – Heavy metal band from Colwyn Bay (1989), feat; Nic Allen (voc,gtr), JJ (bass), Paul Puke (drms). Formerly called NRG until vocalist Neil Crud departed. Did audition Nick Holden as singer but to no avail. Played 2 gigs, one supported Boff Frank Boff at the Llangernyw Community Centre.
Focus Wales – showcase festival, organised by Neal Thompson and Andy Jones (both in Roseville Band), held annually in Wrexham since 2011, showcasing mainly bands based in Wales. Runs for 3/4 days across several venues in the town. (reviews)
Foghorn Leghorn – (1993-97) Holywell based band hosted popular jam nights at Grandstand Buckley (now called ‘The Burntwood’) then The Ponderosa, Buckley (now demolished) then eventually Stamford Gate, Holywell. Thanks to the jam nights the band hosted many local bands were formed (Hand Relief, Superbad, The Goodfellas) or fell out irrevocably (‘Lurker’, and too many more to mention!). Band members at one time or another featured: Russ Keenan (voc,gtr) (now Sofa Kings), Pete Reaney (bass) (now Superbad, ex-Breadheads), Paul Reaney (gtr), Vaughn (bass) (ex-Goodfellas, Superbad), Si Thomas (ex Metabbalism, Institute of Air Guitar, Nidd & Friends).
Folie – solo project in Rhyl by Georgia Barlow (Glass Beach). Rel demo Humbugs (May17) which rec’d airplay on BBC Radio Wales thanks to Adam Walton
The Fondlers – Anglesey band (c2004), feat; Sam Bond. Rel LP ‘Crude Sexual Humour’ which has been played to death on link2wales radio! Also rel single, Fuck You Father Christmas (15.12.04). Feb05 they were working on a 2nd album (did it ever happen?).
Footloose Records – hardcore punk/noise label in Holywell, run by Adam Hughes & Darryl Lowe. Many releases to date (2016) inc; Crossburner, The New Tusk, Trapjaw, Atlas In Arms, Surrender the Coast, Black Art, Dead Weight, Black Years (website)
Footprint – techno project (2002) by Andy Pierce (aka Andy Dreads) (ex Midnight Snack) who also ran Looney Tunes dance night. More info req’d.
Force Fed Fury – Rhyl screamo-rock band (formed Sep05), feat; Sophie (voc, keys), Lee (gtr), Mikey (bass) and Isaac (drms). Rel self-titled CD through WCC Music (soundcloud)
Foreign Legion – Punk band from Colwyn Bay in 1985, alleged to have featured Edi Filmstar, early vocalist with 4Q. More info req’d.
Forever Kings – rock/indie band from Anglesey (c2013), prev called Y Cer, Rosary, feat; Bryn Hughes Williams (voc), Huw Parry (gtr), Gavin Malone (bass), Leon Williams (gtr), Dewi Williams (drms). (website)
Forge Studios – New name for Sound Solution after it was decided to become a real business in late 90s, financial difficulties lead to the scheme going pear shaped. Was situated on Vale Rd, Rhyl
Fortune 500 – Rhyl (?) band (early 90s?); feat; Jon Yale.
Carl Foulkes-Jones – solo singer-guitarist (from Rhyl) (since 2007) in a bluesy-psychedelic-troubadour style. Rel EP ‘Monkey Chunk’ 2015. Joined Bright Young People (2021)
4D’s – Bethesda based outfit (pre-1992). More info req’d.
4Jerry – Wrexham based punk tribute band (formed 2002), feat; Steve ‘Skip’ Dwight and Jay from No Name Janes
4Q – (pic) Colwyn Bay punk band (1987-90) who in 3 years managed to become a menace & household name throughout North Wales & the North West, not because of their music, but because of their antics, on & off the stage & a relentless publicity machine. 4Q began May87 & in their 3 year history along with the fanzine Crud became the most notorious outfit on the North Wales coast. After Edi Filmstar (voc) & Paul Puke (drms) departed the most known line up was Cumi Pants (voc), Neil Crud (gtr), Wayne The Bastard (bass), Matt Vinyl (drms). This line up performed more than 50 of the 74 gigs that 4Q played across the UK. The fanzine Crud was in its 4th issue by the time the band got off the ground & was enjoying a healthy readership of 5,000. 4Q soon followed suit of the fanzine & started earning newspaper headlines for their on & off stage antics which inc violence, nudity, vandalism & general rowdiness. With exaggerated reports in the Welsh press 4Q soon became larger than life & found themselves banned from a total of 23 venues across the North Wales coast. Earning headlines like: “Bay Ban The Punks”, “Banned Gig Is A Conspiracy”, “Pub Pulls Plug On Band”, “Degrading Our Land Of Song”, “Punk Band Fans In Graffiti Fury”. The band spent the rest of their career doing the same thing across England, at the same time 4Q were attracting police attention at their concerts with fans being questioned & searched on the way into venues. Although never securing a record deal 4Q rel a number of cassettes – the most well known being ‘Imagine A Dead Hippy’ which feat a version of John Lennon’s ‘Imagine’ & the line “…John Lennon got a bullet in the middle of his chest, if I had my way Paul McCartney’s next”. This provoked a storm & front-page news on the Liverpool Echo with the headline ‘Fury Over Lennon Song Slur’ – 4Q had the audacity to actually play in Liverpool the day after that headline – to a riotous audience. With the police kicking in his door on a regular basis Neil Crud decided that the fanzine & the band had run their natural course & 4Q played their final gig at the Rhyl Bistro 27.09.90. The only available recordings of the band is a cassette The Very Breast Of 4Q for £3.50 from Music + Elsewhere / 6 Farm Court / Frimley / Surrey GU16 5TJ which feat an excellent musical history of their short & yet eventful career. Others who have been in 4Q inc orig vocalist Edi Filmstar, his brief replacement Budgie, failed rhythm guitarists Paul Bod, Marc Mucus, & guitarists Gary Gumpsh (see also Franks Dad, Wild Mornings, Courteous Thief), & Robin Reliant (see also Sons of Selina, Astro Monsters, Lemon Meringue Gang, PSST). 4Q interest had a bit of a resurgence during 1999 with BBC Choice Wales tracking down Neil to film a short history of the band & zine, which was aired in Oct99, plus The Pioneer published a 2 page Where Are They Now feature in Feb00. Neil, Wayne, Cumi & Matt; arguably 4Q’s finest line-up met up for the 1st time together in 11 years in Colwyn Bay (May00) – a few photos were taken & the joke of reforming was brought up & quickly dismissed. The History of Punk said this – ‘Rhyl’s 4Q are perhaps Wales’ shining example of this a cabal of boorish irritants who made headlines for their John Lennon requiem Imagine A Dead Hippy but never released any vinyl.’ Neil Crud later played with PSST, Sons Of Selina, Braxton Hicks, Spam Javelin, Welsh Rebel Outpost) (discography)
Four Quavers – Disguise used when 4Q tried to get gigs at places that wouldn’t normally host them, particularly The Legion in Llanrwst.
4 Sticks – Prestatyn indie-garage band, formed in school 2005, feat; Tom Davies (voc,bass), Jimmy Davies (gtr,voc), James Mannion (gtr,voc), Jon Ord (drms), replaced by Billy Sticks (late 09). Played Rhyl’s Bar Blu (2006). Tom and Jimmy are the sons of Paul Davies (ex Ocean Rane, Hooper) and Tom says, ‘I know everyone thinks we’re just a bunch of kids but me and Jimmy both grew up getting dragged up and down the motorways to pretty much every crap venue or crusty festival that you can think of, we were bored of sound checks, scummy dealers, ringing ears and kipping in the back of rusty old vans when we were still in nappies, apart from when my dad had ‘Daisy’ the VW camper… We all loved kipping in that, anyway, call us kids if you want but it gets a bit boring sometimes, yes we’re all still under 18 but we’ve probably been to more gigs and demo studios than most ‘grown up bands’. Rec video for Can’t Stop Won’t Stop (May08). Slowly transformed into a ‘deep-south’ MC5-Stooges type band before splitting in 2011. See also Goat Roper Rodeo Band (website)
Fourth Egg – Chester based indie band (early 90s), played Trotters in Rhyl & Flesh 92.
48 Thrills – Quintessential Rhyl garage band of early 80s, took their name from The Clash’s 48 Hours. Feat; Terry Quinn (gtr), ? Harrison (voc,gtr), Philip Wood (bass), ? (drms). More info req’d.
Fox Gloves – project (formed 2001) by Meliden based Paul Owen (gtr,keys,etc) and Mark Rafe (voc) from Abergele. Rel 3 CDs, airplay from BBC and good reviews.
The Fractures – punk band from Rhyl area 1977 feat; Dimmo (voc) (also roadied for The Toilets), Sara Sugarman (drms) (now a film producer in California). Played the 1520 club. Dimmo is now a security guard in Rhyl. More info req’d.
Frank’s Dad – Colwyn Bay blues-rock band 1991-98 formed by ex-4Q vocalist Cumi Pants who became the drummer, & ex-4Q guitarist Gumption Liquid, Nick Williams (bass) (brother of ex-4Q drummer, Matt Vinyl) & Ads (voc). Became well known locally for their orig material & Gumpsh’s unique, yet superb guitar style. Making their only vinyl app on the Secrets of Sound 7″ EP in 1994. They did rel a cassette LP Walkin’ The Dog which caused more of a stir as it feat local tramp Frank’s dad on the sleeve than the music. Identifying their problem as the vocalist they traded Ads in for the dreadlocks of Brahmah & it immediately paid off with good feedback from gigs. A demo was recorded at Rockcliffe feat Brahmah’s vocals with the songs Give The Man a Gun, Emptyness & the excellent By My Side, showing great promise for the band. Unfortunately the new vocalist & Cumi never saw eye to eye & the unit lasted a couple of years until the band fizzled out. (see also Alien Matter, Wild Mornings, The Affliction, Deadlight Spiral, Courteous Thief).
Freak – club night held at Wrexham’s Central Station promoted by Mark Barnes (c2005)
Freaky Peach – Colwyn Bay rock/glam band (c2008), feat; Zack Storm (ex Bite, later Kixxstart Kitty, Spitting Pips). More info req’d
Dawn French – alternative comedian born in Holyhead 11.10.1957 – best known for her being half of French & Saunders & her role in The Vicar of Dibley. Since lived with husband Lenny Henry & adopted daughter in Berkshire.
Frequency – funky-indie rock band from Holywell (1997-99), feat; Chris Clarke (voc), David Vine (gtr), Chris Coats (bass), Gazz Williams (drms). Rel “Walk Right By Me” EP (1998) which incl title track plus Always Snowing and Comin’ Out? Also, had a live EP, “These Times” rec at Telfords Warehouse, Chester. Split when Vine/Coats couldn’t find a new drummer in N.Wales. Vine left to go to the Guitar Institute in London. Coats went to Manchester to work and form a band, which he did several times, before writing and producing more guitar & electronic music on the internet. Williams is still in the area and can be seen drumming for various cover bands. Clarke was last seen in Trefnant.
Fresh – ‘extreme club nights’ held at Club Zinc in Rhyl and Brunels in 1997
Friendship Club (The Frienny) – Colwyn Bay youth club used by 4Q to rehearse between 1987-89. They also played an impromptu performance when German rock-band Tokata were doing a gig on a rehearsal night, this turned out to be Wayne The Bastard’s final gig with the band. NRG, The Scraps & Sons Of Selina have used the cheap facilities to rehearse on occasions. Also hosted Soul Nights (until 2am) in the 70s. Site was demolished 2000 & Pendorlan School was built there.
Frightened By Strangers – Rhyl band (c1980-81), many line up changes incl; Jim Taylor (Howlin’ Wilf & The Broken Fingers), Neil Preston, Rob Hughes & Chris Turner. Others who passed through their ranks inc; Dave Julien, Karl Jones, John Hughes (drms) (Jap Connection) & Stuart Hull. Singer, Rob Hughes appeared on ITV’s Stars In Their Eyes show as David Bowie (2000). Played the North Wales Inn, Rhyl (24.01.81). Also billed on the CND benefit festival at the Queens in Rhyl 21.2.81. Had songs Empty Spaces, Typewriter Set, Are you Happy At Home. They were having a beer in The Windsor in Rhyl in 1982 all wondered what they would be doing 20 years from then. They all agreed to meet up at the same spot exactly 20 years on. That date was 11/6/02 – did they turn up? Karl Jones sadly died in 2022. (See also White Leg End, Strawberry Statement, BB3C)
Fringe – San Francisco based band formed by Nigel Twist former drummer of The Alarm. Rel a 5 CD song that Nigel produced/arranged/recorded & played on. Feat; Marti Wyman (voc), Howard G (gtr), Edgar San Gabriel (bass) & Nigel Twist (drms). Also feat are Tyler Stone, Julie Edwards (wife of ‘Redeye’, ex roadie of The Alarm & now stage manager for Bob Dylan) & Dave Hinson on b.voc.
Frizbee – Blaenau Ffestiniog band (c2004). Rel LP ‘Hirnos’ on Cosh recs (Jul04). Won Best Band category at 2006 Welsh Rock And Pop Awards.
Frogs and Weird Bats – A short-lived fanzine from Wrexham written by local punks, Andy Snowdon and Alison. Lasted a mere two issues in 1984, featuring bands like Amebix, Disorder and the Specimen.
Front Room – venue in Rhyl (old Bar Blu site), with regular gigs promoted by Cherry Bomb Promotions as of Oct13. Venue has gone through various ownerships and revamps, also has smaller venue in the same building called The Late Lounge. Many gigs promoted by Steve Rastin.
Fubar – nu-metal band from Llanfair PG area (c2000), feat; Blud (Wayne) (drms) (ex-Vinegar now Xie), Danno (gtr) (ex Skink, Mucus, Grot), Spaggs – Leon Craggs (bass) (ex Killing Bagpuss, Babies With Rabies, Vinegar, Skink, Anti-Life Theory), Boy-E (voc) (now Xie), Ragz (gtr) (ex Killing Bagpuss, Babies With Rabies, Skink). Rel 2 track CD Angel. Split late 2002.
Fuckerpunch – (pic) Wrexham metalcore band (formed 2005), feat; Dr Maiden (gtr) (ex Stuntface), Grunt (drms), Chunk (bass), Rico (voc,gtr). Rec Fists of Fury EP at Autumn Rd (29.08.05). Suoported Anti-Nowhere League at Central Station, Wxm.
Fuck Ups – 4-pc Hardcore Punk band from Colwyn Bay/Old Colwyn area. Formed 2002, feat; Jack Dubberley (voc), Andy Jones (gtr) (ex Virtual Goldfish Bowl), Rob Coles (bass) and Martin King (drms). email
Fudged – (pic) Rhyl based band (1999-present), orig called Sadly Not, feat; Ben Jackson (voc,gtr) (ex Fathead) (b.24.07.84), Dane Jones (drms) (b.17.10.74) (ex Xerox), Gaz White (bass) (ex Floaters Revenge, Sulphur). Began live by playing mix rock cover versions into their set of own material before song writing became stronger. Had residency spot at the town’s Scruples nightclub before doing so at The Stand. Prev members incl; Andy (bass) (formerly of Kismet), Christian Parry (bass) (b.28.12.81) who joined autumn 2001 for about 8 mths, also Lee & Pete. Songs incl, Spaceman Fishy, 199 Bottles, Waiting To Sleep, Mosh With Me, Fester Where’s My Fuckin Undies & We’re Just Different, the latter 3 feat on their Feb02 CD ‘Mwy Cwrw.’ Renowned for being very hard working on the gig circuit in Wales & N.West. Rec 5 tracks at Rockcliffe prod by Neil Crud Oct02. Band split in mid 2004 but Ben recruited Daz Jones (gtr) (ex Blush, now Jinxed) & Darren Jones (drms) (ex Blush) in Jan05, followed by Tim Pryor (bass) (who’s no longer with them) & Gav Lawton (gtr) (ex Lucid, Dred, Carbonari, Utopia, later Jinxed).
Fuelled By Fortune – Wrexham band (formed Aug04), feat; Phil Gallanders (voc,gtr), Joe Painter (bass), Jake Davies (gtr), Gaz Thomas (drms). Rel EP ‘Target Aquired’
Full Throttle – late 80’s thrash metal band, members went on to be in Toys in the Attic and Blacklisted, played Grand Hotel in Penmaenmawr
Funky Feet Records – record shop established 2007, on Bedford St, Rhyl by Mark Speakman (also soul DJ and former TudnoFM presenter). Since moved to the Market Hall (website)
Funky Fingers – Pub rock band from Rhyl (c1993) feat; Bonehead later of Sons Of Selina.
Funky Fringe – Pensarn / Rhyl based fanzine by Groz and Ollie (later flutist with York band, Suicidal Flowers & then editor of Astro Zombie and in The Premonitions). Described as a ‘straight edge comic suitable for the more surreal among us.’ It ran for 3 or 4 issues (1990).
Funky Hunky Chunk Monkey’s – Oswestry/Wrexham punk band (formed 2000), feat; Smila (voc), Ding (gtr,kazoo), Dave (bass), Daz (drms) (joined 2002).
Funspoilers – grunge/punk band from Rhyl (c2014), feat; John Morris (voc,gtr) (ex Carpet, Hit ‘n’ Run), Christyn Bailey, Stuart Fletcher
Funky Monks On Crack – Jazz/Funk/Rock band (c2001) feat; Russell Pritchard (drms) & Dominic Tanner (bass) from Die Kast Messiah, Klaus Kinski, “Dj K***F****r” on samples/additional keys & vinyl, ‘Whiskey Jim’ (gtr,voc) (ageing blues singer/guitarist from Llangollen) (ex- Panacea). Infl vary from Mr. Bungle, Jimi Hendrix, (old) Red Hot Chili Peppers, Pat Metheny, Spyro Gyra, Jamiroquai. Looking for record deal. 3 rec albums/EP’s “The Cunning Linguist EP” / “The Tweenies Versus The World” / “Dark Skies Over Jerusalem“. Dominic went on to run Idle Christ Records
Funzeen – 1986-87 fanzine from Colwyn Bay, edited by Ligger Pig. Dedicated to the indie bands of that time, Membranes, Wedding Present, Bogshed etc. More info req’d.
Fusion – Bangor based Thrash metal band. Formed in 1991-92(ish). Feat; Chris Chewbacca (drms), Steve Jones (gtr), Duncan Black (gtr), Phil Childes (bass) and Maggie (voc). Arwel (The biker dude from John Williams music) played for them for a bit. Band split around 92/93(ish) when Dunc left to go to college. He was briefly replaced by a bloke called Mark, but the band fizzled out soon after. There is a demo somewhere – if you can find it please get a copy to Dunc ‘cos the band never did.
Futile – Shrewsbury based skinhead/ska band (c1997) feat; Dean Obscene (see also PSST).
Future Perfect – synth-pop outfit from Deganwy (c2009), feat; Simon Owens (keys,voc), Becky Morgan (voc,keys). Last heard working on LP ‘Dirty Little Secrets’ (did it get released?)
Fuz – Bangor band (mid 90s), formed out of Elysium. They basically were Elysium with one extra member. Feat; Reuben Leach (also Vinegar), Dave, Wayne, Seth and the extra member Ashley Roberts (later Vinegar). Reuben says, ‘Probably the most well rehearsed band ever they wrote their own songs. All were tuneful mind numbingly catchy (like nursery rhyme catchy) crap pop punk I guess. They had by Reuben’s admission, such woeful tunes as I Want My Sandwiches and Christmas Present. Did 3 gigs.’ Reuben finishes; ‘This is a major blip on my incredibly minor musical career.’
Fuzzasaurus – fuzzabilly project from Abergele (c2016) by Ralph Latham (of Junebug) (listen)
Fuzzy Duck – group from the Blaenau Ffestiniog area, feat; Gary Hubble Roberts (voc,gtr) (later of Hub, Alien Matter, Scramble Joe, Skunkfish), Dan ‘poeth’ Jones (gtr), Phil Jones (drms), Calvin ‘Bass Ventura’ Evans (bass). Joint-winners of the new rock group competition at the 1997 National Eisteddfod in Bala.