North Wales: G

Gabe Is Unit – 2-piece noise project by Ben Mason and Ben Wilson. Rel debut self-titled EP (09.04.21). (review)

Gabrielle Twenty Five – Betws y Coed band formed Mar01, feat; Daniel Amor (voc,gtr), Noel Jones (gtr) (later Pilots, Cicatas), Mark Halford (bass), John Lawrence (drms) (ex Gorky’s Zygotic Mynci, Infinity Chimps). Played some low key gigs in the area then rec EP Town Spectacles at Sylem Studio, from which Every Little Thing I Say Gets You Down has been played on John Peel show & Session in Wales. Radio Cymru session followed by Radio Wales session, live Radio Cymru broadcast, appearances on Popty, Popcorn and Shotgun Slideshow. 2nd rel Y Dyn Heb Ddyfodol (27.01.03) on Lawrence Music. UK tour in late Feb03 funded by Pynci, Lawrence Music And FF Vinyl. Aberystwyth gig rec for Radio 1 and Wrexham gig rec for Radio Wales. Rec new Radio Cymru session during March. Ben Marshall was orig on bass left after 1 gig, replaced by Jason Jones before Mark joined. Fizzled out by 2007.

The Gallery venue in Rhyl in the early 80s in the basement of Hotel Marina, probably last used when it was smashed up during a Discharge gig 19.6.81. Quote from Eddie MacDonald; “We were trying to set something up for young people in Rhyl. We ran a disco for a time & then put Discharge on, who were great but the kids ruined it, which was typical.” Venue was resurrected (2000) as The Stand then the Breeding Ground before being demolished 2004.

Gallops – Wrexham band (c2008), feat; Mark Huckridge (b.1986) (gtr,keys), Paul Maurice (b.1982) (keys), Brad Whyte (b.1988) (gtr), Dave Morait (b.1981) (drms) (later of Orient Machine, We Are Animal, Kela Topan). Had session on Ed Richmond’s Radio 1 show Feb09 and on Adam Walton‘s Radio Wales show 26.4.09. Rel LP ‘Yours Sincerely Dr Hardcore’ (10.12.12 on Blood & Biscuits) and split in 2013 to ‘prevent us killing each other.’ Reformed in 2016 with new drummer and released LP ‘Bronze Mystic’ (21.04.17 on Blood & Biscuits). They took a five year hiatus then released a string of singles leading up to the EP ‘The Offa Society For Psychical Research’ (10.11.23) (bandcamp)

Gape – (pic) Llanfairfechan thrash band (2003-05), feat; Edwin Stevens (voc) (later of Conquistadors, Irma Vep, Birthmarks), Jake (bass,voc), Iwan (gtr) (all also of Hippakuss), Chris (drms). Andy (gtr) joined Jan04. Signed to Dead Popstar Recs, rel EP ‘Beggar Su’ (11.9.04) prod by Graham Wright. Ed and Jake also in offshoot Klaus Kinski

Simon Gardner – Man behind Rockcliffe Studios, Llandudno plus countless attempts at making it to the big time. Nearly did so as Simon Andrew in the early 80s with a couple of singles, then tried a number of guises over the years Trinity, TKRK, before becoming a keyboard player with ex-Thin Lizzy bassist’s band Dare. Was once a pin-up ‘Page 7 Fella’ in The Sun newspaper! Later became DJ SG earning a No.1 in the Welsh Charts. Was also member of pop band Shine

Garej – Welsh language music show on S4C


The Gathering –
North Wales event held once a year (usually in Jan) since 1992, where Mike Peters (The Alarm) invites fans from all over the world for a special one off performance. Has become a cult event over the years orig held at Rhyl Town Hall, before moving to the Conference Centre, Llandudno and by 2007 was held at the larger capacity Venue Cymru in the same town. 2010 sees the event moving to Pontins in Prestatyn, but returned to Venue Cymru after a couple of years. 2016 saw The Gathering New York begin.

GeckoBlaster – Prestatyn band (formed 2007 in High School), feat; Matt Enticott (gtr), Dave Berry (bass), Rob Gray (gtr), James Donovan (keys), Mark Cutting (voc). more info req’d

Y Gelfa – new studio / workshop on the Faenol Estate, Bangor (set up 2011) (website)

Gengis – Wrexham based band (mid-80s?). Gigged the North West. Rec demo EP at Cottage Studios, Macclesfield with Roger Boden (producer). Finished off the Paul Diarno (Iron Maiden) British tour. Band incl Paul Sterman (voc) (later Total Chaos), David Stewart Jones (gtr), Paul Sterman/Phil Rutter (voc), Ian Mayer (drms), Chris Ellis (bass) & Spook (keys)

Genod Droog – Tremadog hip-hop band (c2008), feat; Carwyn Jones (bass), Dyl Mei (gtr), Aneirin Karadog (voc), Ed Holden (voc) (later Mr Phormula), Gethin Evans (drms) (ex Kentucky AFC). Rel LP ‘Ni Oedd y Genod Droog’ on Slacyr (12.7.08). (spotify)

Germanic Sans – band (mid80s) played only a handful of gigs. Most notably supporting Ghostriders at Conwy Civic Hall (1986). Rec only one demo tape with Nigel Bellis feat the tracks First Love, Catscratch, Sahara and Eyeswater. Feat; Chris Carruthers (voc,gtr) (V8’s, Baby Milk Plant), Pete Latham (Picture House, Dub Federation) (bass), Mark Moran (drms). (cutting)

Get Out Clause – indie band from Bethel (formed 07), feat; Owain Ginsberg (voc,gtr) (ex The Heights), Andy Roberts (bass), Dave Morait (drms) (website)

GFFS – feat Geraint Lewis (gtr,voc), Mark Watson-Jones (bass,voc) (later of Skinflick, Emissaries Of Syn), Nand (drms). One-off support to Blacklisted at Deganwy Church Hall, 1990, doing Pixies, Blondie & Extreme Noise Terror covers.

Ghostlawns – spacey-indie band, based in Cardiff but members hail from Bodfari, Dyserth and Holywell. Feat; Bernie (ex Right Hand Left Hand), Gid (ex Gulp), Jonny Brooks-Jones and Dewi (ex Cotton Wolf, Gentle Good, Eugene Francis, Manchuko and several others). Played Swn and Focus Wales and have recorded a session for the BBC in Cardiff. Rel album ‘Motorik’ (Oct20) (bandcamp)

Ghostriders – band from Bangor area (c1983), feat; Rob Parry (gtr), Dav Devalle (voc,gtr), John Cratchley (bass), Tim McCartney (voc), Mark Thomas (drms) (also of Bossa Nova Dream) had track Change feat on local comp tape ‘Just When You Thought We Were Dead’

Giant – St Asaph band (formed May02) feat, Paul Chamberlain (gtr,voc), Martyn Wilks (voc), Dave Griffiths (gtr,drms), Dave Harding-Smith (bass).

Giant Monster Army – Bangor band (c2011), feat; McG (voc,gtr), Iwan (bass), Rhys (drms) – rec 1st demo at Y Gelfa (sep11) (website)

GigBite – website www.gigbite.co.uk (2001), based in Cardiff, dedicated to helping unsigned/underground bands, & have feat likes of Murry the Hump, Fillmore, El Goodo, Jylt, Talisman plus many more, also feats gig / demo reviews, gig swapping, links, legal/touring advice plus band interviews. Now defunct

Gimpo – Alan ‘Gimpo’ Goodrick from Prestatyn who became the semi-deified Gimpo, Archbishop of Bashington and erstwhile coprophile road manager of 80s gothrockers Zodiac Mindwarp and the Love Reaction

The Ginellis – Rhyl indie-rock band (c2009), feat; Ryan Lee (voc,gtr), Josh Jones (voc,gtr), John Scarry (bass), Michael Scarry (drms) (website)


Gintis –
Rhyl band (formed 2001) feat; Carl Roberts (voc,gtr,keys) (also Wobbly Hearts, By The Sea), Dave Cartledge (gtr,keys), Kyle Lee (gtr) (also Jives Room, Sona, Mexican Walking Fish, Cow), Rob Gintis (bass) (Wobbly Hearts), Joe Booker (drms) (ex Elapse, Modern Tradition, Legends For A Day, later Secretaire, Telefair). Rec 2 sessions for Adam Walton show (Jan04, Jul08) & for Sessions in Wales (Jun04), much attention drawn to band thru their own hype, most of it warranted. Stephen Kitching (gtr) (later Legends For A Day) quit Apr04. Rel EP ‘Supersoakers & Megadrives Broke These Li’l Hearts’ (Slacyr Sep04). Initially involved with MASE and went back to the organisation to record their debut LP ‘Happy Drunken Accidents’ (early06). Orig bassist Dan Prescott left Mar06. Rec 2nd LP by the end of 2008 but Uni and work commitments have led to little output and sporadic gigging and the LP ‘Idiot Guides and Plans’ eventually came out on Fresh Hair Recs (2010). Carl released an EP ‘Of No Fixed Abode’ (Aug09). They took a hiatus and members did various projects until 2016 when the band demoed new material, and released 7″ single on pink vinyl Dennis (on Popty Ping 30.10.17) which rec’d BBC airplay on Radio 1, 6 & Wales, followed by a download single Four Movements. Played live session on Janice Long’s Radio Wales Show (2019).  Julian Neale (Carpet, Wobbly Hearts, Morffe) has also drummed for them a few times, with Joe playing keyboards. 3rd album ‘Hope Is All We Have’ rel 27.05.22 on Mai 68 Recs. (interview).

Ginxed – cross-over metal band (formed Mar06 and prob split a month later!) feat; Gavin Lawton (voc,gtr) (ex Carbonari, Lucid, Dred), Darren (gtr) (ex Blush, Fudged), Alex Hodgson (drms).

Girl Fell Dead – Blaenau Ffestiniog metal band (c2005), feat members of Murder Scene Love Affair. more info req’d

Giro Gypsies – ongoing year project by Denbigh based guitarist David Stewart Jones since late 90s. Appearing at Pigstock 2000. Rec demo tapes in Sefton Herman’s studio in Rhuddlan. Hard working, hard gigging band, TV pilot appearance for Cwni Castell (production Co) programme “O’r Seller” (S4C). Orig members – David Stewart Jones (gtr), John Sellers (voc). Joined by – Nigel Peters (gtr) (ex Terminal), Chris Grover (drms), Sefton Herman (Bass), Linda Thompson (Bck Vox), Steve Cobbat (keys), Geraint Jones (keys), Annie Donavan (Bck Vox), Julie Lamb (bck Vox), Jason Jones (bass) ex Alchemy, Andy Whitfield (bass) (ex Maddison Blues Band), “Mad Dog” Chris Jones (harmonica), Llir Jones (drms), Tom from Wrexham (drms), Sarah Davies (b.voc), John Evans (gtr) ex RedHill, Chris White (bass) (ex Hungry TouchThink Lizzy), Dino from Porthmadog (bass), Simon Hide (bass) (ex Hozz,  Redhill)

Girohead – Mold based band formed 1991. Orig line up ; Andy Jones (voc), Jake Hemmings (gtr) (both ex Roundabout), Robin Parker (drms), Dave Clarke (bass). They signed to Real McCoy Recs & rel ‘Sign On, Sleep In, Groove Out!!!’ EP in Austria (1994). Tony Carter replaced Clarke on bass, & cut the name to Head. Split in 1996, (see also Cooara, Speedball 17)

Gizmo – Colwyn Bay band (1996-97) feat; Emlyn Franks (gtr), Terry Watkinson (drms) (later of Fatty Hatners), Martin Brady (voc), Dan Walton (bass). They were, in Mark Moonan’s words: ‘A pretty piss poor covers outfit.’ going for 2 months (Nov’96-Jan’97) with this line up. With a gig booked at The Cayley in Rhos-on-Sea on a Friday in Jan, Brady decided to leave on the Tues. Emlyn, who Mark knew from the pub, asked him to step in at short notice. Mark says: ‘I was glad to do it, & had to make up most of the words but it went well. Anyway, I joined full time on vocals & guitar & wrote as much stuff as I could cos they needed it.’ A month later (Feb’97) they played their ‘whimsical’ pop songs to a fantastic reception twice at The Marquis, on Caernarfon Rd in Bangor. Then playing the main stage on Rag Week at Bangor Uni, with Supermania. In April that year they rec a 3 track EP Chicken Fried Rice at Andy McCluskey’s Pink Museum studios in L’pool. The production was all ‘lightweight’ & ‘clean’. The band liked it, Mark didn’t so he left, & they split. Dan, now lives in Sheffield. Emlyn now plays in bands in L’pool.. Mark (aka Dusty Moo) played in Babakin, The AfflictionPSST now lives in Glasgow.

Glammered – Name used by Nidd & Friends line-up when performing their ‘Glam’ set around pubs and clubs of North Wales.

Gland Spanner – Wrexham band (2000) – More info req’d.

Glaring Green – band who played at Tapeworm in The Banana gig in Bangor 1992 (hear track). More info req’d

Glass – band from Bangor area (c1983), feat; Peter Elliot (keys), Nicki Dupuy (bass). Had track Human Trapped Rhythms feat on local comp tape ‘Just When You Thought We Were Dead’

Glass Beach
Glass Beach – chilled-indie duo from Prestatyn/Rhyl (c2017), feat; Georgia Barlow (voc,keys), Billie James (bass,perc). Played live session on Neil Crud’s TudnoFM Show (24.04.17) (listen). Changed name and style to Ultrajungle (Jun17)

Glass Display – (approx 1983-89). Buckley 3-pc feat; Keith Astbury (voc,gtr); Peter Boswell (keys) and Stephen Moore (drms). Playing synth-washed, post-punk (influences: Joy Division; Crispy Ambulance; The Cure; Teardrop Explodes; Associates) but with strong, pop songwriting from Astbury leading to danceable gloom-pop magic (all members were also massive fans of Chic and late-70’s Disco). Re demo single Walking Away / A Flower on Glass1 with Wah! Heat / The Shamen prod Pete Coleman, which turned up on several late 80’s indie-comps (notably: POPISM) and numerous plays on L’pool / Stoke radio stations. Debut performance at the Pwllheli Rugby Club Jun84, (with Pwllheli musician and ex-journalist, Paul Shaw, guesting on bass guitar; Recording rel as ‘Pwllheli K.O’ on Glass2, followed up by sporadic performances in Buckley (although never at the Tivoli, as the then manager, Howard, thought they were “too poncy”), Mold, Flint and Chester. Favourable reviews / mentions in 80’s mags: Underground (“quite good looking, but too angsty”) and Scottish mag, Cut (“from the cultural desert of North Wales”). Final concert was at “Battle of the Bands” debacle at MANWEB, Chester, in Sep89 – going down like the proverbial lead balloon, in front of an audience of retarded Deep Purple fans (rel as ‘It Takes A Nation Of Morons To Hold Us Back’ on Glass3). Eventually fell apart in early 1990, due to perpetual bouts of overbearing narcissism, and intrinsic pathological laziness. Astbury still writing songs, alongside his play/scriptwriting (including several episodes of The Bill). Boswell and Moore “retired” to Chester and London, respectively. Ex Rebles bassist John Hughes joined for 3 rehearsals before setting up his own James Dean Experience Project

Glen UK – Holyhead punk band later called Sick Dastardlys

The Glitches – Amlwch band (formed 2016), feat; Alun Beans (ex Bootnic, Seagull Kinevil, Chemical Town), Ian Warby (bass), Sam Evans (drms). Rel EP ‘Is It?’ (Feb19), ‘Ar Fy Enaid’i’ (14.10.19). Had session on Neil Crud’s TudnoFM Show (Dec19). Alun is also in El Borracho

Glic – spazz-jazz-electronic project by Damir Bojanic (of Klaus Kinski) (since 2009). Released ‘Remasterds’ (maxi LP 9.11.09 – free download), debut LP ‘Schwartzenegger Please!’ (10.5.10) and then ‘Anthems For A Generation of Hipster Jackanapes’ (6.1.11) (website)


Global Parasite –
Colwyn Bay ‘full-on’ anarcho-punk band (formed late06), orig feat; Steve ‘Eeza’ Brute (voc,gtr) (aka Ste Cox), Dave Cox (drms,voc) (both ex Cox), Matt Misfit (bass) (ex Alien Matter). Dave is ex Chinese Chicken Balls and also played in Der Bomber and with Eeza ran Pigtown Recs. Rel 7″ white vinyl single Smash The New World Order (Complete Control Dec07) and countless gigs across the UK and Holland has put the band right up the punk ladder. Ste mutually left the band (Dec08) and formed Minus Nine Lives, later BBR, Spam Javelin, Chugga. By Jan09 GP had recruited 2 new guitarists, Gary Hubble (ex Skunkfish, Alien Matter, Anti Virus) and Gaz Rampton. Debut LP ‘Memento Mori’ (Apr10). Band on hiatus from Feb13 due to Dave Cox travelling the world, returning Sep13. Rel split EP ‘Predatory Pathocracy’ with Dead Subverts (28.02.13) and a retrospective album First Two Years (on Pumpkin Recs 2014). Shortly after a UK tour Matt and Hubble announced on 19.10.14 they had quit the band, despite (or in spite of, as many bands do) almost completing a new album and a planned split release with Oi Polloi. In 2015 Cox and Rampton had reformed the band operating from London with Keith Thomas (bass) and Joe Cythrael (gtr). Pete Butler (2 Sick Monkeys) also stood in on bass. Featured in Ian Glasper’s latest book on UK Hardcore (2020). Dave Cox in 2022 formed Manchester based band Well Rid (website)


Glove
– avant-garde duo from Bangor / Manchester (c2018) feat; Stephanie Finegan (voc, gtr, bass, drms) (ex Arms Like Legs) and Hannah Sloman (voc, gtr, bass, drms). Played live session on Neil Crud’s TudnoFM Show (Feb18). Played at Focus Wales 2018 and signed to Louder Than War Recs on account of their performance there. Rel 10″ EP ‘No Blades No Bones’ (03.05.19). Played live session on 6Music (11.09.19), but announced soon after that they were taking a hiatus.

Glovebox – Felinheli collective (c2002) feat; Ali Roberts (also Logic of Impossibility), Twig, Bluprintz, George Kempson (of Judmusic) & Johnny-R. Rel EP on R-Bennig recs Jan02 that incl; a sample of Tammy Jones (listen here), then followed up with 3-track EP (c2005). See also Stwdio Eglwys.

GMX Stuns – Rhyl band formed by Paul Hammond (voc), Dave ‘The Rave’ Jones (guitar), Carl Mortimer (gtr), Steve Buckley (bass) & Steve Hughes (drms) (see Pineapple), Stuart Mortimer (voc) (ex-Partisan Grey). After the demise of PSST in 1993, Hammond put together a project called Krazy Koloured Killer Kookies that formed the blueprint for GMX Stuns. Rel 2 demos; Smashing Apathy & Exocet. Plus CD Louder Than Bombs & a video of Anarchy in the UK. Then shared a 7″ EP with Meringue called ‘Smash Apathy.’  In 1999 Mr Big Time rel 16 track CD – Live, 4 Tracks Giros & Trotters, feat mainly live material from 94/95. Appearances on TV and radio, along with record company interest failed to give the band the big break they sought and they eventually split. (Gigography)

Goat Roper Rodeo Band – cosmic-country blues band from Rhuddlan (formed 2012), feat; Jim Davies (voc,gtr), Tom Davies (voc,bass) (both ex 4 Sticks) and Sam (gtr). Signed to Aveline Recs (website)

Gobow – Wrexham guitar band, (prev called Orient Machine), feat; Dave Morait (voc,gtr) (ex Gallops, also of We Are Animal, Nemonix), Jessica Ball (gtr) (later Mammoth Weed Wizard Bastard) (left 30.06.15), Andrew Stokes (bass), Jason Williams (drms) (later Baby Brave). Rel single Hecktor (16.03.15). Band imploded Jul15 but eventually Morait got new members in 2017 and eventually emerged as Kela Topan in 2018. Dave has maintained that the unreleased Gobow album will surface.

God – band from Bangor area (c1983), feat; Maeyc Hewitt (bass) (later Megabatz, Ecotgram), Ian McMillan (voc) had track This (Signpost) feat on local comp tape ‘Just When You Thought We Were Dead’

God’s Holy Trousers – feat. Mark Watson-Jones (bass,voc) (later of Skinflick, Emissaries Of Syn), Fin (bass,voc) (also Fubar), rest by machines, one off support slot to Blacklisted / Toys in the Attic at Mountain View, Penmaenmawr, 1997, to play cover of Lard’s 15 min “Power of Lard” to much bemusement.

Godzilla Breadvan – Wrexham band (1989-92), feat; Gary Thomas (voc/gtr) (ex Episode Three), Dave Davies (bass), Martin Clutton (gtr), David Douglas (drms). Debut gig at Miners, Wrexham, 13/10/89. Made a name for themselves on Nwales coast in early-90s. Rel demo ‘Cloud Nine & Climbing’ (1989), had track Nasty Surprise on Unknown 12 comp (Rain Tapes Feb91), 2nd demo Bighandforkensendings (1990). Toured all over the uk. Recorded their demo’s at Amazon studios, Liverpool, engineered by Ken Nelson

Go For It – relatively short lived Bangor band (c1983) fronted by Mark Creathorn (voc,gtr) (ex A Silly Tree, Some Noise, Dekorators). He developed a distinctive personal style which, in retrospect, sounds uncannily close to that which earned the Go-Betweens their press-darling status later in the decade. Sadly no such acclaim was to be forthcoming for Mark and despite playing a handful of well received gigs around the Bangor area during 1983 and 1984, he soon relocated to London in search of fame and fortune. Little is known about his subsequent activities or whereabouts except for the fact that for a period during the 90s he enjoyed a successful career in London as children’s entertainer ‘Mad Mark’ – see pic. (4 track demo) (source – Turquoise Coal)

Gogz – Llanberis band (formed Nov98), feat; Chris Carr (gtr,voc), Geraint Owen (drms), Robin Owen (gtr), Owain Ginsberg (bass) (now We Are Animal), Pearse MacIntyre (gtr) (joined ’03). Began rehearsing as a 3-pc in Bethel Village Hall, before making their debut at Snowdon Inn, Cwm-y-Glo. 5 track Ep Troi am Adra rel by Crai Feb01 & a year later rel Muhammad Ali EP. Managed by Rhys Mwyn up to 2003. Rel LP ‘Long Way Home’ (Mar04). Changed name to The Heights

Gogzinebi-lingual fanzine (mid 90s) from Penmaenmawr, feat local bands, incl, Toys In The Attic, The Fluff, Blacklisted, SFA, Catatonia, Gorkys & interviews with bands who came to Wales such as Ash & Space. Ran by Rebecca Dien-Johns (then under the nick-name Biscuit, who went onto sing for London based band Science) Elz & The Jenster, they felt there were no other fanzines around at the time & they should give it a go. They got a very positive response, but it fizzled out when Rebecca moved to Bath, she now also plays solo around the capitol as Rebecca Jade.

Gola Ola – Porthmadoc band, formed Nov02, feat; Alex Moller (drms) (now Xms3), Jason (bass) and ?. Nothing much happened until Nov03 when TV’s Sesiwn Hwyr approached them to make a video and then TV’s Popty did likewise (both TV appearances were before they had played a gig!). Jason was replaced by Dylan (ex Erazed) in Jan06

Gold Blend – formed when Sean Keegan (bass,voc) (ex Jets, Flooky), and Delwyn Williams (gtr,voc) (ex Smokestack, Inkerman, Red Wine), who had been playing as a duo, teamed up with Rory Keegan (keys) (ex Jets, Flooky) to form a 3 piece. Later joined by Bryn Vivien (voc). Delwyn left to form Reflex

golden fableGolden Fable – alternative choral electronic experimental folk project from Ewloe, feat; Tim McIver and Rebecca Palin from Tim & Sam’s Tim & The Sam Band. Rel first of many singles Sugar Loaf (13.08.12) followed by debut LP ‘Star Map’ (10.09.12), and next LP ‘Ancient’ (10.11.14) (website)

James Goldingay – Former member of Slouch, Jude the Obscure & Stale Elvis. Later member of 50.Grind who released a national Xmas single ‘Gotta Catch Them All‘ (2001) which got 30-1 odds from William Hill of being the Christmas No.1

Golwg – Welsh language magazine which was published every Thursday, by Cwmni Golwg Ltd of Llanbedr Pont Steffan. Director-Editor is Dylan Iorwerth. Editor (1997) Huw Prys Jones. The magazine was relaunched on May 25 1997, with new design & larger format. Available from Welsh language shops & some newsagents like W.H.Smith.

Tom Goodall
Tom Goodall – 
singer/songwriter from Rhyl (c2016), well known on the scene for his socio-political subjects. Originally drummer for Psycho Sexual Sex Terrestrials and in Sigmoidoscopy in the early 90s. Performed live sessions on Neil Crud‘s TudnoFM Show 01.08.16 and 25.09.17 (fb)

Goodfellas (1996- ) Commitments styled 11 piece show band, formed during meetings at the Ponderosa, Buckley during Jam Nights (1994-97) hosted by Foghorn Leghorn (now The Sofa Kings). Constantly changing line-up mainly feat: Charlie (voc, harp) and Sandy Sanderson (gtr). Other members at one time or another have incl Rob Davies (keys) (now Sofa Kings), Si Thomas (drms) (now Institute), backing vocalists Philippa K and Amy (now Vixen), Vaughn (bass), Chris Hooker (drms), (ex-Insanity Beach). Lead singer Charlie is also partly responsible for the Graig-Aid festival. of Air Guitar, Nidd & Friends

Goodnight Said Florence – indie/Madchester band (c1989); feat; Nick, Michael Davies (drms) based in Wrexham. First demo ‘Acid’ (rel 1990). They almost made it, they had it all, the music, the marketing ploys, the following. Even had their CD featured on TVs Tomorrow’s World. The marketing ploy was simple, the Submarine symbol was used more than their GNSF name, to the extent that people thought that Submarine was their name rather than a song title. They signed to Different Class records and disappeared. Rob Evans says, ‘I was a student at Different Class Records.  We studied music management and part of the course was to sign a group to the label.  I lived in Llangollen and had seen GNSF many times.  I signed them wanting the B side “Blue” to be the actual A side but the label out voted this and went with the current A.  A great bunch of lads with real raw talent.’ (full biog)

Good Syrs – Deeside band (c2009), feat; Dion (voc,gtr), Jai (voc,gtr), John (bass), Roy (drms). (website)

Gotti – Llandudno power-indie band (2003-04), feat; Chris Yates (voc,gtr) (ex Pocket Venus, Supermania, Lemon Sole, Slide), Dyfed Roberts (gtr) (ex Gwacamoli, Pocket Venus), Mauve Brown (bass) (ex Static, also Hogchild), Steve Flavell (drms) (ex Static, also Hogchild). Played debut (and only?) gig 31.03.04 at Blu, Rhyl. Rec 3 track demo, inc tracks Lullaby and Love.

Grams – band feat; Mark Thatcher (ex (ex Llwybr Cyhoeddus, Route 66, now of Deadline)

Grand Park – alt-rock band from Rhyl (formed 2006), feat; Gwynn Jones (voc,gtr) (ex Jives Room), Lewys Ball (bass) (ex Jives Room), Aled Farmer (gtr), Wayne Jones (drms) (also Jives Room, Inner City Sumo, Something Personal). Rel ‘Bridge EP’ (2009) (website)

Grass – Welsh language Denbigh based band (approx 79-81) formed by Paul Evans (bass) – (sadly died 1995), Anne Hughes Jones (voc), Stewart Jones (gtr) (Gyro Gypsies), Barry Williams (drms). They got a slot an S4C or BBC Wales pop show & a summer mini tour of Switzerland.

Grasshopper – Prestatyn based band (2000) described as ‘indie-rock with a little bit of added heavy sound’. Formed by ex-members of Ocean Rane. Also feat; Rob Snapshot on perc. Changed name to Hooper in Oct 2001.

Gravves – Deeside/Mold noise band (formed 2016), feat; Adam Hughes, David Thomas, Tom Williams (drms). Rel Tribes (single 18.11.16) , Rattle EP (10.02.17), ‘Oh, The Joy EP’ (27.04.18) all on Loner Noise Recs. Rel 10″ split EP with Deh-Yey (on Restless Bear 16.10.19). Prev called Blood Lips (website)

The Great Escape – project in Llandudno (2001) by Jon Yale (ex-Elephants Home) rel 4 track EP One (with Simon Gardner) on his own Juniper Music label.

Greaves Records – record shop in Rhyl (pre-1980) was somewhere near where Lightfoots Toy Shop on Queens St is today. Great shop often got singles early (Electrip seemed to concentrate more on albums) (pic)

Green Dolphin Street – mid 1980’s pop band from Rhyl feat Stuart Bickley (drms), John Morris (bass,voc) (not the same person as Carpet) & Steve Davies (gtr). Played between 1990 & 1992 in venues such as The Flying Picket, L’pool, Hummingbird, B’ham, several times at the Boardwalk in Manchester, Manc Uni, Sound Garden, Manc, Rock Garden in Covent garden, The Carnarvon Castle in Camden town, Lady Owen Arms in Islington, The Tivoli, The Bistro, several other local gigs & The Sir George Robey in London where they won a battle of the bands competition. They supported Daisy Chainsaw (Love your money got to no 26 in 1992) in the Sir George Robey & were once supported by a band called Rain in the Boardwalk although no-one can remember what they looked like so speculation that they changed into Oasis is still rife!! They were once arrested outside Virgin records offices in London in May 1991 whilst in meetings concerning a record deal because the police thought they were car thieves (this was an actual press release but was in fact a marketing ploy thought up by Roger Subway & their manager!!!!!). Roger worked as their sound & lighting engineer throughout these exhausting mini tours & it is true that Steve Sync drove them to London to some gigs but roadie?? no, he used his age old excuse of being too tired to work after the long drive down!!

Green Dragon – Green Dragon (Media) (c1998) headed by Martin Devaughan, with offices in Holywell and Holyhead. Services included: Management, Promotion, Music Videos, Web Design, Multi Media Presentations and Promotional Merchandise. Martin (Green Dragon) also hosted The Green Dragon Radio Show. Went onto manage Xms3, Glen UK, Mishap and Homespun as well as promoting Pippa Rogers and Souldriver along with numerous bands from England.

Green Marine Sun – Holyhead based alternative rock band (2001), feat; Pip O’Neil (voc), Darrell (gtr), Murphy (gtr), Bojan (bass), Bret (drms), Said to do a great live performance & a broad spectrum of influences. (website)

Green Minge – Rhyl band who played Bar Blu (Feb07) a couple of days after losing 2 members, but recruited new people and performed an unrehearsed and now almost legendary set

Gridlocked – Denbigh groove metal band (formed 2010), feat; Nathan Field (drms), Carl Hobson (gtr), Josh Bro’field (bass), Scott Dudley (gtr), Jamie MacDonald (voc). (website)

Grids – Holywell punk band from the late 70s & early 1980’s feat Andrew ‘Tunkie’ Tunnicliffe (gtr) (later of Vicious Circle, Mercenary Skank), Gaz ‘Top’ Jones (bass) (then known as Gary Gutter now Gareth Jones) (ex Units), Paul ‘Doggy’ Evans (voc), Dave ‘Moggy’ Williams (voc), Ian ‘Sten’ Stenhouse (r.gtr), Timmy ‘Bean’ Davies (drms). Rel New Anthems EP end of 1980. Had close links with Seventeen. The band can also claim a fan in the Dead Kennedys’ vocalist Jello Biafra who can be seen on the cover of a DK video sporting a Grids badge given to him by the band in 1982. Supported Glen Matlcock’s Sceptres at Rhyl Town Hall and Cockney Rejects at Colwyn Bay Pier where Doggy nearly had a fight with Stinky Turner. On splitting they became 2 bands Grids 2 & Interceptors.

Grids 2 – Holywell punk band formed from the ashes of The Grids, feat; Paul ‘Doggy’ Evans (voc), Dave ‘Moggy’ Williams (bass) of the original band were joined by Trefor Evans (gtr) & Steve Dutton (drms). They played a half dozen chaotic gigs & split after a truly awful gig in Connahs Quay & after a couple of abortive attempts at rehearsals without a drummer they found out Steve had been arrested & jailed & couldn’t find a replacement

Grimorium – Doom Metal band Wrexham (formed 1994) by Dylan Hughes (bass) (now Hecate Enthroned), Mike Lloyd(gtr), Mike Harmston (gtr), Russ Townson (drms) and Christopher Hill ‘Chilli’ (voc). Harmston and Lloyd left the band before the first demo was cut and were replaced by Phil Evans (gtr) and the band became a four piece. They started gigging in and around Wrexham and outlying areas playing at various pubs and venues. By Oct96 they rec that demo at the Academy Studios in Dewsbury. After this they were invited to go and play in London at an all day Metal festival sponsored by Terrorizer Magazine supporting ‘The Blood Divine’, ex Anathema and CradleOf Filth. After this gig it wasn’t long before they were invited back to headline a doom metal event playing with Orange Goblin. This Gig got a write up in Terrorizer September edition 1996. The band dissolved in 1997.

John Grindell – “Master of the synths” – all his recordings have been produced in his own studio at his Wrexham home, & published by Sain. 2001 – had own record label &, as well as continuing to release own material, has signed Welsh Steps tribute band “Cama'” – debut single out 3rd December, 2001 on CD & Cassette. Mae STIWDIOJG yn cynrychioli JG, Cama’ ac yn darparu cerddoriaeth i S4C a chlybiau cerdd a jamboris i Sir Ddinbych, Conwy, Wrecsam a Phowys

The Grip – Prestatyn punk band, late 70s. Became The Vaj. (See also Capt Black & The Mysterons, The Plague, Rich Dick & The Phallic Emblems). More info req’d.


The Groceries –
solo project (c2002) of Alan Holmes (of Ectogram, ex Parking Non-Stop, Lungs, Reinheitsgebot, Third Spain, Fflaps), under which name he has contributed tracks to many compilation projects of leftfield music. A full discography can be found at his (website). Played a live session on Neil Crud’s TudnoFM show (06.08.19) (listen)

Grot – Death metal band from Anglesey, early 90’s. Feat; Anthony Hervie (voc), Christian Maggs (drms), Robin Abbas (gtr), later joined by Danno (ex Fubar) (gtr), and Duncan Black (bass in 1994). Split in 1995, by then a 3-piece. Rel Skinflick produced demo “Pus” 1991, feat crowd pleaser Boingy Bastards (click here to listen), followed by P.I.G. (Pungent Infested Guts) (listen) demo (Nov93). Played at the Normandie a couple of times. (more)

The Grounded – Colwyn Bay rock band (c2003) feat; Steve Mills (gtr) (ex Kinell and now in Black Reply) Andy Mills (drms) (now in AMF), Adi Owens (gtr) (now in AMF), Rob Hughes (voc) & Muz (bass), the band split in 2003 and then reformed as Soviet

The Guests  – Rock’n’roll covers band from Rhyl, circa 1988, feat Stuart Bickley (ex Green Dolphin Street) on drums.

Gumpsh – Real name Gary Jones born 01.06.71, self taught & brilliant guitarist with 4Q (Jun89-Sep90), then Frank’s Dad (1991 – 1998), & Wild Mornings (2000). Moved down south and became a professor of music and a guitar tutor and recorded under the name of Gary Bowker, returned to North Wales and played in Courteous Thief (Jul11 – Apr13)

Gumshaw – Anglesey band played Melfest in Holyhead (Aug02). More info req’d

Gutter – fanzine (Jan24) created by Foundation students at Bangor University (instagram)

Gwacamoli – band from Bangor area (c2001), feat; founder member, Gethin Thomas (voc,gtr) (later Diablo Rojo, Bleed To The Red), Dyfed Roberts (gtr) (later Pocket Venus), Dylan Thomas (bass), Sion Llwyd (keys), Deian Elfrym (drms). Gareth Huws (ex Tynal Tywyll) also drummed for them at some point. Managed for a while by Rhys Mwyn. Had 2 tracks Asbestos TescosChwarae GitarMewn Band Rock ‘n’ Roll on the ‘Y Dderwen Bop’ comp CD (1998). Debut single Topsy Turvy (Crai 2000). Rel EP Clockwork on Topsy Recs (May 2001) after leaving Crai. (gig review).

Gwarth Ar Y Teulu –  (Disgrace on the Family), fanzine by Efa Supertramp. Includes a lot of Welsh-language content, but also some in English and a lot of art. However if you don’t speak Welsh there is a lot of content you won’t be able to read – we still think it’s worth getting one if you’re interested in Welsh music and art! The zine is loosely about shame, it’s a space for people who don’t fit in to tease and rant about the things that make them angry… how can we expect a revolution when everyone is so fucking polite? This is a zine by the misfits, queers, working class and radical… It’s 36 pages, printed in full colour. The cover is printed by Twinkle & Gloom, a North Wales artist (get it here)

Gwdihw Records – label (based in Mold) run by Meilir, mainly for his own releases, but has threatened in 2020 to provide an output for other artists. Profile states: ‘ Gwdihw is a not so new record label from Wales taking itself a lot more serious…’

Gwespyr Sounds – Helping with production work for Gwespyr based bands. Name has been used since 1998 with Utopia. Now used to market Scramble Joe merchandise

Gwildor – Wrexham folk band; feat; Andrew (gtr,voc), Gareth (voc,gtr), Nick (perc), Andy (keys), Rob (bass). Rel EP ‘Shattered Fragments’ Have track You Just Lost Your Way on A Sketch For Summer comp LP (CatCutter Recs Jun08)

Lisa Gwilym – TV / Radio presenter from Henllan with a regular show on BBC Radio Cymru. Has hosted shows on BBC Radio Wales and S4C. Married to ‘Twin Town’ actor Ll?r Ifans and lives in Felinheli.

Gwyl Gardd Goll –  festival that’s the brainchild of Dilwyn Llwyd, held at various locations since 2007 at Glynllifon Gdns, Caernarfon, Faenol Estate, Bangor (2011), Plas Newydd, Llanfair PG (2013). Mainly Welsh language line-up with guest ‘name’ artists like Gruff Rhys, Euros Childs, Echo & The Bunnymen, British Sea Power

gg-y-poster-13-941
Gwyl Gwydir – 
annual festival held in Llanwrst (in Aug), feat almost exclusively Welsh language acts. 2013 line-up inc; Y Niwl, Cowbois Rhos Bottwnog, Yr Ods, Georgia Ruth (website)

Dewi Gwyn – Born 1963 in Rhyl. Guitarist with Anhrefn, from 1982 until left in 1987 due to a family illness, briefly rejoined a few months later but decided not do so permanently. Originally played bass with school band Bismyth (1978-80) before guitaring for Y Sefydliad until 1984. Released a single on bass with Peth’ma (1985/6), then teaming up with Huw G a DJ Williams. Musical projects since 1989 have gone under the moniker Neu. Now well known for winding people up in cyberspace. Made one-off live appearance with Welsh Rebel Outpost (Nov12)

Huw G a D J Williams – (1988) act feat; Dewi Gwyn (ex Anhrefn), Huw Gwyn, Ceri Gwyn, Griff Rhys & Dafydd Ieuan. (Webpage with MP3)

2 Comments

  1. Russ Townson
    March 14, 2021 @ 8:19 pm

    Hi,
    I have information on the Welsh Doom Metal Band Grimorium. Are you able to update it and who do I send the info too?

    R.Townson

    Reply

    • neilcrud
      March 15, 2021 @ 6:59 pm

      yes please

      Reply

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