North Wales: H

habits1
Habits
– Colwyn Bay punk band (formed 2016), feat; Sam  (voc), James Andreson (gtr), CJ (gtr), Lee (bass), Owen Twidale (drms) (ex Day Of Origin). Rel 3-track demo via bandcamp (15.07.16), followed by ‘Falling Fluent’ EP (13.10.17), Casualties single (Apr18) and Rope (track Jan19). Built up good following due to incendiary live performances. Played many gigs across North Wales and North West (inc Rebellion festival). James Barber (bass) replaced Lee and CJ left (Oct17). Played live session on Neil Crud’s TudnoFM Show (03.12.18) (listen). Played short tour in Feb/Mar 2020 before announcing that Owen was leaving the band.

Haemasonic – Anglesey band (formed early 02), feat; Joe (voc), Shay (gtr), Ger (bass), Si (drms). Played Meltfest in Holyhead (Aug02), rel ‘Dead Sells EP’ (2004) and rec session for Adam Walton’s BBC Radio Wales Show (09.10.2005)

Hagakure – Rhyl grunge band (formed Feb03), may have incl; Danny Crud (nephew of Neil Crud), but never got beyond rehearsal stage

JJ Haggar – Wrexham promoter, DJ, entrepreneur etc. Ex-DJ at the Tivoli, Buckley (1994-98), also DJ at the Krazy House, L’pool. And controller of the Student Section of Wrexham FM. Has a PR company; 21c Media which has worked for The Alarm, Cream Tangerine.

Haze – metal band from Anglesey (c2015), feat; Cameron Cunliffe-Timperley (voc), Jack Hawley (drms), Dafydd Evans (bass), Zach Timperley (gtr), Liam Turnbull (gtr). (fb)

Hayley – comedy poet from Bangor area (c1983), feat on local comp tape ‘Just When You Thought We Were Dead’

Helen The Hair – (real name Helen Christmas) one of the original Crud Crew. Contributed the typing to the first Crud fanzine in 1986.

Halflight Motion – band (Oct85-1987) feat; Martin Wilding (gtr) (later of Boogie Run, Sons of Selina), Richard Pond (drms), Rob Beresford (bass). Went through various name changes and settled on Halflight Motion when they were joined by Elvis (voc) (later Boogie Run). Went through a period of changing bass players inc Pete Latham (Picture House, Dub Federation) and Rob Hoyle. The band played a few gigs with one memorable one at Ghost Canyon, Dyserth (bikers rally) but mainly rehearsed the orig songs. Martin, Richie and Elvis teamed up again in 1989 for The Stonegang.

Anne Hammond  – Model (albeit unwittingly) for the Sons of Selina artwork to accompany the song The Last Ditch, on the album Fire In The Hole. The photograph was actually taken by Neil Crud’s father, Chris Birchall (see The Executioners) in the early 1970’s.

Paul Hammond – Also known as The Scouse Git born 1965. Moved to Rhyl from his native Liverpool & tired of hosting Macc Lads parties he gave up his management position at Asda to form the Psycho Sexual Sex Terrestrials (PSST) in 1990. After many line up changes, the band ran its course, Hammond then formed KKKK who soon changed their name to GMX Stuns, before starting a new more trance orientated project called Sentient. This name rotated with the Sex Terrestrials & the full PSST name. Hammond, a prominent figure in the local press & never one to shy from publicity found what a lot of people described as his niche as host of the Xsentrik Selection Radio Show on Shore FM. Also rec an anti-smoking song with Malcolm McLaren & ironically a pro-cannabis ditty with local musicians called Smokin’ The Ganja. Other ventures have incl running a co-operative recording studio called Sound Solution, promoting bands at Trotters in Rhyl, introducing trance acts as MC Jester at Trancemission, & musically with his musical offering, DNA Project (2000). 2001 saw him as the driving force behind Rhyl’s venue the Breeding Ground for 18mths before rekindling an electronic version of PSST. Forever reinventing himself, Hammond formed deadsexys (2007)  using Liverpool band Sleeping With The Fishes to perform cover versions, whom he managed up to 2009. In Apr08 he released a version of The Kop’s tribute to Liverpool FC’s striker Fernando Torres, earning him thousands of hits on YouTube, an appearance on LFCTV, numerous airplays at Anfield on matchday and plaudits in the Spanish media. Since 2011 he has been found mashing up well know punk songs. In 2013 he started Zombie Dub project with Joe Shooman and also officially remixed Sigue Sigue Sputnik. In 2016 he began releasing material under his own name inc the album ‘Out Of The Dark’ (29.01.18). 2020-present saw Paul present his very popular Punk AF radio podcast (website)

Hand Made Noise – Bangor band (2002), sound like Motorhead crossed with the Offspring, feat James Phillips (voc,gtr) (see Aardvark) (ex This Room Eats, Burnham Burnham, Dry Stone Wall, J. Pump & the Goat Smugglers, Mudshark Incident, Velvet etc), Jon (gtr), Jen (bass) (ex Dry Stone Wall), Simon (drms,voc) Posthumously rel ‘Branded EP’ (bandcamp)

Hand Relief – band from Mold 2001-2003 feat; Ricky Spangle (bass) (later of Premonition, Seb Clarke Band, Bastard Squad, Hozz, The Loving Cup), Iain Tucker (voc) (ex Premonition & Darling Buds of May actor), PJ (gtr) (ex Metabbalism, Calamity Jane now Slated Dragon), Charlie C (ex-Jerry Dammers band). Occasional stand-ins included Nige Lovitt (aka Nidd), Si Thomas and Stephen Shaw (aka Rob Herriott) (Seedy/DC) & Liverpool’s Lord Nellie Shenton (gtr). Were the house band during Yr Pentan Mold jam nights (Thurs 2001-2)

Hard Pressed Recordings – Rhyl studio & dance orientated label set up by the lads from Wired and Trancemission (Oct02)

Harlot Farm – Anglesey based hardcore-metal band (2005-09), feat; Marcus (voc), John (gtr), Will (bass), Rowan (drms). Prev members Liam, Frank and Dan (all gtr), Sean (bass), Ben (voc) (website)

Harmonic Resonance – Colwyn band involved with Mase. Became Bite in 2005. Bay rock band (formed 2003), learning their trade at Battle of The Bands contests. (see also Freaky Peach, Kixxstart Kitty)

Harry Hippie – Name given to Mike Peters’ (later of The Alarm) band for their 1st gig ever played, which was at his sister’s 21st birthday party, 6.10.75 at the Talardy Hotel, St. Asaph. At the time the band, which he had formed at school, had no name, but they were christened ‘Harry Hippie’ by the DJ James Barr & feat; Mike Peters (bass), Mike Ellis (gtr), Steve Allan Jones (keys), Snowy (drms), Chris Ellis (drms) they alternated between songs! The first song they performed that night was ‘If You Think You Know How To Love Me’ by Smokie plus Born To Be Wild. Mike Ellis & Mike Peters were in a school band.

Harvest Moon – (pic) Rock band based in Llandudno (1980) orig formed by Glynn Porrino (gtr) (Stepping Stones / White Tygrz / Nightwing / Manalishi, Karac) & drummer Tony “Sully” O’Sullivan (later Big Waves, Picture Palace, Easy Living, Stepping Stones), the orig set up feat Gaz Williams (Stepping Stones) (bass), to which was added Steve Jones (voc) (ex-Stone Cold later of Heroes on a Beach, White Tygrz, Burn, Picture House, Karac & Profiad), & David Evans (keys) (ex-Children / Picture House). Gary left & was replaced by Tony Parisella (bass) (later of Jina, Llwybr Cyhoeddus, Mwg, Company) – however only on a temporary basis as he was going to College that Autumn (1980). He rehearsed quite a lot with them but did just the one gig at the Red Lion in Warrington which he remembers as being a great gig & signing autographs for ugly women afterwards. Williams was replaced by Mogga (ex-Scratch / Swan) in 1981. “Tales of Wonder /Take a Dream” (Charisma) single rel 1981. Sully was replaced on drums in 1983 by Chris Harris. In their heyday they were one of the top rock bandson the northern club circuit as well as being on TV & radio, & 1981 Radio City Battle-of-the Bands. Also long-time Radio City Rolling Rock Roadshow guest artists, & favourites of DJ Phil Easton. Jones was replaced in 1984 by Max Bacon (Nightwing/Bronze/GTR) who promptly left for Nightwing. Porrino sessioned a European tour with Nightwing & split Harvest Moon in 1984 on his return after a disagreement over the light rig & PA that was lovingly put together by David Evans using most of the money Harvest Moon made – this was to be a bone of contention that caused a rift between Evans & Porrino that never healed – not the money, but in Porrino’s words, the lack of honour. The 2 haven’t spoken since. Harvest Moon also had one of the best band-owned light shows around, with Graham Heritidge of Llandudno at the helm. Nowadays Sully plays guitar & sings in bars in Llandudno. David Evans has a studio in Bangor. Max Bacon sometimes sessions with the likes of Steve Howe, has his own pub act, & often appears as the act in his own pub in Northwich

Hate Time – Two piece Prestatyn band (c1989) feat; Dean Roberts (later of Psycho Sexual Sex Terrestrials) & Wayne Murray (later became London based DJ Rollercoaster – sadly died Jun19). Rel one demo of the outstanding Take The Chance among others at RRS Colwyn Bay.

Hatework – Anglesey based extreme metal band. Rel CD ‘Cold, Sterile, Loveless’ & is still available at COB records in Bangor (reviewed in ‘Kerrang!’). They sounded a bit like The Dillinger Escape Plan. feat; Pat Withers (voc), Bryn Moore (gtr), Gareth B Jones (bass), The Major (drms) (now in Logic of Impossibility) who was replaced by Ian Cunliff (drms) (ex Power Gruj, Something Personal). Duncan Black (who played gtr on the CD but not live), says, ‘When they got around to organising gigs, it was clear they needed someone to play my lead parts, but I was busy playing for This Thing, so they offered the position to one Chris ‘Bagga’ Evans. He performed live with the band at their most memorable gigs in Scotland and the Crypt in Bangor.’ Singer Pat’s bizarre stage attire included Rod Stewart wigs, shell suit bottoms pulled up to his neck and a Bernie Clifton Ostrich suit. Band split around 1999.

Haunting – Band billed on the CND benefit festival at the Queens in Rhyl 21.2.1981. More info req’d.

Head – new shortened name for Girohead after Tony Carter joined them on bass, split in 1996 & became Cooara. (see also Speedball 17)

Headland – Abersoch band (c2001) that became Snatch

Heal: The Last Stand – Wrexham indie-pop band (c2008), had session aired on Adam Walton‘s BBC Radio Wales Show (2.5.10), met Mike Peters in Wrexham and ended up touring California as a result!

Heathen – early incarnation of Mold band Angeldrive. Feat; Thomas (bass). More info req’d

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

Hecate Enthroned – (pic) Developed from Wrexham based death metal band Daemonum, renamed after ex-Cradle of Filth member joined & became full-on black metal blasphemers. Demo rec 1996 at Academy studios, Dewsbury, attracted label interest & were signed to Blackend (Plastic Head offshoot), demo put out as mini-LP “Upon Promethean Shores” which apparently did well in Germany. Mark Watson-Jones (bass) (ex Black Listed, Skinflick, later Emissaries Of Syn) states: ‘never got any royalties despite pursuing them via the musicians union for a year, I could have done with that £3.20 at the time.’ Numerous line-up changes leave only one original guitarist (Nige) plus a bassist still Wrexham based, other members from Manchester area. Now onto 4th album & do occasional gigs.

Hefin Huws – Bethesda based outfit, artist, drummer etc has rec at least 3 solo LPs, the latter with himself performing every instrument. One time drummer for Anhrefn (c1986-88), Maffia Mr Huws & Branchala (1993), also appeared as drummer & vocalist on LPs by Bob Delyn, Meic Stevens & Steve Eaves. By day Hefin is a self-employed stone mason.

The Heights – Llanberis band (c2005) (prev called Gogz), feat; Chris Carr (gtr,voc), Geraint Owen (drms), Robin Owen (gtr), Owain Ginsberg (bass) (later Get Out Clause, now We Are Animal, Hippies vs Ghosts), Pearse MacIntyre (gtr). Signed to Animal Noise. Rel single Long Way Home and LP ‘Toys and Kings’ (2007 thru Best Before Recs)

Heights Hotel – venue in Llanberis hosted many good nights (c2003), run by Ian Viney (Vine).

Hektor – 4 piece punk band from Colwyn Bay (c2003), orig called Chinese Chicken Balls. Feat; Gavin (voc,gtr), Spud Boy (bass), Gorro (gtr), Dave ‘Cox’ Warburton (drms) (ex Floater’s Revenge, The Cox, Boycott UK, later of Global Parasite, Well Rid)

Hel Clics – hiphop collaboration between Mr Phormula and New York based Lord Willin’. Rel ‘S.A.I.N EP’ (2022) followed by Sound Of Thunder single (Jan23) (spotify)

held
Heldinky –
Bangor band (c2012), feat; Helena Palombo (voc,gtr), Mike McMahon (drms) (ex Valleum, Vaffan Coulo), Dave Taylor (bass) (later Rabo De Toro, Ameto), replaced in 2016 by Ian Warburton (ex Seagull Kinevil). Made live debut at Hendre Hall, Tal-y-Bont (summer 2010), who according to a recent review play “dark and beautiful music”. Helena is originally from South London, she previously performed as a solo artist, playing at gigs and festivals around the UK, inc  Glastonbury. Before Heldinky came together she was collaborating with Mat Watkins (ex-Wendykurk). Rel vinyl album ‘Miles To Go Before I Go To Sleep’ (12.01.15 on Turquoise Coal), played live session on Neil Crud’s TudnoFM show (24.10.16) (review). Kerry Swatridge (keys,gtr) joined in 2022 and the band began working on a new album.

Hellacious! – rock band from Deeside (?), (c2009), more info req’d

Hellfire Devilles – Wrexham zombie-killerbilly band (formed 2015), feat; Wayne Cotton (voc,dbl bass) (ex Stuntface, also of Vice Squad), Nic Feratu (drms,voc) (ex Stuntface), Cow (gtr,voc) (ex Swillers). Rel ‘4 From The Floor EP’ (2018) and album ‘Scream And Scream Again’ (2022). (bandcamp)

Hellfruit – project by Dominic Tanner of Colwyn Bay, exploring the weird side of sound. Released 4 untitled albums between Sep14 – Sep16 on Idlechrist label, all the tracks were numerically titled One, Two, Three etc. Also had session on Neil Crud’s TudnoFM Show (19.06.17), these tracks had proper names! (bandcamp)

Hell Grave – Ruthin / Llangollen band (formed Jan05 out of ashes of Octane), feat; Joe Lewis (bass), Rob Harness (gtr), Tom Poxton (gtr), Sean Parry (voc), Kieran Elsdon (drms) (son of Bomb Disneyland‘s Mark Cooper)

Adam Hemuss – Lesser known brother of Robin. Vocalist of the Invasion of The Astro Monsters tracks produced in 1990. Was journalist with The Pioneer in Colwyn Bay. Went on to work for Channel 4’s Big Brother (including being one of the BB voices in the Diary Room).

Robin Hemuss – Born 1970, Colwyn Bay. Guitarist with 4Q from Summer 1989, playing 17 gigs in the year he was with the band. Formed the Invasion of The Astro Monsters with his brother Adam, although prolific with recording, the band never performed live. Robin, reknowned for over indulgence also had another project, Orange Trick with Pete, Lemon Meringue Gang & Jon Bon 10p running concurrently. These eventually ground to a halt when he co-founded Sons of Selina with Neil Crud in 1990. Also ran Reliant Recording Studios from his own back garden. His interest at being an active musician faded by 1997 & he had little to do with Sons of Selina material thereafter, which many have described as a great loss to music. Moved to Manchester in 1999 to study at University, now living in Chester.

Henchmen – North Wales chapter of Hell’s Angels, based in Colwyn Bay. Later known as the Outlaws.

Hendre Hall – venue in Tal-y-Bont, 4km outside Bangor, since 1999 the converted barn near has been open as a venue capable of hosting local and not so local bands, DJs and club nights in a really earthy backdrop. Most Bangor bands have done their turn there. Eg: Tarantism, Kipperwig, Valleum, Kobe. Radio One’s Session in Wales broadcast Ectogram and Zabrinski from the barn to celebrate Ankst‘s anniversary. Bethan Elfyn said she’s never been to a venue with a slate dancefloor before. Not long ago that dancefloor was packed with people dancing to tunes laid down by the DJ from The Herbaliser. Also hosted the Dirty Weekend punk festival in Sep08, and Adam Walton‘s BBC Radio Wales show recorded live bands from there (Mar10). Used as Bangor Students Union’s entertainment club (2010/11) while Union building in the city was being rebuilt. (website)


Paul Henshaw
– riot-folk singer, native of Shrewsbury now based in Prestatyn. Fronts Paul Henshaw & The Scientific Simpletons, also plays several solo gigs. Rel albums, ‘Don’t Die Wondering’ (2010), ‘Winners Never Quit and Quitters Never Win’ (2012), ‘I Refuse To Sink’ (2014), ‘YOU! Just Lost the Game’ (2016), ‘Fishing For Owls’ (2017) and ‘Completum Est – The Live Album’ (May18). Since moved to Cambridgeshire (Dec19). (website)

Hen Wlad Fy Mamau – project by Anhrefn brothers, Sion Sebon and Rhys Mwyn, involving many collaborators. Released self-titled album in 1995 on Virgin Records subsidiary label V2. The music was a far cry from their previous punk outlet, being more drum’n’bass, electronic orientated, but still with their politically overtones. The follow up album ‘Post Punk, Post House, Post Welsh’ (2000) has often been identified as being by Anhrefn due to their name being on the sleeve. Of this follow-up release, Sion explains, ‘It is mostly Hen Wlad, with some guitar stuff as well – lots was the stuff we had started work on for new Hen Wlad album till V2 pulled the plug – they said they owned the rights etc (technically they did) and we were not allowed to do anything with it – so we did anyway!! Told them the could sue us if they wanted but good luck as we were skint. The whole V2 thing was a farce in the end, they freaked out at the politics and tried to dampen it and control us – that was never going to happen.’ (spotify)

Here Be Dragons – soft rock band from Acrefair (early 90s). Feat Jayne Morrison. More info req’d

Heretica – Bangor (?) screamo band (formed early07), feat; Dan Penis (voc,gtr), Ben Thomas (voc), Dewi (gtr), Mike P (bass), Stooff Rob (drms), who replaced JJ. (website)

Heroes On A BeachPop band, played their debut show in the now defunct Metropole in their hometown of Colwyn Bay (Feb87). Steve Pablo Jones (voc,bass), Paul Roberts (drms), Graham Feast (gtr), Dave Evans (keys). See also Picture House, Burn, White Tygerz, Y Profiad, Harvest Moon, Karac.

Heronsway – Wrexham band (1993-96), feat; Paul Binnion (gtr, bass), Neil Evans (voc, gtr, bass), Jonathan Archer (drms) (both later in Brighton based Alphawave). Started life as a Teenage Fanclubesque indie band, their sound shifted towards Remain In Light era Talking Heads meets dub, pop and trip hop. Gigged extensively in the Wrexham area and further afield in North Wales and the North West. Regulars at Chester venue Telfords on Sunday nights throughout 1995. Rec 2 sessions for the Sunday Evening Alternative Show on Marcher Sound. Appeared on the HTV television programme ‘The Electric Chair’ in 1994. Notable tracks: ‘White Knuckle’, ‘The Sting’ and ‘Vinegar Hill’. Paul moved to Nottingham where he has played in shoegaze outfit Monaural, mathrock three piece ThisIsTheWayTheWorldEnds as well as providing occasional soundtrack work for video games (‘The Sindustry’), soundtracks (Nottingham-based White Dolemite’s ‘Come Taste The Salt in Me’) and recording under his own name. Heronsway sporadically reform for the never completed album recording session. (demos)

Maeyc Hewitt – (12.01.59 – 01.10.15) very colourful musician from Bangor who sadly died of cancer. Maeyc was a member of several bands including, Third Spain, Ectogram, Nixon & Jarvis, The Lungs, Facefish, Pearl Necklace). ‘There he goes, one of god’s own prototypes. A high-powered mutant of some kind never even considered for mass production. Too weird to live, and too rare to die.’

Hexmarx – Rhyl punk band (c1991), feat Steve Crilly (later of Babakin, Affliction) and Tony. Known best for their song I’ve Got a Big Dick (or maybe not).

Hidden Hive – Conwy based record label set up by Steve Swindon in 2006. Has released material by Gintis and Flotation Toy Warning

Hidden Secret – Rhyl band (formed 1986), feat; Mike Curran (gtr), Andy (voc), Nicky Howes (keys), Ian Cummins (drms) replaced by Roger Bickley who left after 18 months & was given a ‘leaving card’ signed by the band & their parents for his contributions!! Described as a ‘…pop rock band & all the girlies fancied them & all the blokes thought they were puffs.’ Played first gig at Rhyl Youth Club to 150 people, second gig at Rhyl youth club to 30 people. Prior to that line up they had rehearsed with Lee Wharton & Martin. They also for one week enlisted Nicola (keys), but that didn’t work out too well. Biggest gig was at Knightleys to 600 a fundraiser. They at this point had an Elvis impersonator called Sean Cochran, who only knew “Suspicious Minds” when they auditioned him. Smallest gig was to 6 people at the same venue. Became Firetown

Hiding With Girls – Towyn dark melodic cross over metal band (formed May06), prev called Torn Asunder until Oct06, feat; Andrew (voc) (also Tardis), Gav Lawton (gtr) (ex Carbonari, Lucid, Dred, Pain Filtered Farm, Scramble Joe, Dekay etc), Alex Hodgson (drms). Jason Edmonds (drms) left Aug06. Paul Davies (voc,bass) (ex Syntax) joined then quit (Oct06), but none of this may even be true! (website)

Hieronymus Bosch – Prog band (formed in Kelserton College c1968), feat; Phil Caveney (drms, later voc), Stevie Roberts (gtr), Steve Brown (bass).  Dave Taff Evans (keys) (later Swan). Phil says, ‘When I moved on to singing, Chris Davies took over on drums. Dave Taff Evans did play keyboards for a while, and later a guy called Geraldo Van Rental took over. Also, in a later version, when Steve Brown took over keyboards, Roy Hughes played bass. Phil is now a childrens author (website)

High Quality Recordings – Bristol based label run by Gwynedd born Geraint Ffrancon (also of Stabmaster Vinyl). Est Jan02 & has rel material by Meical Ap Duw, Accidental & Ill Informed. (website)

High Time – band (2002) from Sychdyn feat; David Wright (gtr), Barry ‘Boz’ Davies (drms), Andy Davies (voc,perc), Rich Owens (bass) (now Babylon Leaves). David now lives in London and says, ‘Our music is still on the juke box in the Cross Keys in Sychdyn.’

Hippakuss – Llanfairfechan based hardcore band (2003), feat; Edwin (gtr,voc), Jake (bass,voc), Iwan (gtr) (all 3 also of Gape) and Rhys (drms). (website)

Hippies vs Ghosts – Cwm-Y-Glo project (c2013) by Owain Ginsberg (The Heights, We Are Animal). Rel albums, ‘Mother Tongue’ (20.01.14), ‘Droogs’ (09.07.15), ‘No Left No Right’ (15.01.18). Played live session on Marc Riley’s 6Music Show (15.05.18) with full band, feat; Dave Morait (drms) (bandcamp)

Hipstar – Welsh TV music show (started Feb01) feat; bands recorded live at The Paradox in Caernarfon, produced by Dyfrig Jones (did this ever happen?)

His Finest Hour – punk band (c2012) from Bangor (?), feat; Dan Evans (voc,bass), Josh Williams (gtr), Karl Schofield (gtr), Rich Jones (drms) (fb)

Hitchcock – Welsh language band from Caernarfon (1993-94) feat; Aled Ellis-Davies (voc), David Gwyn (bass), Rhys Llwyd (gtr), Siôn Llwyd (drms). Also feat Declan ‘Paddy’ Parry (later Kobe, Ysoriant, This Thing, Army of Crows) at some point

Hitia Befo – band (2003) from Glan Clwyd school, St Asaph. More info req’d.

Hit ‘n’ Run – indie schoolboy band from Rhyl (1994), feat John Morris now of Carpet.

Hobo – North Wales band (1998-2000), described as a Cobain-Waits vocal style. Feat; Iain Davis (voc,gtr,keys), DJ Sid (decks,prog,synths), Joel Dolben (drms) (ex X, Pig, She Said). Hobo had their own studio for 12 months, where they rec a total of 22 tracks. Joel took a year out to travel Australia (2001). Iain went to London, still writing songs. They played their last gig at The Stand in Rhyl, North Wales on 10.06.2000 to a full house; feat Steve Bonehead (see Sons of Selina) who helped out on gtr. Since then one of their songs Time was featured on HTV’s “Shotgun Slideshow”, a very controversial video was made & the show was aired on Friday 13.10.00 with a warning “some viewers may find some scenes disturbing”. Jul01 changed name to 20 Racine & had relocated to London.

Max Hodges – aka Max the Mac, aka That hairy monster. Guitarist and Luthier and Music Technology Specialist and Director for Rushworth’s and Gog’s, and TK music, also had links to Sam’s Guitars. Played in Numerous bands, from Holyhead to Chester, throughout the 90’s incl; Dirty Work, Sindicate, Wanted. Engineered hundreds of live gigs, Built the Studio at TK Music, and one of his own in Old Colwyn, as well as one in Trearddur Bay. Organised and engineered almost all the Battle of the Bands heats, and semi finals, Ocean Music Scene, and other live events, incl stints at the Holyhead festivals, Conwy River Festival, Blues festival and just about every other major Live event. Also Took on Demonstration duties for Fender and the UK Fender Club in the North West, and manned the fender stand and Fender club stands at the National Music Show in Wembley. Now Living In Oxford, after moving away from Old Colwyn in 2001 due to family difficulties. Now works in England as a Recording Engineer and Pro Audio Support Consultant, working with co-ex Wanted member Anton Hobbs, and Mad Monk, Siward Mullins, to produce a new prog-metal Album. Also Supported the MASE project.

Hogchild – Denbigh rock-blues band (formed late03), feat; Steve Jones (voc,gtr) (ex Pocket Venus, Supermania), Steve Flavell (drms), The Mauve (bass) (both ex Static also Gotti). Rec demo ‘Killing Floor’ (Mar07) (website)

Hogia Llandegai – Bethesda based outfit (pre-1992). More info req’d.

Hoist Owls of Goi – band (Sep03-May04) formed by members of Yr Idiots joined by Rhys Martin (gtr). Became Duwai Gwallgo and eventually Plant Duw

Hole In The Sky – Menai Bridge metal band (formed 2003) orig called Suffer, then called Violated, feat; Jay Roberts (voc,gtr) (also of Carbon Vein), Dan Walne (gtr) (later First To Die), Jay C (bass), Mitch (drms) (ex On Hold, Caezium). Orig had Daniel Garrod (drms) (ex Caezium, now Emo on Sunday) with Mitch on bass. Played MASE. (website)

Hollow – Mold band (c1991), feat; Julian. Rel demo ‘Mood Blue’. More info req’d

The Hollow – (pic) experimental modern grunge rock band (where do these genres come from!?) of Bangor area, formed 2002. Feat; Tom Parry (gtr,voc), Neil Ashton (gtr), Rob Durkin (gtr), Andy Wallace (bass), Michael Hall (drms) – who replaced Aled Sion. Have supported Valleum and Kobe & well rec’d along the coast. Rel demo EP & rec session for Adam Walton‘s BBC Radio Wales Show (Jan04), and a 2nd session (Jan05). (website).

Hollows – Denbigh indie band (c2017)

Hollow Flame – Mold punk band (formed Sep03, while all still in school), feat; Scott Saunder (voc,gtr), Rich Malpass (gtr), Ieuan Kelly (drms), Jay Wainright (bass). Rel 3-track EP ‘The Non-Conformist’ (Feb05). (website)

Holy Coves – Holyhead indie band (c2009), feat; Scott Marsden (voc,gtr), Ben Lee (gtr) (ex Wendykurk), Jimi Eggleton (bass), Ash Garden (drms). Ex-members inc Jason Hughes (gtr), Dave Jones (drms),  Rel debut LP ‘Peruvian Mistake’ (30.07.12). Scott resurrected the band in 2021 and rel LP ‘Druids And Bards’ harnessing the session talents of John Lawrence (gtr) (ex Gorky’s Zygotic Mynci), Owain Ginsberg (gtr,keys) (also We Are Animal, Hippies Vs Ghosts), Jason Hughes (bass) (The Painkillers) and Spike T Smith (drms) (ex Alternative Attack, Destroy Babylon) (bandcamp)

Holy Gloam – initially a solo project by Abergele based Julian Neale (ex Hit n Run, Carpet, Morffe, Wobbly Hearts). Released couple of singles in 2022, then a full length album ‘Small Nothings’ (on Mai68 Recs 15.07.22). Put together a live band – lineup; Julian Neale (voc,gtr), Carl Gintis (gtr), Martin Sherwood (gtr), Rob Mercer (bass), Hargi (drms). Julian has also stood in many times on drums in Gintis (linktree)

Holywell Online – community website for Holywell run by Martin Devaughan (now runs Green Dragon). Have rel a comp CD of local bands called Taste Of The Dragon (Jul02). More info req’d.

Bernie Holywood – a local Rhyl “character” who worked as a barman (in the Downtown mid-late 70s). He was convinced he wrote Chirpy Chirpy Cheep Cheep & My Way & once performed them at the 1520 Club backed by Steve Allan Jones (keys), Nige Twist (drms) & probably Mike Peters (bass). The roadies Steff & Ted had built a pa amp but forgot to put a cover on it.you could see all the valves & transistors. When some of the local punks started spitting at Bernie, the amp started to fizzle & electrocution was averted by a quick witted roadie who covered the amp with something (probably a coat) Bernie had no singing talent whatsoever but everyone humoured him. He once bought a spangly suit for a huge amount because it was Elvis’ !!!


Homespun –
(pic) punk band formed in Rhyl 1998, feat; Terry Foster (voc,gtr), Tony Tuna Foster (drms), Damien Sayell (bass). Gigged extensively in North Wales and surrounding areas (L’pool, Manchester, Chester, etc) building a reputation and fan base. Played support slots for The Damned, UK Subs, Spunge and more! As well as many insane things happening in between, bass players came and went, inc; Geth Jones and Peet. Rel CDEP May00 called Same Shit Life with 3 tracks; Sketch, Fool That I Am & Saturday Nite. Followed by Shut The Fuck Up & Listen (Oct00) feat; Happy Hating, Scream & My Generation; this EP was funded by the Prince’s Trust, the band met Prince Charles (Dec00) who was bemused at its title. Orig began as a 3 piece before Damien joined in Summer 2000. Blamed for putting an end to The Stand thru vandalism & on stage violence. Jun01 sees track Shot Away feat on Radio 1’s ‘Session Exposure.’ Played New Inn in Rhyl (Feb 02) after an 8 month lay off in the studio. BBC live session in Newport 2006 a session was also aired by Adam Walton.Launched their debut album “Sexready Mind Control” at the opening night of Billys venue in Rhyl (20.06.07); the first 6 tracks of which were rec and produced by Ronnie Stone (Pixies, Sonic Youth, Mansun,) at Parr St Studios (L’pool). Forced to change name to Fear ‘n’ Loathing (Oct03), then decided on The Hellfire Club after having the original name (Homespun) used by Dave Rotheray’scollaboration act under Sony recs, they reclaimed it Jan06, only later adding “tb” (the band) to avoid legal complications. Shot a video for the song Badman (2006) Neil Crud appears in the video as “Badman” along with a cameo from ex-manager Steve Baker as the bearded nun. Video was picked up by a European TV Channel to be aired to over 30,000 people on several stations. Signed management deal with Green Dragon (Jun07) and 12 months later signed a record deal with American label dPulse and rel single 100 Nations (Feb09), then left them. Announced in May09 that they were working on 2nd LP ‘The Death of Modern Rock,’ but by now Damien had left (eventually moving to Bristol) and set up The St Pierre Snake Invasion. Terry and Tony resurfaced in Kicking Seagulls (2018) (website)

Honeytalks – pop-punk band from North East Wales, feat; Adam Robinson (gtr,voc) and Dave Griffiths (bass,voc) and Lauren James (drms). Rel single New Heights (Dec21) (linktree)

Honeyzclub – nightclub in Rhyl owned by Billy Williams and opened May07 after £1m refurb on the site of Rosy o’Grady’s. Took away a lot of the weekend crowds from the town’s only other club of note Bar Blu. Open in the week as Billys Sports Bar which was briefly a live venue (Jul-Sep07). Lay derelict for a few years before being demolished (2014).

Hood Flair – experimental-drone-noise experiment by Mark Huckridge (of Wrexham?) c2015. (soundcloud)

Hoodwink – Ruthin based punk band (formed 2001), prev called The Fetish, feat; Luiz Stockler (gtr,voc) (b.13.2.86) (also Late In July), Rich Shemilt (bass) (b.26.1.86), Joe Coope (drms) (ex Paracite) (b.2.4.89), Dafydd Williams (gtr) (b.28.9.90) (also of The Ridden). (website)

Hooper – Rhyl band (2001) formerly called Grasshopper (name changed enforced after personnel changes). Feat; Lee Davies (voc,gtr), Paul Davies (gtr,voc), Terry Jackson (bass,voc) & Rob Snapshot (drms) (also Premonitions). Became Mo-Tone Company Band (2005). See also Ocean Rane

Hopeless Romantics – Band billed on the CND benefit festival at the Queens in Rhyl 21.2.1981. More info req’d.

Hopewell Ink – obscurest spoken word project from Bangor by David and Kathy Hopewell. Rel LP ‘The Cure For Silence’ (14.03.18). Played Curiad Pulse Festival Bangor (May18) and played a live session on Neil Crud’s TudnoFM show (21.05.18). Rel EP ‘Lurid’ (2019) (bandcamp) (Dave plays in Cane Toads, and ex Burnham Burnham)

Ron Hornsby – musician from Deganwy, rec song News at RRS (c1990), prev in A Few Good Men.

Horror Box – band (2004), feat; Daniel Lyden (voc), Sean Parry (gtr), Lynsey (bass), Nia Lister (drms), Dan (keys) and Christian (keys).

Horror JamesColwyn Bay based band (c2000), feat; Jamie Rothwell (voc,gtr), Simon Williams (drms), Cally Begg (bass), Chet Nash (keys), S.Dobbs (gtr). prev called No Star & Sister Ray. Likened to Sonic Youth meets Grandaddy. More info req’d.

Horsespookers – alter ego band to Cane Toads, who have an entire and very groovy Neil Young set, last seen with Ectogram, Ism, Wendykurk at Hendre Hall 2002. Resurfaced in Feb20 at The Skerries in Bangor with James Phillips on voc,gtr.

Hot Dawg Assassins – Bangor rap-folk-hip-hop-rock band (Oct 2011), feat; Owain Dalton (ex Rabid Melodicca) (voc,gtr, Irish whistle), Lyndon Harvey Marshall (Rabid Melodicca. Infant Crack Factory) (voc, gtr), Abi Low (voc), Ceri Dalton (Banda Bacana, Rabid Melodicca) (voc,drms,cajorn), Connor Ash (violin,gtr), James Philips (Bum Sting Spiders Burnam Burnam, Horse Spookers)(bass), Stephen Russell (gtr,voc). Lyndon and Abi are taking a break from the band. Prev members and guest appearances inc Sarah Roberts (bass), John Wilce played at Kaya Fest 2014 (Banda Bacana) (bass). Debut gig at Heights, Llanberis 30.11.11 (facebook)

Hot For Peaches – Anglesey band, formed Mar10 after meeting at the annual Ynys Mon Sheep Shearing Festival. Have been comparing techniques and discussing the merits of hand shearing ever since. Feat; Darren Morris (bass), Emyr Payne (voc), Iwan Jones (gtr), Simon Owen (drms). (website)

Hot Water – late seventies (77-79) Bangor band, played the usual local venues but memorably the Dyffryn Ogwen Festival in 1978. Double female lead vocalists Sheila McCartney (later Fay Wray, Babel) and Brenda Prescott backed by Ann Williams (keys), Owen Hughes (drms) (later Fay Wray, owner of Cob Recs), John Lovering (gtr) (later Fay Wray), Paul Stroud (bass) and Jeff Taylor (sax) (later Fay Wray). Caught the ear of John Peel who gave them a BBC session (30.08.78) and also gigged at Eric’s in L’pool, and Colwyn Bay Pier (19.12.79). Rel 2 singles on Duff Recs, Different Morning/Premium Bondage (1978) and Get Lost. Also rel a cassette ‘best of’ feat out-takes from the Peel session and the DLT show.

Hot Wood – Prestatyn funky-rock band (formed Feb09), feat; Conor Kelly (gtr), Matthew Lee (voc,gtr), Sam Roberts (bass), Ethan ‘Bez’ Beswick (drms), (website)

Hourglvss – alt-pop band (c2020) from Abergele / Rhyl, feat; Abby Butler, Rosie Hamilton (ex White Wolves, Terry & The Supercools), Katharine Benbow (voc).

House of Crud – residence of Neil Crud, although a number of addresses have been dubbed so, the only real House of Crud was 8 Ellesmere Rd, Colwyn Bay where Crud fanzine was born & 4Q started life. A 2 bedroom top floor flat occupied from 1985 to early 1988 the House of Crud was more like a community centre than a dwelling. Neil would leave the door unlocked while out at work & would return to find the place either full of people or find that someone had been there leaving a note. 4Q also held a number of early rehearsals in the flat. Rent arrears meant eviction & when Neil took the furniture with him, he was successfully prosecuted by his landlord.

Joe Hovis
Joe Hovis
 – punk singer/songwriter from Colwyn Bay (now based in Rochdale), real name Joseph Murtagh. Played in Bankshot and formed Braxton Hicks. Also hosts the Punk Rock Gospel podcast. Played first live show in 18mths at ‘Smash The Bank Holiday Alldayer’ (May17). Rel EP ‘Mindnumbing Fairytale Demo’ (04.05.15), followed by ‘Debut EP’ (09.08.17). Had session aired on Neil Crud’s TudnoFM show (02.10.17) (listen) (bandcamp)

Howlin’ Wilf & The Broken Fingers – Blues-jazz-funk-reggae band from Rhyl (formed late 80s) feat; Bob Hewitt (gtr,voc), Jim Taylor (gtr,voc), Andy Hamer (drms), Martin Hamilton (bass), Paul ‘Elvis’ Dowler (voc), and later Alan Edwards (keys). Andy says, ‘We could of and should have gone onto great things. Dave Gilmour offered Bob studio time at his home studio after listening to one of our tapes.’ (Bob was interviewing him in his capacity as a guitarist magazine columnist) They played under many variations eg jazz trio, quartet, sextet.  Appeared at many art reviews held at Rhyl and other library/art centres across NW, mainly just jamming old jazz standards, while invited artists and critics mingled and got pissed. Andy says, ‘Gwyn Williams, head of Welsh Arts, who ran Rhyl Arts Centre was the instigator of such wonderful evenings, we were joined on stage at some venues by Colin Higginson (sax) and his son Ritchie (perc). Also supp You Slosh a Colwyn Bay Leisure Centre, and occasionally went under the guise of Andy Hamer’s Beard. See also Misery Brothers

Howlin’ Wind– Piss-take band formed by Dave Macher 1988 before Pyw Dall. Released a 17 track tape More Than Just a Breeze, with tracks such as Oh F*ck I’ve Farted, Constipated Clive, & Status Quo’s Farting All Over The World.

Hozz – legendary Buckley rock band (c1980-), feat; Simon Hide, Dave Simons (ex-owner of Buckley’s Daves Music Shop) (gtr), Mark Fowler (drms), Darrell Smith (bass) (1995-05 Skinny Lizzy), Al Humphries (bass) (ex Mindwerx) briefly re-joined having played with them in the mid 1990s. Band spent 3 years gigging as Redhouse 2006-09 with Ricky Spangle/Nescobar (bass) (ex-Bastard Squad, Loving Cup) and occasionally Si Thomas (drms) (ex- Goodfellas, Bastard Squad, Metabbalism). Band were a major fixture along with Dizzy Mama during the early 1990s as support act for major bands performing at Buckley’s Tivoli. Smith rejoined on bass 2010 after a 4 year break (website)

H3 – dance music project (90s) by Dylan Hughes (Anrhefn) & David Stewart Jones. CD released, TV appearance on Dim Tafod (S4C)

Hub – Colwyn Bay based punk band (2001) feat; Gary Hubble Roberts (gtr,voc) (ex Fuzzy Duck, Alien Matter, Scramble Joe, Anti Virus, Global Parasite), Dav, Tommy (ex Kona), & Christian. Have 3 tracks on the MASE ‘No Boundaries’ CD – Know That Smile, Stay, Papercuts. More info req’d.

Hubble – one man acoustic guitarist/singer Gary Roberts (ex Alien Matter, Fuzzy Duck, Hub, Scramble Joe, Skumkfish), inv with MASE making regular appearances. Late05/06 began rehearsing with a reformed Alien Matter, but nothing came to fruit, then joined Global Parasite (09)

Dylan Hughesborn 09.05.1968, native of Pentrefoelas. Drummer for Cyrff & then Anhrefn, before pursuing a solo dance music project, H3.

Steve Hughes – Abergele based drummer, listed here for having played in many bands since 1990, GMX Stuns, Crazy Little Sister, Eazy To Smile, Elephants Home, Fashion Victims, Pineapple, & Slouch.

hungry-touch
Hungry Touch
Metal band from Colwyn Bay doing the local circuit in the late 80’s. Originally called Vengeance, changing their name to Hungry Touch in 1986. Feat, Francis Flynn (gtr), Sion Rogers (voc), Chris White (bass), (later of Burn, Think Lizzy), Tony Babbington (drms). Did a cracking version of Led Zeppelin’s Rock ‘n’ Roll. Rel 12″ EP ‘Systems (on Firehorse 1989). Other bands formed from the ashes after they split namely Funky Fingers, Remedy and Top Monkey.  Sion’s son Zak was in Spitting Pips, Artisfiction, Grief (and many other bands). (youtube)

Hunnymonsters – Llandudno band (late 80’s?) feat; Ron Hornsby (voc) (ex A Few Good Men), Eric James (keys) (see Company), Graham Davies (Box of Frogs) (gtr). Played mostly Pink Floyd etc covers & did loads of gigs around N Wales.

Hunzz – Abergele psychedelic-funk band (c2023), feat; Rosie Hamilton (ex White Wolves, Terry & The Supercools), (spotify)

Hyphanated – Wrexham grunge band (formed 29.08.03), feat; Dion Still (voc,gtr), Adam Sidor (gtr), Ryan Jarvis (drms,voc), Daniel Jones (bass). Rel EP ‘The Last Debut’, took part in Stiwt Battle of Bands competition. (website)

Hyrbi – Group from the Porthmadog area. The members are all at Meirion Dwyfor College & have created a good reputation for themselves. Rhys ap Trefor (voc/gtr), Llyr ap Gareth (gtr), Gai Prichard (bass), Gethin Evans (drms)