I Am Austin - two piece alternative outfit from Connah’s Quay (c2008), feat; David Mitchell (drms,voc), Adam Hughes (keys,gtr), now called Beard of Wolves (website)
Ian Rush – Mold based indie band (formed early 90s), feat; Pete Bryon (voc,gtr), Geraint Williams (gtr), Mario Trasmundi (bass), Sion Williams (drms). Pete is brother of Matt (of Arfer Anfad), rec session for the John Peel show 4/12/93. (website)
Yr Idiots – Bangor Tryfan school band (c2003), feat; Elidir Jones (bass), Conor Martin (gtr,voc), Myfyr Prys (drms) (all later of Plant Duw), Alwyn Pegler and David Jones. Played at their school and appeared on S4C’s Uned 5 show. Split summer03 and became Hoist Owls of Goi (see also Duwai Gwallgo)
Idiot’s Logic – Abergele indie-band (c2007), feat; Jonny Hardway (voc,keys), James Simpson (gtr), Llion Mortimer (bass), Craig Wyatt (drms). Rec ‘Middle Child Syndrome’ EP (late06)
I-dot – Welsh language music show on S4C
Igam Ogam Band – Delyth of the band says they were discovered by Rhys Mwyn whilst he listen to Radio Cymru he invited them down to record in Hawkwind studios to go on an EP. ‘We toured with Anhrefn, Cyrff, Fa Coffi i Pawb, Datblygu, Plant Bach Ofnys. My brother Gorwel was also in the band alongside Fiona his wife (Eirin Peryglus). We had an excellent mad time loads and loads of TV radio and mega gig’s even taking it to Manchester and Liverpool eventually with the band called Gwasgwr that’s when Peel took a look into Welsh bands. It was a fantastic time to be in a welsh band to tour with Anhrefn etc was amazing what Rhys and Gorwel have achieved for Welsh music is beyond thanks they are the real stars and still are. It’s a shame really that the rawness of music is disappearing we need Rhys to bring on some gigs again everything has disappeared or I’m really getting old.’ Band line-up (amongst others) Alan Slin, Gorwel Owen, Fiona Owen, Gavin Strongetharm, Anton Hughes, Spike, Delyth Owen. ‘We had musicians coming and going through the years but this was the true line up.’
Iguana – Llangollen indie band (formed Oct04), feat; Jo (voc,bass), Soph (voc,gtr), Ally (drms). (website)
Immediate, The – Mold based 3-piece mod band, feat; Adam Walton (gtr,voc) (now presenter of Radio Wales prog, Musical Mystery Tour), Duncan Farmer (drms), Richard Harrison (bass) Band were penultimate incarnation of Daisychain / Metroland. Played debut gig at Bridge Inn, Chester, Jan93. Gigged extensively throughout UK and relocated to South of France for spring / summer 1993. Banned from Conwy civic hall after Clarkie, their roadie, relocated items from Meringue’s dressing room onto the roof. Invited to play Mansun’s album launch party [for Attack of the Grey Lantern] at a large casino on the Isle of Man where they started a mini-riot in the backstage area. Sold 1500+ copies of their ‘Boy Who Tried to Change the World’ album [cassette only, naturally!]. Latterly managed by Alan Jones, one time manager of LA Guns and baritone saxophonist with 60s legends ‘Amen Corner’. Supported shit covers band called ‘Stereophonics’ at The Filling Station in Newport the night they were signed to V2. Rel one single (Stay Young) on Essential Recs that sold unfeasibly well in Sweden, but nowhere else. Failed to make it to their farewell gig in TJs in Newport after their transit van broke down in Hereford.
Immune System – industrial-electronic project by American but Llandudno based Todd (c2006). Rel CD ‘Weltanschauung’ (website) (myspace)
Impaled Existence – Colwyn Bay progressive death-metal band (formed 2004), feat; Mike Dykins (gtr), Sam Walker (bass), Nathan Richards (drms), Craig Phillips (gtr) who replaced Mike Plumb (Mar07) and Adam Omari (voc) who joined Feb07. Sam replaced Ross Wilkins, and Nathan replaced Geraint Blunden. Played regular gigs at Bar Blu in their early days, and onto many parts of the UK supporting the likes of Decapitated, Exodus, Man Must Die, Swallow The Sun and many more (website)
Imperfect Youth – punk band from Ruabon, near Wrexham. Formed in 1981, consisting of Jaffa (voc), Martin Simms (gtr) (later of EI8HT), Chris (bass), Griff (drms). According to issue 3 of Rabid fanzine, the band played three gigs in their first six months of forming, and claimed to be influenced by the Dead Kennedys, Blitz, Crass and Vice Squad. The band later recorded two demos – both released in 1982. The tracklisting for the second demo is/was: Electric Eyes/I Only Wanna See/Imperfect World/You Mean Nothing/British Army/Bullshit/No Fun/Prison Rhythm/New Testament The Answer/Life Bizz/Youth Cult. Rabid editor, Neil Brooks, said: ‘As far as I know, Imperfect Youth called it a day after the two demos. Rich and I made the not-so-substantial trek to Ruabon to interview them once for our fanzine, and I think it was the first interview I’d ever done. Considering we were about 13 or 14 at the time, I do recall Griff and Jaffa being really good blokes, not condescending in any way. I remember seeing them play at the Miners Institute in Wrexham shortly after this and they brought the house down. A fine band. The above tracklisting I nicked from the Kill From The Heart website, so if anyone has any recordings of this long-forgotten band, please get in touch. Be nice to hear them again.’
Imploded – metal band (Holyhead c2002) from which some members formed Inferno
Imposters – Flintshire band (formed 2009), played debut gig at Tivoli, Buckley (website)
Inadequates – Bangor band (formed Oct76) feat; Scott Saunders (voc), Chris Pilditch (gtr), Alan Wilkinson (bass), Mark Thomas (drms) (later Turnstone, Third Spain, Reinheitsgebot, Ghostriders, Megabats, Nathan Carpathian, Infinity Chimps), Nige Sawyer (keys). This line up – initially playing mix of covers (AC/DC, Graham Parker, Stones) and their own stuff fast as possible as a punkish racket played in Bangor – mainly Uni, Jazz Room / Main Bar / Curved Lounge / Refectory. Supp Roogalator, Merger. Largely disliked by students. Pilditch was replaced by Pete Dudley. Scott now on guitar full time, and they drop the covers to play all their own quite happening Voidoids type material group – seemingly the only band in N Wales.- Play Eric’s (L’pool), supp early OMD and Teardrop Explodes. Group reaches peak at Cod Club, Bangor. Thomas auditions (twice) for Wah! Heat, starts getting big ideas, leaves. Replaced by Roger Greatorex. Band slowly fade out as scene expands and diversifies, 1980 Scott Saunders forms Third Spain.
In Contro – venue in Abergele on the former site of The Hesketh pub, now an Italian bistro/bar. Live music began sporadically Oct06 promoted by Blood & Lipstick (website)
Indecline - Holyhead punk band (2003), feat; Jamie Burne (now of Portrait of A Lifetime) orig called Five Mile High. Split Aug03.
India – Bethesda based outfit (pre-1992). More info req’d.
Indiana – Rhos-on-Sea rock band, feat; Jamie Stevens (gtr) (ex Babies With Rabies, now Real7), Tim Jones (drms), Martin Brady (voc), Steve Donovan (bass), Duncan Macgregor (gtr). Roots of band formed by Martin and Duncan in 1996, adding the various members over the coming years up until Jan02 when they made their live debut at Penrhyn Old Hall. Rec a single at Rockliffe What You Need May02.
In False Hope – Mold band, prev called Sullen, feat; Jeff (voc) (later Cyris), Thomas (bass) (ex Heathen, later Cyris), Ian (gtr), Chris C (drms). Rec EP ‘The Fall’ at Autumn Rd studio
Infectious – Rhyl based punk band (mid-90s), feat; Louis Martine (voc), Sid Buckle (gtr), Mark o’Grady (gtr) (later Sentient), Matt Dagnall (drms). Rel demo ‘Anna Kist Me!’, became Jurassic Punk
Inferno – Holyhead heavy rock band (formed Oct03) out of the ashes of Imploded. Feat; Jay Lee (drms) (b.1986), Liam Jepson (gtr) (b.1985), Joe Harvey (bass,voc) (b.1984). Rec EP ‘Phoenix’ at Sylem which was played on Adam Walton‘s BBC Radio Wales Show (Apr04) and had a session aired 10.10.04. Rel 2nd Live EP ‘Born To Raise Hell’ (Jan05). Played 3 shows in St Petersburg, Russia (Jun05) at the Eastern European Music Conference. Rel ‘Suicide Pact Ep’ (Jun07) (website)
Infest - indie rock band from Colwyn Bay formed Nov00, feat; Craig (gtr), Ste (drms), Rich (voc), Matt Pipkin (bass) (ex Terminal CC. later of Suicidal Mushrooms, Pledge)
Infestation - sci-fi zombie film set in 2080 made in N.Wales (2004) by ESP Productions. Starring Ross Evison, Susan Riley, Malcom Raeburn and Paul Sutherland. Plot has humanity driven underground by an unstaoppable virus that has destroyed all life on the surface of Earth. Film locations inc beneath Rhyl Sun Centre and the Mersey Tunnel. By all accounts a very low budget B-movie – rel on DVD in Australia and Italy.
Infinity Chimps – 1999/00 project by John Laurence (formerly of Gorky’s Zygotic Mynci), feat on Bandit S4C Apr06 with Benny Woodvine (bass) and Mark Thomas (drms) (ex Fay Ray etc)
Informers – key group on the Rhyl scene in 1960s. It was a soul band of the classic variety doing songs such as Wilson Pickett’s In The Midnight Hour and Eddie Floyd’s Knock On Wood. Formed 1963 feat; Frank Borders (voc), Dave Roberts (gtr,voc), Paul Warren Jones (gtr), Pete Williams (gtr), Ken Brookes (bass, later vocals), Barrie Loveland (drms). Barrie was the son of Ritz howband alto saxist Frank Loveland. Over the next few years the line up fluctuated between 4 and 7 members and included at various times: Phil Williams (gtr,voc), Jim Taylor (gtr,voc), Doug Mortimer (bass), Dave Emm (baritone sax), Tony Bliss (gtr), Barry Williams (voc) and others. Pic was taken in autumn 1967 at Palace Hotel, West Parade. They had just completed a season at Playboy Club, London and were on their way to tour Sweden. In the foreground, are singing twins Dave & Alan Williams; Dave is on the left. In the background left to right: Phil Williams (tenor sax), Doug Mortimer, Barrie Loveland hidden, and Jim Taylor who at present is an artist/art tutor in Rhyl. (Source Colin Jones)
In Full View – 1999 series on BBC Choice covering the ‘other side’ of Wales. Ran a short retrospective piece on the career of Neil Crud in Nov99. Produced by Tom Law who went on to produce Sleeping Dogs series for the same channel.
Inkerman – Rhyl band formed by 3 ex-members of Smokestack, Cliff Marshall [voc,gtr], Delwyn Williams [gtr], Andy Hamer [drms] and Martin “Hair” [bass] in 1975. One practice then they were gigging – everything just slotted together from the start. Played all over N.Wales and later practised at Pengwern Hall (Rhuddlan). As a ‘thank you’ they played an open air fund-raising gig there during the early summer of `76 – look out for bootlegs of “Inkerman Live at the Penguin”. Sadly, Cliff later had to give up playing because of medical problems and Delwyn later backed country ‘n’ western artiste, Lee Anderson [Andy played for her once]. Delwyn and Andy later Skin Deep.
Initial P – Mold indie band (formed Oct04), feat; Rich Pellatt (gtr,voc), Al McCadan (gtr), Dave Durham (bass), Owen Parry (drms).
In Line With Sphere - Deeside High School band (late 80s) feat; Howard King (gtr) (later of Abstract, Dr Phibes), James Davies (voc) (later Abstract, WUPT), Lance Collymore (bass), Neil Johnson (drms), Huw Jones (keys). Played Deeside area youth clubs and school functions. James now lives in Alaska.
Inner City Sumo – Rhyl band (c2003), feat; Wayne Jones (drms) (also Jives Room, Something Personal), Simon Anderson (gtr), Helen Anderson (voc), and a bassist who’s now left. Changed name to Anders (2005)
Innocent Bystanders - Port Dinorwic thrash Punk band, 1996, feat; Martin Peet (bass), Dean (voc), Steve (gtr), Pete (gtr), Glen (drms). Martin remembers, ‘We set the band up in 1995 when I was in my 3rd year at Bangor Uni. We used to rehearse at the Crypt (I was working behind the bar at the time so had the keys for the weekend) The songs were created while Steve and myself just jamming and mucking about, then from that building a 2 hour set. I miss those days. The Crypt used to put bands on every week, but we packed the house on our first gig (only 100 capacity, though). We charged 99p and a chocolate bar at the door. Our support band were Dog On A Rope. Well we did a few sets in the Crypt, then I started working in Bristol. A gig was booked for the Jocks Bar in the Student Union. I booked a week off work to do the gig. I rang Pete and they had replaced me with a mate of mine! However, they didn’t tell him when the gig was, therefore he didn’t turn up. The band split after this. Shame really, I quite enjoyed it.’
Inspite of Appearance – Connah’s Quay band (c2009), currently playing mainly covers, feat; Stace Young (voc), Phil Hutchinson (gtr), Ally Ready (bass), Soph Williams (keys) and Holly Griffiths (drms) (website)
Interceptors – Holywell punk band formed early 80s after The Grids had split, feat; Andrew ‘Tunkie’ Tunnicliffe (gtr) (see also Vicious Circle), Neil (bass) Ian ‘Sten’ Stenhouse (gtr), Timmy ‘Bean’ Davies (drms). Played a series of Gigs around N.Wales playing what would today be known as Britpop. Also billed on the CND benefit festival at the Queens in Rhyl 21.2.1981. Tunkie left to join Mercenary Skank, and Sten moved with them to London to be their roadie and ended up being the one who got a deal after joining a band Lightning Strike. More info req’d.
Interpreted Heroes – Anglesey band (2002), feat; Tim Williams (voc,bass), Pedro Meade (gtr) (orig from Brazil), Sevan Niggogoshain (drms) (orig from Armenia), Tom Hume (gtr). Started out as the Asscandles for a laugh and got offered a slot at Llanfest, having a good reception.
Institute of Air Guitar - Mold based rock monsters (c2000), self proclaimed loudest band in Clwyd, band also double up as rhythm section of Metabbalism. Early members of the band included Flints’ Volume Twins. Prev named Everyday People.
Into The Valley – punk tribute radio show (1998) on Shore FM, hosted by Dave Macher in the guise of Float Jones.
Invasion of the Astro Monsters – Colwyn Bay indie band formed 1989 by Robin Hemuss after being ousted from 4Q, also feat, Adam Astro Hemuss (voc), Dave Slave (bass). Julian Gardner (brother of Simon Gardner) rehearsed with them once but didn’t want to join the band ’cause he thought the name was silly. Formed 1990, in the image of the Stone Roses and Charlatans, also heavily influenced by The Cure. Never actually split up, but haven’t done anything collectively since about 1992. They basically got bored waiting for a decent drummer – who could live with the name – to turn up. No gigs, but a few rehearsals and a shed load of demo songs. Dave Slave played bass on the version of Godz’v'Megz with acoustic drums. The rest of the demos without real bass on were recorded after he’d lost interest. Also known as the Astro Monsters.
Invisible Comics – comic distribution run by Daryl Cunningham of Buckley, who also contributed and edited Automatic.
IQ Zero – Wrexham metal band, (c1990-91), feat; Rossie. Played The Bistro in Rhyl
Irony Board – label (c2009) run by Gruff Rhys (Super Furry Animals). Rel LP by Cate Le Bon ‘Me Oh My’
Iris3 – Holyhead melodic rock band (formed early03), feat; Paul Williams (gtr,voc), Martin Roberts (bass), Gary Pritchard (drms). Rel 2 EPs ‘Nonchalant’ and ‘Breathe’ (video) both rec at Sylem, followed by LP ‘Battle Crash and Bleeding’ (2011). Orig called Iris (website)
Irma Vep – band / project from Llanfairfechan, feat; Edwin Stevens of Klaus Kinski (ex Gape). Rel LP ‘Haha’ (Turquoise Coal Mar12), 7″ single Jerk (on Great Pop Supplement Mar13)
The Issues – Shotton indie/rock band (c2009), Jay Lloyd (voc,gtr), Chris Foulkes (gtr), Kris Brown (drms), Mike Sealey (bass) (website) (reviews)
ISOR – Mathcore/Hardcore metal band from Rhyl formed Mar99. Feat, Dave Merricks (gtr,voc), Dylan Evans (bass), Nick Hemingway (drms). Ex members incl. Andy Knightly (bass), Jim Davies (gtr,voc). Nick is a cousin of Nigel Twist (ex Alarm) (biog)
It Might Be – Abergele based band in the Jesus and Mary Chain mould, fronted by Alun Evansh (who re-emerged 14 years later as Alun Tan Lan (see also Brwas). Bootleg tape does exist of their gig at The Bistro in Rhyl Apr91 where Evansh introduces the band as It Might Be, but they could be Boff Frank Boff
