North Wales: T

Taff – Blaenau Ffestiniog based band of early 80s feat; John Griffiths and Kevs Ford (later of Llwybr Llaethog)

Y Tai Sanctaidd – Guitar driven acoustic rock band from Groeslon (c2016), feat; Geraint Williams (voc,gtr,prog) and Rhys Morris (voc,gtr)

Tai –Shan – Wrexham band (early 90s). Managed by Rob Jones. More info req’d

Taiwanasaurus Rex – offshoot noisy-trash-punk project by Colwyn Bay exile Damir Bojanic. Rel self-titled EP (18.02.17) and ‘Filth Collins EP ‘ (both on Idlechrist 05.10.18) (bandcamp)

Talogus – Llangefni based 3-piece student band (2000), feat; Rhys Williams (gtr), released debut LP Pornograffi described as dance, indie and mellow. Have supported Mansun and Big Leaves.

Alun Tan Lan – folk singer who returned to native Pandy Tudur in 2004 after living in Ireland. Rel debut LP ‘Aderyn Papur’. Constant gigging has also inc sup Gruff Rhys. Used to be known as Alun Evansh who edited the zine Brwas and fronted It Might Be in early 90s. Picked up Best Composer and Male Singer in 2005 Welsh Pop Awards on the back of his LP ‘Distawrwydd’ (Rasal Jun05). Formed Y Niwl in 2009 (website)

Tapeworm Soup – Bangor based fanzine (1991-93) fanzine created by Skinflick and Vaffan Coulo, to just generally annoy everyone, with ground breaking stories such as ‘why students are shit’ etc. Ran for about 4 issues and culminated in the Tapeworm Soup Xmas Gig organised by Skinflick which was a 12 hour marathon held in the curved lounge of the students union. Bands on the roster included :- Genital Deformities, Plastic, Skinflick, Vaffan Coulo, Glaring Green, Colon Blow, Babies with Rabies, plus many more.

Tarantulas3 piece rock band from Penmaenmawr (1987-88) feat Geoff Hickman (gtr,voc), Bri Drawbridge (bass,voc) Ste Drawbridge (drms) (later Distorted Pictures, Isolation Division). 2nd demo; Rock’n’roll Debauchery. Performed a great live version of Sex Pistols’ Silly Thing. Played the infamous Cymdeithas yr Iaith gig at Corwen Sep’87 with 4Q.

Tarantism new name for anarcho-folk band Avanti. Feat; Sid who is also involved with Bandnight venue in Holyhead. More info req’d.

Tardis – Towyn based rock covers band (c2006) made up of doctors!, feat; Andrew (voc) (also of Hiding With Girls), Peter Carr, John Pritchard (ex Smokestack)

Tear Of The Red Eye – solo project by Holyhead’s Scott Marsden (ex The Lizzies, now of Holy Coves). Rel download single Scars (31.03.17). Played live session on Neil Crud’s TudnoFM show (Dec17) (listen)

The Tear Up – Denbigh old skool hardcore hooligan band (2011-12), feat; Garry Davies (voc), Neil C Denby (bass), Tim Edwards (gtr), Gwyn Jones (drms) (of Emissaries Of Syn, ex Mephs).  Taking all the best bits from the New York Hardcore scene and filling it with the sort of fear only seen on the football terraces of the 80s, they are here to annoy you inside 20mins. If you don’t like it fast, furious and pissed off then they suggest you take your two-stepping outside. They say, ‘We don’t take ourselves seriously or are trying to fill a gap in the ukhc scene. We are just another name and have thrown our hat into the ring in a bid to have fun while sharing the stage with everyone and anyone.’ Garry and Gwyn used to present The Broken Jukebox show on TudnoFM

Tebot PiwsTebot Piws – described as Wales’ most idiosyncratic pop band in the 70s, feat; Dewi ‘Pws’ Morris from Morriston, Alun ‘Sbardun’ Huws from Penrhyndeudraeth, Emyr Huws Jones from Llangefni and Stan Morgan Jones from Bodedern. Still known to perform to this very day if the mood takes them. 18 of their best songs were released as the LP ‘Y Gore a’r Gwaetha’ (The Best and Worst of…) (Sain Recs 1994)

Technicolour Dream – Chester psychedelic band of late 60s, feat; Pete Caine (voc), Howard (bass), ?? (gtr), Joey Marr (keys) (from L’pool), ?? (drms). Frank Garrett (Purple Chapter, Wonderful Grip) says, ‘I took over for 3 or 4 months when the drummer’s father passed away.’ Road manager was Sammy (Hey Lad). Had a residency at The Palace in the town. After they split Caine went on to do a lot of collaboration work with Tavares then went as resident vocalist with the in-house band at the Coed Mawr Nightclub, Greenfield, then went on the cabaret circuit as a solo artist. Howard sadly got killed in a van accident on way back from a gig with his new band. May have changed their name to Dai Muscles

Technocrat – DJ guise used by Acid Casuals (c2006)

Ted – Rhyl band (c1976), feat; Ian & Patrick Cramer, Dave Blackie, Steve Aldridge, Andy, Tom Ball. Members would later show up in Skin Deep, Bill the Murderer. Became house band at The Sporting Club (now Caskeys, Rhyl), where Tom was also the DJ (he is also the father of Lewys Ball of Jives Room, Grand Park)

Tedi Cyffredin – band from Bangor area (c2001)

Teenage Mafia – Colwyn Bay project (c2013) by Damir Bojanic (of Klaus Kinski). Rel album ‘Pseudo Masochism’ (review)

Teenbeats – Colwyn Bay band (c1960s), became The Questions

Teeth Crack – experimental noise project (since 2016) by James Cooper (ex Depraved State). Prolific releases via Bandcamp and opens many shows in and around Rhyl. Collaborated with Skinflick rel ‘The Wetworks Of Heresy EP’  and the two played live on Neil Crud’s TudnoFM Show (listen)

Telefair – disturbingly odd project by Joe Booker of Bodelwyddan, used as an outlet for when he’s not drumming for Gintis or Secretaire. Rel LP ‘A Better Memory’ (2010), then 2 LPs in 2017 ‘Blue Moon, Dirty Disaster’ & ‘What To Carry And How Far To Carry It’. He had a session aired on Neil Crud’s TudnoFM Show (Apr17), followed by 2 more albums, ‘The Dimensions That Separate Us’ (2020) and ‘Skin And Eyes’ (17.06.22 review).

Tempodex – solo artist played with The Vaj at North Wales Inn, Rhyl 17.1.1981 (review). Rel tape ‘Songs From The Edge of Time’ (Mar81). Also has 2 tracks (one a collaboration with No Commercial Potential) on the ‘Systems of Attraction’ comp tape, also rel split cassette single with Prevent Forest Fires titled ‘Blue Light’ on Working Men’s Tapes in 1981. More info req’d.

Templegate – Prestatyn based heavy metal band (mid-90s?), feat; Mike Davis (later of She Said), Rob Maxwell (of Destroyed).

Temple of Destiny – Without doubt and in no way can be disputed, the WORST band ever to grace the North Wales circuit. The band consisted of a chef and a Paul McCartney lookalike playing unamplified acoustic guitars to a drum machine. Were so bad that they cleared the Flix venue in Llandudno within 20 minutes and were refused payment. of Destiny –

Tempt Fate – band from Rhyl (c2005), feat; Danny T (voc,gtr,keys), Matty Nevin (gtr) and Dan Mattock (drms) (ex Sodzlaw). Used to feat Sam Thomas (bass) (ex Sodzlaw), Prev called Dropped Young

Tequila Mockingbird – left field Fugazi style Rhyl band, feat ex members of Scott Bakers. Played debut gig at Dudley Arms 29.3.08

Tequila Rain – band from Denbigh area (early 90s), feat; Simon Jones. More info req’d.

Terminal – Denbigh based rock band of the early 1980’s, feat; Wrexham based, Phil Heym (voc,gtr), Nigel Peters (gtr) (ex 5th Column, later of Company HQ, Midlife Crisis), Adi (bass), Dave Humphreys (drms), Arwel Jarvis (keys). Released a single Am I Doing it Right? Played The Bistro, Rhyl Jun’91 and performed in Denbigh Folk Club in 1998, and reformed orig line-up 2008. Nigel’s son, Martyn Peters played drums for Feedback before hitting the circuit as a solo artist. Austrialian born cousin / niece, Bethan Peters formed Leeds post-punk band Delta 5 (c1981).

Terminal CC – Colwyn Bay based punk band (formed end 2000), prev called Superweak, feat; Dave Cox (voc,gtr) (later of The Cox, Global Parasite), Jamie Cakes Cardno (drms) (later of Der Bomber, Evolve) and Matthew Pipkin (bass) also of Infest. Debut gig Feb01 in Llandudno, recording 1st EP. Changed name to Floaters Revenge Sep01 (website)

Terminal 24 – Caernarfon indie band (formed Jan03), orig feat; Martin (drms), Dion (gtr), Geraint Brown (bass) and by Jul03 had feat on S4C’s Uned 5 TV show. Tom Smith (gtr) joined (Autumn03) and Geraint was replaced by Stephen Owen Jones (bass) and played many gigs in the area. In late 2004 Martin left for Uni and Tom took over on drums (website)

Terminal Voyeurs – Rhyl dark-grunge band (c2014), feat; James Barrington-Cooper (voc) (later Depraved State, Teeth Crack), Joe Young (drms), Martin (bass), Sam Evans (gtr) (ex Psycodeth). They re-emerged in 2017 with a new line up of Sam (gtr,voc), Jonny Briggs (from Norwich) and Sam Hardman (from Southampton) having relocated to Leeds and rel EP ‘Rhyl’ (on bandcamp 07.12.17), followed by a track Dan y D???r (Feb18). Sam emigrated to Spain effectively ending the band.

Terry Waite ar Asid – 4 piece band from Mold (1988), feat; Paul O’Brien (gtr) (b.5.10.1971 Chester), Iwan Griffiths (drms) (also Letys Seicadelig), Llyr Ifans (voc) who will forever be known as the brother of Rhys Ifans. Likened to The Fall. Tracks incl; Merched Mewn Pink, Terry Waite Blerwyt ti? and a version of Kraftwerk’s Model. Appeared on a split flexi-disc with the song Chicken Jane and track (Gwn) by Ffa Coffi Pawb (flyer). Supported My Bloody Valentine at Olivers, Chester 25.2.1989. (download demo)

That Vicious – fanzine from Denbigh (c1995), edited by John Mark Hughes. more of a comic with articles of a personal nature. Ran for at least 4 issues. More info req’d.

That Voodoo(1986-87) Formed in Llandudno after the split of MCM. Andre Valero (bass,voc), Matt Davies (gtr,voc) (later of Charlex Dexter Ward Experiment), Simon (drms), Julie (keys,voc), Sally (b.voc). Also feat Shaun Davies who later joined the marines. Influenced by B.A.D. and Spear of Destiny. Only known release is a bootleg of a gig at The Bee in Rhyl (Jan87). Split Mar87 when Simon left. Matt died (2002) after an illness.

TFA (The Final Act) – Wrexham band (c2005), rec session for Adam Walton Show (Jul05). More info req’d

Thief – (1987-90) North Wales band noted more for their ego than songwriting capabilities

Thin Din – Wrexham college band, 1992-94, self-proclaimed “industrial noise atrocity”, orig feat John (gtr), Mark Watson-Jones (bass,voc), Chris (shopping trolley percussion), Dr. Rhythm (drms), Mark (samples/scratching/mc) Toni (vibrafone). Played Watershed students union as part of rag week, returned 3 times despite being banned twice, various additional members and more scrap metal added. Educated students on meaning of feedback.

Think Lizzy – Thin Lizzy tribute band from Llandudno feat; Richie Pond (drms) (later of Burn), Anthony Dale (voc,gtr) (ex Boogaloo), Frank Flynn (gtr) (ex Hungry Touch, later of Burn) and Chris White (bass) (ex Burn, Stone Cold) who left early 2002 and was replaced by Mogga (also Dizzy Mamma). Band toured uk 96-98 finished and then reformed to play from 99 until Jun02. Rec CD and played vibe concerts for Phil Lynott trust. Reformed again Jul05, feat; Anthony Dale (gtr,voc), Rob Shiland (gtr), Dave West (drms), Darrell Smith (bass). Chris Scrubs joined Jan06. Changed name to Molly’s Chamber (late06).

Third Light – band on N.Wales circuit c.1985. More info req’d.

Third Spain – Bangor band who existed in 2 different forms, 1st in 1980 and was a more experimental feat; Scott Saunders (voc,gtr) (ex Inadequates), Alan Wilkinson (bass) (ex Inadequates), John Cratchley and Mark Thomas (drms) (ex Inadequates). Played several gigs, mostly in Plas Coch in Anglesey and never played the same song twice. The 2nd Third Spain formed in 1985 by ex Reinheitsgebot members feat; Scott Saunders (voc), Maeyc Hewitt (gtr) (later Ectogram, Nixon and Jarvis, Lungs), Alan Holmes (gtr) (Lungs, Ectogram, Groceries, Fflaps), Ian McMillan (bass) and Rick Joslin (drms). Rel self titled vinyl LP on Central Slate recs (1985) (although with Maeyc, not Rick on drums) and played many gigs over the next couple of years, until Maeyc and Alan left to form The Lungs. Their style might be classified as post-Fall proto-grunge guitar indie rock.

This Day Forward – Ruthin pop-punk/metal band (formed 2008), feat; Danny (voc,gtr), Jamie (gtr), Ashley (drms) (website)

This Room Eats – Bangor based band (c1990) feat; Dave Andrews (later of Sparky’s Magic Piano), Graham Rowlands, James Phillips, Phillipus Beauvoir (Spongebrain, Bleat) and Graham Scott-Taylor (drms).

This Patch Of Land – compilation CD released on link2wales on 11.09.15, feat; Zefur Wolves, Baby Brave, Mr Phormula, Mechanical Owl, Spam Javelin, Los Muchachos, Isaac Birchall, Radio Rhydd, Efa Supertramp, St Pierre Snake Invasion, Mr Huw, Sleep Beggar, Emissaries Of Syn, Nexxus Empire, Brython Shag, Revolutionary Spirit. (buy now)

This Thing – Band (1986-98), feat; Duncan Black (gtr) (now Mucus), Declan ‘Paddy’ Parry (bass) (now in Army of Crows, ex Kobe), Chris Moore (voc) and Andrew Gregson (drms) (ex Ysoriant, Darkside and Hitchcock) Ysoriant, Hitchcock. Rel EP (Who’s Mr Perfect Anyway?) also there are 2 other rec demos out there somewhere. Had a management deal at one stage and played a lot of UK gigs (had fairly regular dates at the Buckly Tivoli).They sounded like RATM and Faith No More but Duncan explains; ‘this was before nu-metal hit – we didn’t jump on the bandwagon’

Thousand Words Productions – see One Thousand Words Productions

3AC – Conwy melodic punk band (formed Sep04), feat; David Podbury (gtr) (later of Maines), Craig Hughes (bass,voc), Geraint Roberts (drums), Craig Pheasey (voc,gtr) replaced by Greg Illidge (gtr). They split in 2007 and did a succession of one off gigs the following year. Reformed in 2011. Craig left to travel the world. The band have played across the UK

3D – Studio based project (formed 1995) by David P (gtr,bass,voc) (ex FBF), Duncan Black (gtr,bass,voc,prog) (ex Skinflick and loads more – see profile) and Dan ‘Fubnuts’ Alexander (gtr) (later Army of Crows). Formed when 3 guitarists found themselves with nothing to do over the summer. They aquired the services of studio boffin Graeme Rowlands (ex-engineer for Skinflick and Vaffan Coulo) and rec 4 song demo with 2 industrial metal songs and 2 ballads. High point of the recording is ‘Stress’ – a stupidly fast guitar instrumental with bass kicks in ‘thirtyseconds’ at 165 bpm (muso speak for ‘very fast indeed’).

Through Colour – Holyhead screamo band (c2010), prev called My Turn To Kill

Thunder and Lightning Communications – recording studio / label in Blaenau Ffestiniog in the early 1990’s run by Gordon Linfoot (aka ‘Nod’). Released Psycho Sexual Sex Terrestrials 1st 2 singles Stuart and Birth. Also had dealings with Mistecs and She Said. The mixing desk at the studio used to belong to Elton John who bought it off Mike Oldfield, and was engineered sometimes by Pete Romero who had worked with Motorhead. Dave Thomas (ex Avanti soundman) also produced electronic / dance music and temporarily based himself at Gwydir Castle with what was a loose mixing studio associated with TLC.

Thursday Night is Music Night – Prestatyn band early 80s, became, or were One For The Clapometer. More info req’d.

Tiger Rose – Wrexham rock band (early 90s), feat; Griff. More info req’d

Tiger Tiger – rock band in the mid-late 80’s, feat; Rhys (gtr) (father of Chris and Sean of Pilgrim Fire), Aled ‘Azi’ (voc) (father of Caine and Tommy of Pilgrim Fire), Gareth ‘Gonc’ (gtr), Spike T Smith (drms) (ex Alternative Attack, Destroy Babylon, English Dogs, later with Morrissey, Damned, Sacrilege), they had a few bass players. Rec demo tracks Pilgrim Fire, Missing You, Midnight Promises and Lonely Is The Word.

Tim & Sam’s Tim and The Sam Band – alternative-indie band (c2009) from Ewole feat; Tim McIver (gtr,voc), Rebecca Palin (allsorts!), Adam Crawford (gtr,bass) and Jamie Alsop (drms). Debut single Summer Solstice (rel 21.6.09), and LP ‘Life Stream’ (early 2010) (website)

The Time – Hawarden band, formed end of 2003 after the split of The Barflys. Orig called The Times, but dropped the plural to save confusion with the newspaper. Feat; Lee Randle (voc), Matt Small (gtr), Ian Dunning (gtr), Saul Blacklock (bass), Andy Liversage (drms). Rel demo I’m On Your Side (24.11.04), rel 3 track demo Poppa (rec at Parr St Studio, L’pool Sep05)

Timepiece – mid-70s Rhyl based band feat; Malcolm Medlicott (gtr), Kev Hughes (drms)

Tina and The Nightbirds – Rhyl (?) band, played at The Palace, Rhyl c1965-66

Tinnitus – Menai Bridge metal band (2004), feat; Emyr (voc,gtr), Iwan Jones (gtr), Iestyn (bass) and Simon (drms). Latter 3 use to be in Fleshwound and Zygote. Iwan left Jan04.

The Tivoli – venue in Buckley responsible for a lot of indie shows, not quite on the main gig circuit but becoming more of a cult venue for bands to play warm ups at. Originally a cinema and theatre in 1920s. During the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s the venue had a tremendous run of bands through its doors and it was often cited as one of the best places to play on any tour, with promoter Howard Croft being responsible for many of them. Indeed, stories from the people who worked there at the time have inspired new owner Rokib Miah to once again achieve this goal after a fifteen year spell as a more mainstream nightclub. 2010 was a great leap in the right direction and the club is currently enjoying a buoyant resurgence on the live music scene. Has hosted the likes of Marc Bolan, Catatonia, Hawkwind, Oasis, Manics, Spacemen 3, Engine, Compulsion, Dub War. (gig list)

TMF – public friendly name for indie band, Total Mind Fuck

TKRK – brainchild of Simon Gardner and co-writer James Rees (mid90s). They laid down a heavily over dubbed full sound a la U2 using the studio skills of guitarist Martin Wilding (also of Sons of Selina and Boogie Run). The music marked a different direction for Gardner with anthemic tunes such as Reveal Yourself. The band appeared on HTV’s Electric Chair with a well-worked performance of Video Nation calling themselves Trinity (Gardner’s old band), as they thought the name TKRK (Tech Rock) was unsuitable. They soon split after a series of showcases in London after little interest from labels. Video Nation was plagiarised by Pulse, as his own work after using free studio time in Rockcliffe.

To Be Announced – new name (2002) for Drunk Monkey changed as the band decided that they didn’t want people to like them because of their name, now called No More Names.

The ToiletsRhyl’s 1st punk band formed in 1977, feat Mike Peters (aka WC Smith) (gtr), Glyn Crossley (aka Steve Shock) (bass), Nigel Buckle (Des Troy) (drms), O’Malley (Bo Larks) (voc). Orig singer Gaz Hughes didn’t show up for rehearsals. Played 1st gig at the Palace Hotel in Rhyl opening with Nothing To Do. Built up large support in North Wales and supported The Slits, The Clash and Buzzcocks with songs such as Alarm Alarm, James Bond, and Social Security. Split up in 1978 playing their last show at the 1520 Club in Rhyl on Jan 27th. The Toilets were re-created in 1992 by Mike for a one-off performance at the first MPO Gathering weekend. (see also The Alarm, Seventeen).

Tokyu – hip hop big beats outfit from Caernarfon (1996-99), feat; Meilir Tomos (ex Aros Mae) and G.Tudur. Rel CD ‘CD Mawr Y Plant’ (pic) (hear track). More info req’d

Tom Certain – (or is it Twm Cetyn?) Bangor based 6-piece indie band (1998-present), feat; Stuart Pritchard, Stuart Jones (bass), Carwyn Jones (drms), Kevin Pritchard, as this 4-piece they released LP in summer 99 – Why Me Why Not rec at Rockcliffe. Joined by Kev (dancer a la Bez), then Carwyn left to be replaced by Ian Cunniff (ex-Power Gruj). (See also Revelation, and now Baker Wicked)

Too Blind – 3 piece punk/ rock band from Holyhead late 80s 90, feat; Flash (gtr), Wacky (bass), numerous drummers inc, Spike T Smith (ex Destroy Babylon, Alternative Attack) and Andy Dreads. More info req’d

Gaz Top – real name Gareth Jones, from Holywell Guitar roadie for The Alarm 1979-1985 TV presenter 1985 to present day, loaned Seventeen (The Alarm) the money to release their debut single. Also played bass for Backseat / The Units later The Grids formed The Tuphelo Torpedoes in 1987. As the Jones Brothers (With Steve Allan Jones) co-wrote the title music for Video Jukebox for Grampian TV in 1988 and KellyVision for Tyne-Tees in 1987 and the two of them presented a one-off radio show on BBC Radio Wales (2017). Presenter of countless TV programmes, mainly children’s entertainment and educational, incl.; Get Fresh (for ITV in 1986-88) How2 (CiTV 1990-2006) The Big Bang (CiTV 1994-2004). As Kid Aggro provided guest vocals on “Cum On Feel The Noize” by The Children of The Revolution 2000. He also produces and presents Gareth Jones On Speed a car and motorsport podcast and in 2017 presented a series of radio shows on BBC Radio Wales documenting the history of venues and roadies in North Wales (website)

Topper – indie band from Penygroes, feat; Dyfrig Evans, Iwan Evans, Peter Richardson, Gwion Morris, Siôn Glyn (also Y Niwl). Topper have been releasing material since 1996 when they changed their name from Paladr.  Rel ‘Arch Noa EP‘ (Ankst Jan97) and mini LP ‘Something To Tell Her’. Also single ‘Cwpan Mewn Dwr’ (Kooky recs 1998). It includes ‘Time‘ and rec’d much airplay on Radio Wales thanks to Adam Walton. LP Non Compos Mentis (Apr00) on their own Bedlam label and feat 7 new songs (incl tracks recorded for John Peel). In 1998 toured with Catatonia and were also feat on John Peel. Split up 18th Jan 2001 after a gig in Porthmadog sports centre, Dyfs planned to release solo material, and Pete Richardson (drms) joined Gorky. Rasal rel retrospective Best of LP ‘Goreuon o’r Gwaethaf’ (Jun05). Reformed to play series of gigs in 2016. Dyfrig was also a talented TV / stage actor. He sadly died of cancer 26.05.22 aged 43.

Torn Asunder – prev name for Hiding With Girls, who were forced to change name due to Essex band of same moniker

Torturhaus – Anglesey black-goth Metal band (formed 1997) by Lee Robiche and Gwyndaf Parry. The duo rec several demos before the arrival of Hywel Cross in 1999 and Ieuan Jones in 2000. Debut gig at Jock’s Bar, Bangor (May01) with local bands Dammerung and Verm, but after 3 gigs, incl gigs with the amazing Wendykurk, and a series of demo’s the band split up in 2002. Lee and Gwyndaf went back into the studio to rec EP ‘Funeral For The Fatherland’, whilst Ieuan and Hywel formed Carpathia and carried on performing live for a further two years. (website)

Total Mind Fuck – Glan Conwy based punk band formed in 1988 feat Drew Pritchard (voc), Tea Bags (bass), Steve Campbell (gtr) (later of Spoilt Victoria and Mr Grimsdale). Played a few gigs with 4Q in 1988 before splitting. Better known as TMF and then changed their name to Baby Burger. Drew became a bit of a TV star restoring garden furniture from 2005.

To The Nines – Colwyn Bay punk-hardcore band (formed late07) from the ashes of Seize The Day, Out of Use. Feat; Ron (voc), Jay (gtr), Steve (gtr), Matt (bass) (also of Global Parasite, ex Alien Matter), Ton (drms) (later of Instant Agony, Stuntface, Chugga). (website)

Touchstone
Touchstone – 
Buckley band (c 1983) feat; Lawrence Madigan (from Broughton), Ken Williamson and Simon Thompson (Tonk) (from Buckley), Stephen Barkhill (from Northop Hall) and Egg (from Llandudno). Played a fair sized gig (to about 400) at Elfed High School, they had a full PA shipped in (with 2 engineers) from Manchester and did their best with the school stage lights and a smoke machine. Besides a suprisingly big fan base around the Buckley area, Egg also bussed in coach load from Llandudno. Lawrence now runs his own studio. Egg has done some musical bits for Channel 4 and recorded a few tracks. (cutting)

A Town Like Alice – Bethesda based outfit (pre-1992). More info req’d.

Toys in the Attic – Penmaenmawr based reggae/ rock/ roots band formed early 80’s feat, briefly, at various times: Jay Johns (bass,voc), Ted Jones (drms), Ian Watson (bass), and permanent members Dewi Rhys Griffiths (gtr), Mole (drms), Alan Scarfe (gtr,voc) and a brother of Al’s (bass). Played around the NWales area. They then spilt up and Mole and Al did a few gigs on their own which eventually fizzled out. Toys re-formed proper with a different line- up in late 94. With Alan off to pastures new, Brydie Rowan was brought in on vocals, and Nige Rat (who is allegedly the God-son of Lemmy Motorhead) joined on bass. The tempo changed, becoming more ska- influenced than the previous incarnation. This new line up played a lot of gigs with other Pen band, Blacklisted, and North Wales based travelling anarcho- folk- ska- rock combo Avanti, Toys were two times runners up in NWales Battle Of The Bands (losing out only to Blacklisted), and reached the top 18 of over 600 in Granada TV’s Battle Of The Bands. Finally split in 1997, with Dewi moving to London and forming alternative weird indie band Science. Some members had prev played in Full Throttle

Traddodiad Ofnus – (Scared Tradition) Brighton based Welsh language band feat one time Eastenders actor Gareth Potter aka Harry the Bastard.

Trader – (pic) Wrexham indie band (c2007)

Trail By Fire – Mold / Ruthin hardcore band (formed summer05), feat; Dan Mackey (voc), Rob Syme (gtr), Dan Brixey (drms), Josh Howley (bass), Chris Williams (gtr). Played Chester Devamail Club. More info req’d

Tramp With A Plan – Llandudno band (since 1997) – feat; Daniel Williamson (voc.gtr)

Trancemission – Trance nights originally held at the Sussex in Rhyl (mid-late 90s), but moved onto the Orange Peel. Hosted by the Dosse Posse as North Wales’s leading Acid Techno Club, do play trance occasionally, but have always been there on the acid techno scene.

Trance Mission – Trance nights held at the Bistro in Rhyl (mid-late 90s) (not to be confused with Trancemission)

Trans Amp – new name (Apr06) for Towyn band X-Ell in an attempt to get a major record deal. Feat; Chris McElroy (gtr), brothers Steve and Lewis (voc), Oli Powell (bass), Jay Morris. Signed development deal with Chester based Saviours of Sound label. Oli is also a roadie for The Alarm

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

Y Trawsblygwyr – band (c1985). Had track Mwynder Maldwyn on Cam o’r Twyllwch comp LP (on Anhrefn Recs). More info req’d

Trawsfynydd Lo-fi Liberation Front – (2001) – described as experimental: fucked up, electronic, noise, beatz – listen to the mp3’s

Trax – venue in Bangor in 1980s. After the demise of The Normandie, gigs were organised at Trax, the funky cellar of the Railway Hotel. Damp, dark and cold it was a perfect spot for a lot of the local bands incl, Tarantulas, The Lungs, 4Q, NRG. Lasted for a couple of months until the arse fell out of Bangor’s alternative live scene. Was then changed to The Crypt, then to something else. Now is a dance school.

Trees – hippy/prog rock band from Rhyl (late 70s early 80s?). Rehearsed at Caskeys. More info req’d.

Trial By Fire – Mold band c2006. More info req’d

Trials Of Darwin – band (2004), played in Bangor Feb04, feat; Ben Powell (see also Mank, Micrographia). More info req’d

Trias – Welsh language punk-thrash band from Llanrwst (1989). More info req’d.

Trilogy – band feat; Chris Scrubs Jones (gtr) (ex Stone Cold, Swan, Easy Livin’, Informers), Grace Evans and Catrin Jones

Trinityrock band (c1991) from Llandudno feat; Simon Gardner (voc).

Trottersvenue in Rhyl that briefly got popular hosting local bands in 1992/3, run by promoter Paul Hammond. Renamed Def Con One. Décor was thousands of flyers and cuttings pasted to the walls and ceilings. Now a Conservative Club.

Y Trwbz – Denbigh alt-rock band (formed 2014), feat; Morgan Elwy, Mared Williams, Gruff Roberts and Tommo Lloyd. Rel single Tyrd Yn Ol (2014), then LP ‘Yn Y Dechrau’ (on Copa 2015).

Tryface – Colwyn Bay punk/emo band (2003), feat; Gary Jones (bass). Played Mase (14.7.03)

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

Tsskapuddle – Denbigh based death metal band (mid 90s?)

TudnoFM – Llandudno based community radio station Tudno FM – First broadcasting on 01.03.08 on 107.8FM. The station later added a label to the name in May08, Tudno Records (albeit short-lived). The Broken Jukebox show airs hardcore and grind on sporadic Sundays 8-10pm and Neil Crud hosts a Monday night show 10-11.30pm with alternative music and sessions since 2016. Orig based at Ty Hapus Community Centre, the station relocated to Ty Llewelyn in Jan19 (website)

Gaz Top and The Tuphelo Torpedoes – London based band (1986-88) with strong North Wales connections, feat; Gareth “Gaz Top” Jones (gtr,voc), Bobby Troman (Alarm Lighting Man) (bass), Steve Allan Jones (keys), Little Pete Davis (ex UK Subs) (drms), Dino Ferrari (gtr). Played around London and supported The Alarm at Portsmouth. Recorded at Rob Storm’s Studios in Rhyl, produced by Nigel Twist of The Alarm.

Turnstone – Bethesda band feat Sheila Brook (ex-Fay Wray, Hot Water, Ghostriders, now Babel) (voc), Rob Parry (ex-Ghostriders, 9 and a half) (gtr), Mark Thomas (ex-Inadeqates, Hot Water, Third Spain, Reinheitsgebot, Ghostriders, Megabats, Nathan Carpathian, Infinity Chimps) (drms), Humphrey Davies (Cane Toads, ex Chemistry Set, Songlines) (bass), and sometimes Benno Beokhe (cello) (when he’s in the country). Rel LP Triangles and Squares on Lawrence Music (website)

20 Racine – North Wales band formerly called Hobo, moved to London Jul01. Feat; Iain (voc,gtr), Victoria (bass) DJ Sid (synths,scratchin,fx n gadgets n stuff), Space Machine (backin trax). Headlined Dublin Castle, Camden, in Sid’s words ‘They fuckin loved us, went wild, then we played Bull and Gate, Kentish Town, which was also web-cast, they started suckin each other off.’. Victoria replaced orig bassist Greg, May02. Had session aired on Neil Crud’s TudnoFM Show 09.10.17 (listen) and a 2nd one 04.06.18. Link2wales Recs rel the 2 sessions on CD ’20 Racine – The Album’ (27.11.20) (bandcamp)

20Eyes – Misfits tribute band based in Anglesey(?), Mark/Mozza (voc), Alan (gtr), Andy (bass), Ian (drms). The band is currently (Jul00) recording demos in Barland Studio and a number of gigs are in the pipeline. (website)

21 Chimneys – band feat; John Wright (keys,voc), Tristan Hughes (gtr) of Prestatyn. First rec in 1997 at the Big Noise studio in Cardiff and the Forge studio in Rhyl under the stewardship of Johnny R, but these recordings were never completed or released. After an enforced break they spent one day at the Sylem studio Betws Y Coed in 2001, with a view to a 7″ rel on the Sylem label. Again these initial rough mixes were never completed or released. They also played at a wedding reception in 2001 held at the Rhyl Pavilion theatre. Had 2 tracks ‘Ar Ddraws y Fath Ynys'(sic) and ‘Mynd i’r Lleuad’ comp LP ‘O’r Ddaeargell/From the Vault: Volume 1′(R-Bennig Jul05). Duncan Black was also involved and remembers, ‘This duo had a great sense of humour. John’s use of lo-fi Casio keyboards gave them a sound that relied on blippy Samba rhythms. Their song Hulkman was a classic – ‘Here comes Hulkman he’s so green etc…’ John and Tristan once did vocals for death-metallers Grot at a school gig. John finished the set shouting ‘Paddington bear is a slut’ at confused teachers. They played several gigs in the Bangor/Anglesey area in the late 90s. I guested on Hulkman at the Vic in Menai Bridge once – it was a lot of fun.’

Twentysixfeet – Mold band who moved to London (May01), formed 1998. Feat; Alex, Beorn, Dan and Matt. Gigged around Wales and the North in 98/99 before relocating. Previous members incl; Ollie Williams (drms) (ex Supermania), Aaron Howard (bass), Dan Curtis (drms), Jim Wright (bass). Latest CD “twentysixfeet” with 3 tracks (1. Bring On The Slow Rush, 2. Blanket Bog, 3. Outside The Line) recorded at Autumn Road studios, Wrexham, rel Aug02. (website)

Nigel Twist – (b.18.07.58) real name Nigel Buckle, drummer with The Alarm and The Toilets. Moved to America after the Alarm split but is still playing drums. He now works as an investigator for the public defender’s office in the Los Angeles area. Twist joined Mike Peters on stage in 1998 and sang a version of We Are The Light with him. Also formed a US based band The Fringe.

2000DSDeeside punk band (1992), released 7″ single Scrap The Church, and supported Hawkwind in the Tivoli, Buckley.

Two Tonne Machete – Mold / Warrington punk band (c2022), feat; Emily Hart (voc,gtr), Ro and Chris Heath (who replaced Josh in 2023). Released single Trap (28.10.22) on floppy disc! Followed by Blocks (01.02.23) (bandcamp)

Tynal TywyllHighly rated Bethesda pop band 1986-92 feat, Ian Morris (voc,keys), Rick (gtr), Nathan (gtr), Gareth (bass), Dafydd (drms), then Gareth Huws (drms) (later of Jina, Gwacamoli). Rel 7″ Jack Kerouac, Syrthio Mewn Cariad EP. More info req’d.

Typewriter Sect – name used by The Predictors to avoid their punk gigs being wrecked by The Henchmen Hell’s Angels group (c1978)

Type 20 – Colwyn Bay based band (2001), feat; Nick Barrowclough (drms) Dave Howell (gtr) (both now of Asylum), Aran (gtr), Steven (voc,bass), Emily Gresham (voc). Have played at MASE gigs and Cavern Club in L’pool. Split Oct01.

Tyrant – Denbigh band early 80s. Stewart Jones (gtr) Eddie Paul (bass), Steve Hughes (gtr), formerly Martin Murray (drms) replaced by Alan Peters (later Joye de Vivre), Mark Evans (voc). Supported Terminal at Denbigh Town Hall CND Gig 1982 ish. Clwyd Gate Hotel Ruthin and others

Tystion –  hip-hop Welsh language sonic terrorists signed to Ankst. Formed in 1996 when M C Sleifar (Steffan Cravos) (Rapping + Chaos Organiser) and G Man (Gruff Meredith – MC Mabon) rec 2 cassettes ‘Dyma’r Dystiolaeth’ and ‘Tystion vs Allfa Un’. Rel debut LP ‘Rhaid i Rhywbeth Ddigwydd’ (Something’s Got to Happen) on their Fitamin Un label with Curig Huws (later Murry The Hump). Followed this in 1999 with 2nd LP ‘Shrug Off Ya Complex’ (on Ankst), Gruff quit and Crav was joined by Mc Chef (Rapping), Phil Jenkins (drms), Rob Mackay (bass,gtr,flute), CJ Pegg (bass,keys,Attitude), DJ Jaffa, (decks). ‘Hen Gelwydd Prydain Newydd’ (New Britain’s Old Lies) rel Aug00 was their 3rd LP. Rec 2 John Peel Sessions (12.02.00 and 19.12.01). Split Aug02. (more)

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *