North Wales: Da - Di

Daemonum – Wrexham based metal band, formed from Amethyst. Feat; Ian Maiden (voc) (later of Stuntface, Fuckerpunch), Nige (gtr), Marc (gtr), Mark Watson-Jones (bass) (ex Blacklisted, Skinflick, Finite Death), Gary (drms), Steve (keys). Rel demo “Dreams to Mourn”. Band became Hecate Enthroned.

Dail Te Pawb – Abergele band (1990) feat; Alun Evansh (bass) (see also Boff Frank Bough, It Might Be, Brwas, Alun Tan Lan), Fonzie (gtr), Huw Jones (drms), Geraint Jones (voc). Hotly tipped at the time as the new Anhrefn. Songs incl; Ysgol, Magi, Prifathro. More info req’d.

Dai Muscles – psychedelic band (from Rhyl?) of early 70s. Prev called Technicolour Dream. Rel a single. More info req’d

Daisychain - Mold-based 4-pc. Formed 1990. feat; Daniel Johnson (voc), Adam Walton (gtr) (later Immediate), Richard Harrison (bass) (later Rope), Duncan Farmer (drms) & Simon Penketh (keys). Played 1st gig summer 1990 at Kings Arms, Wrexham supp Goodnight Said Florence & Emily. Kicked Simon Penketh out because he tucked his shirt into his kecks. Maelstrom EP (rec at Studio X Holywell) sold over 500 copies at various gigs in Chester (60s Winebar, Raphaels), the Tivoli (supp the Real People, Havana 3AM, Dr Phibes etc.). Name changed (for obvious reasons) to Metroland in 1991. Adam is now BBC Radio Wales DJ

Daisy Soup – Rhyl Grrrl band (early 90s), feat; Joanne. More info req’d.

Damir Bojanic - Acoustic solo project (2003) from bassist of Die Kast Messiah (website) (myspace)

Dammerung - gothic trio from Bangor. Formed orig in 1997 as a 5-pc feat; Steve (drms), Pete Jones (gtr), Sandy (bass), Ian (voc) & Westhead (gtr). Played debut gig at the Crypt. Pete & Sandy left soon afterwards & Tab (bass) joined, but Ian left in summer ‘98 through illness & they split. Reformed again in 1999. Nov02, line-up is Guy Barlow (voc,gtr) (later Kobe, Army of Crows), Tab Giles (bass), Steve Groom (drms), band went on hold in 2002

Damm Yankee - Prestatyn noize band (1987-88) formed by Dean ‘Obscene’ Roberts (formerly of No Answer) who went on to play guitar for Hate Time & Psychosexual Sex Terrestrials. Stuart (or Dave) (bass) & Haydn (drms) who committed suicide 1998. Not really noted for their musical ability but their opening gig was worth seeing. Spelling variations have been Damn and Dam.

Danblagroyd – Wrexham based alt-indie band (c2008), feat; Daniel Owens (voc,keys), Daniel Edwards (gtr), Chris Prydderch (voc,bass), Dylan Powell (gtr,keys). Had session aired on Adam Walton’s Show 05.10.08 (website)

D&B Promotions - brainchild of Dave Hollerhead & partner in crime Bob Owen, who promoted punk gigs at the West Shore Social Club in Llandudno since April 1998, where the likes of U.K.Subs, Vibrators, Guitar Gangsters, 999, Half Man Half Biscuit, have played along with a host of local bands. The West Shore was closed in early 2001 but the concept was revived at The Old Hall in Penrhyn Bay (Feb 02), went into hiatus 2005-07, and re-emerged in Sep08 to co-promote the Dirty Weekend (website)

Dare – rock band from Rowen (1988-present) in the outbacks of rural North Wales formed by the former bassist of Thin Lizzy Darren Wharton. 1989 Dare signed to A&M Records for 1st LP ‘Out Of The Silence’. LP Belief features Simon Gardner (ex Trinity, TKRK) (b.voc,keys), & his brother, Julian (drms) & briefly Martin Wilding (gtr) (ex Boogie Run, Sons of Selina). Very big in Germany & Scandanavia.

Dark, The - Gothic band from Llandudno in the mid-eighties feat; Phil (voc), Pete The Canadian (gtr), Sean O’Neill (bass) & Paul Hulme (drms) better known as Paul Puke, founding member of 4Q (also of NRG). Played 3 gigs, one at Penrhyn Old Hall & 2 at Tiffanys, Llandudno (owned by Ray Gardner, father of Rockcliffe Studios‘ Simon).

Dark Compass – podcast from Holyhead by Rowley since 2003, touching upon his outlook on life and playing some meaty music (website)

Dark Entity – orig name for Holywell’s Monastery

Darkest Hour – Rhyl band (early to mid 90s). More info req’d.

Darkside – Caernarfon based metal band – late 80’s – present? Orig line-up feat; Glyn (voc), Bryn Moore (gtr), Ian Cadmore (gtr), Declan Parry (bass) (later Kobe, This Thing, Army of Crows) and Andrew Gregson (drms). Rumour has it they used to open their set with the theme from Star Wars. This line-up rec one demo but they had a lot of arguments (they came to blows at one point) and split soon afterwards. Declan and Ian joined Dirge, Bryn Moore went on to play for Red and Hatework. Andrew and Glyn joined Ysoriant. Ian Cadmore resurrected the band name a couple of years later with a completely different line-up incl Iolo (drummer for DFA) and did a small tour. John Bowden (gtr) (also Kobe) – now a soundman at Bangor SU, joined the band for a bit. Ian was last seen recording under the Darkside name, but he hasn’t played live in a long time

Darvula - 5 piece hatecore/evil from the darkest corners of Anglesey, formed 2003-04. A collection of artists, shrouded in mystery and drawing inspiration and ideas from the black majik arts, lucid nightmares and Darvula herself. Stageshows include ritualistic seance’s, and the summoning of the forest witches…not for the faint hearted.

Datsyn - band from North/Mid-Wales area, formed 1994, feat, Gruff Meredith (voc,gtr), Iwan Pierce (bass), Ifer Gwyn (drms), Nick Fenwick (keys,gtr), Steffan Cravos (xtra sounds,smpls). Gigs in Carmarthen (with Gorkys), Porthmadog (with Super Furry Animals) & also Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff. 1st radio session was recorded for Heno Bydd Yr Adar Yn Canu on Radio Cymru; & incl; the tracks Be ‘Di’r Plot?, Sbe’s a Kinky Bitch.

Dau Cefn - electronica band of Aberystwyth, feat; Aled Roberts (voc) (ex Boff Frank Bough, Corridor), Scottish born Lindsay Macpherson (of Abergele) (keys), Iwan Williams (gtr) (ex Corridor). Rel LP Cousins (Early Experiments) 2001. Also feat on the No Apathy Dim Apathi LP on Dockrad Recs. Rel Mozzarella LP (02). More info req’d.

Dau Gog A Compiwtar - name translates as “Two Gogs (North-Walians) & a Computer). As this suggests, they are 2 people from North Wales. Graham Land (drms) & Dafydd Pierce (gtr) who create sequenced instrumental music using computers. More information on the “Gwyneb Arall” website.

Alan Daulby - BBC Radio Wales producer involved (amongst other shows) with Adam Walton’s Musical Mystery Tour. Based in Mold and working from the BBC in Wrexham, Alan used to present a show on the now defunct BBC Radio Clwyd. Heavily into T-Rex

Dale Davies – Llandudno based singer/songwriter (orig from Rhyl). Began writing songs c1996 and rel LP ‘Eternal Bachelor’ (2006). Attained plenty of airplay and industry interest (website)

Day Before Mortality - hardcore/metal band from Mold (formed late07), feat; Scott (voc). Jimmy (gtr), John (gtr), James (bass), Mike (drms). Rel EP ‘Ever Decreasing Circles’ (Dec08) (website)

Day Snails – Mold band (c1991), feat; Jamie Davies (gtr), Jamie McCarthur (drms), now a soloist.

DC/79 - Sealand based AC/DC tribute band (formed 2000), feat; Ali Todd. (website)

Ddraenen, Y - student magazine but it had something for everyone. It is/was published every fortnight by the students of Bangor Uni edited by Simon Fisher (1995). Last known to released 13 issues covered many topics, bands, politics, local issues, even an interview with Prince.

Dead Boys – band from Rhyl (c1990), feat; Boz (voc,gtr), Dave Spud (gtr), Tommy Lee (drms) (later Psychosexual Sex Terrestrials)

Dead By Dawn - Denbigh band (2004), feat; Paddy Owens (b.2.9.88) (gtr,voc), Danny Cummings (b.2.10.88) (drms), Chris Davies (b.25.9.88) (gtr), Fill Hickman (b.5.10.88) (bass). Have played the Dudley, Rhyl.

Dead Clones - Denbigh band formed Dec03, feat; Klówn (bass,voc), Cadafer (drms), Chucky (gtr), Azz (gtr). Orig feat; Ben (voc) who was replaced by Razor who then left.

Dead Hedgehog – young band (2001-02), feat; Chris Walker (now of Sansara)(gtr), James Latimer (bass) (ex Psilo Psybin), Chris Heath (ex Aneurism now Sansara), played in Swallow Falls, Betws, played a mixture of punk & ska covers.

Deadlight Spiral – Colwyn Bay band (formed late07), feat; Daz Roddick (voc,gtr) (ex Dive, Whitewash, Alien Matter), Rob Loughlin (bass), Cumi Pants (drms) (ex 4Q, Franks Dad, Sons of Selina, Alien Matter, Affliction). Played debut gig at Speakers Corner, Colwyn Bay 11.01.08, rel EP ‘Full Circle’ Jan08. (website)

Deadline – 4-pc covers band (c2005) from everywhere! Feat; Adrian Harrison (drms) from Port Dinorwic, Steve Newbegin (bass,voc) from Prestatyn, John Watson (gtr,voc) from Saltney (ex Route 66), Mark Thatcher (gtr,voc) from Ruthin (ex Llwybr Cyhoeddus, Grams, Route 66)

Dead Men Walking – (pic) ‘supergroup’ feat; Mike Peters (ex-Alarm), Kirk Brandon (Theatre of Hate, Spear of Destiny), Glen Matlock (Sex Pistols) & Pete Wylie (Mighty Wah). Glen left 2003 replaced by Capt Sensible (Damned), Wylie left 2000 replaced by Slim Jim (Stray Cats). Rel LP ‘Graveyard Smashes Vol 1’ (Dec06)

Dead On Arrival UK – (pic) orig name for DeMask (changed name Jan06) due to Canadian band DOA. Played Banquet Ethania & feat on the comp CD, which was aired by Adam Walton on BBC Radio Wales. Rel 5-track EP ‘Officially Arrived’.

Dead Sexy – (pic) label and outlet for the darker side of industrial, run by Judas and MWJ of Skinflick. Releases by Skinflick, Mantra, Finite Death etc. Ceased c2007

Deadsexys – (pic) project title used by Paul Scouse Hammond for his remix work (c2007). Many of the recordings have appeared under the PSST and DNA Project banners. Made a live app at Billys, Rhyl (summer07) with Sleeping With The Fishes as his backing band. (website)

Dead Wired - Oswestry punk band from 1984. More info req’d.

Deans Daughter, The – described as a vehicle for Kandina Jane’s (now Sonar) solo songs at the tail end of The Exit’s career. Feat; Kandi (voc), Ken Mainardis (bass) (ex Exit, later Sons of Selina), Martin Wilding (gtr) (ex Boogie Run later Sons of Selina), Sally (b.voc) & Steve Allan Jones (keys/samplr/dat). 12 songs arranged & rec by Steve. This line up did 2 shows at the Little Theatre Rhyl & got good reviews. The world wasnt ready for the progressive big keys Pink Floyd thing. Kandy & Ken moved to London

Declan Swans – Wrexham based band (2001) & pisstake merchants, named after Declan Swan (from that advert). Returned in late 2007 after a 2yr hiatus (website)

DeeJays - Llandudno band of late 60s (prev called Sundowners), feat; Lemmy (later of Sapphires, Hawkwind, Motorhead). Ended up on the wedding & dance circuit. More info req’d

Dee in The Park - rock festival held in Wepre in summer 2000, attended by approx 3000 punters. Feat bands Relatives, Real Crazy Apartment

Deeside Leisure Centre - one time main circuit venue during late 70s - early 80s. Rubber mats were shipped in to cover the ice rink to allow 14,000 people to watch bands, usually getting water logged by the end of the show & punters with very cold feet. Used to be the 6th largest capacity venue in the UK & hosted the likes of The Clash, The Jam, Adam & The Ants, Judas Priest, Bob Marley & Blondie.

Def Con One - venue based at Trotters in Rhyl (1993) run as a collective business on giros by GMX Stuns. Hosted a Gathering day for fans of Mike Peters.

Defect – Llandudno based band (formed 1998) feat; Ben Pugh (voc,gtr), Chris Rowley (bass) (also Joe’s Bad Haircut), Martin Amies (drms), Rob Outram (gtr), Tom McDonald (decks). Described as punk, rap, metal & hip-hop, rec EP (Apr00) feat; Worship The Rock, Lost, Maybe You and Living Regret. Lost appears on the MASE ‘No Boundaries’ CD – Lost.

Dekay – short-lived hardcore grunge band (c2005) from Gwespyr feat; Gav Gun Lawton (voc,gtr) (ex Carbonari, Lucid, Dred, Scramble Joe, Torn Asunder), Chris Bad Pint Hughes (bass), Steve High (drms).

Delirium – band from Caernarfon area (early to mid 90s). More info req’d.

Delta Nine – Denbigh band (formed 2005), deat; Sam Cattell (voc,gtr), Danny Cattell (gtr), Alfie Cattell (keys), Sion Rogers (drms) and 2 others. Rel 6track EP ‘Sustainable Trees’. Played Bar Blu, Central Station¸ Springstock as well as other venues. Orig called Lumpheap

DeMask – Holyhead punk band, formerly called Dead on Arrival UK. Feat; Amy Hargreaves (b.1989) (voc,bass), Tomi Hargreaves (b.1990) (gtr), Karl Hargreaves (b.1993) (drms) (website)

Denbigh Festival - organisation behind Pigstock festival & the original name before 1998. Close links with the folk scene & the band Redhill.

Denuo – Colwyn based band (c2006), feat; Tom Mason (voc), Tom (gtr), Sam (bass), Harry (drms). Rec EP ‘Less Motion More Vision’ at Mase Studios.

Depth - Nirvana influenced rocky band from Bangor area, formed 1999, feat; John Bowden (gtr) (later Kobe), Cynnog (bass), Barry Nolan (drms), Martin (voc) born & bred in Caernarfon with a strong American accent. Nolan’s drumkit used to belong to the Macc Lads until he swapped with them for an FX pedal!

Der Bomber – (pic) Rhyl band (formed Feb05), feat; Remo (voc), Carl (gtr), John (gtr), Craig (bass), Jamie Cardno (drms) (ex Fathead, Floaters Revenge) who replaced Mike after 5 gigs (Jun05). Played debut gig at Bar Blu 11.5.05, rec session for Adam Walton on BBC Radio Wales (Jun05). Caused controversey getting banned from Bar Blu, The Dudley and Hendre Hall (Bangor), which subsequently led to their non-appearance at Pigstock (Denbigh). Rel 9 track EP ‘Der Bomber’ (Dec05). Jamie left in summer06 and they toyed with the idea of John playing drums and looking for a keyboard player. By Sep06 Dave Cox (drms) (ex Chinese Chicken Balls, Floaters Revenge, Cox, now Global Parasite) joined.(website)

Derwyddon Dr Gonzo – funk-afro-ska Welsh lang band (formed 2006), feat; Jamz (perc,voc), Cai Sgons (drms), Smilin Tom (gtr), Bomshell (voc,gtr), Berwyn (trmpt), Bassically (bass), Ivan David (keys), Sion Corn (trmpt), Mei Slei (sax). Rel single KO (Ciwdod 2007) (website)

Design By Fire – hardcore metal band (formed Nov02), feat; Jeff Hardbattle (gtr,voc), Mike Watkinson (gtr,voc), Thomas Morris (bass,voc), Dan Buckland (drms). Rel, ‘Apparitions E.P.’ (Mar00), ‘Aura-shift E.P.’ (Jan04), ‘Close Your Eyes To Stay Awake E.P.’ (Sep04).

Destroy Babylon - Thrash metal band from Holyhead, feat; Spike T Smith (voc,drms), Simon Lewis (gtr,voc), Burton (bass,voc). Formerly known as Alternative Attack & used the DB name only a few times as they were banned from many places under the old name as Burton was always stealing stuff and causing fights. So changed name to Destroy Babylon and did a set of Bad Brains covers, the name comes from song by The Bad Brains on their 1st LP ‘Rock for Light’.. the band figured no one would know as they were pretty unheard of in those days especially in North Wales. Spike went on to play for Sacrilege, English Dogs and then he played for Morrissey on one of his epic tours and the Damned for a bit, think he’s now in a band with ex-members of English Dogs. Burton now roadies for The Prodigy. Gig review from 1987.

Destroyed - Maiden meets Wolfsbane style band with lots of dual guitars and “hooky” riffs from Prestatyn c1991. Feat; Rob Maxwell (gtr,voc) (later of Templegate), Matty Roberts (drms) (now Sonar), Dave Maxwell (bass), Jason Hudson (gtr). Played at the Bistro & also feat at some point Jon Waring (soon to join Psychosexual Sex Terrestrials). Supp Paul Dianno’s “Killers” at the Tiv in Buckley.

Dethkats – psychobilly, surf, goth punk band based in Manchester but members are all Welsh (formed Aug05) by Matt Watkins (gtr) (ex Mongolian Dethkit, Wendykurk, Suma Suma), Lee Roberts (bass) (ex Torturhaus), Moema (voc,gtr), Emily Selimes (drms). Rec Dragula demo (2006), plan to rec EP (website)

Deus Ex Incendia – Colwyn Bay band (formed Apr06), feat; Matt W (gtr,keys), Marc (drms). Ceased Sep06. (website)

Devastaters – Shrewsbury punk band (pre-1984) feat; Dean Obscene (later of PSST). Formerly called The After Birth.

Dexadrina - Wrexham based Glam art/punk band (2000)

Die Kast Messiah – (pic) Colwyn Bay horror-rock band, formed Jan01. Feat; Kirk Lovell (voc), Damir Bojanic (Dominic Tanner) (bass), Lee Borrett (keys), Russell Pritchard (drms). Debut gig was 17.09.01 at the MASE in Llandudno. Orig guitarist was Andy Jones & Shaun Cull (gtr) was also with them prev. Damir & Lee are also in Repercussion

Diems - Bethesda band (pre-1995) feat; Deian Owen (keys), Gronw Roberts (bass) & Ed Cox. Rec three commercially rel LPs, incl; one for Fflach label & gigged regularly, headlining in their own right as well as supp such acts as The Super Furry Animals, Catatonia & Gorkys Zygotic Mynci. The band also made live & video appearances on S4C. (see also DNA, Cint).

Dinistro y Dinuwedd – Llanrwst punk band (late 80s) feat; John Henry (gtr), Huw Jones (drms), Dominic Pitcher (voc) (ex Oblivion), Simone Channer (gtr,voc), Aldean Channer (bass,voc). App on Fideo9 on S4C & supp Cyrff & Yr Orsedd many times. Dominic sadly died in the 90s aged 22.

Dipsomaniacs – Nwales band (2001). More info req’d.

Direction Music – cassette label based in Pentraeth started by Peter Harrison in Mar89, prev only known in the electronic music scene for various reviews, articles & a few LP cover designs. It devoted itself to a variety of artists that Peter felt deserved wider recognition. Aiming from the start to ensure a consistently high quality of production compared to other cassette labels, every release has been on good quality tape with a full colour inlay card. The label was launched with two initial compilations, featuring artists ranging from the synth instrumentalist Kevin O’Neill to collage surrealists Nurse With Wound. Other releases include the ambient music of Vidna Obmana, dramatic synth work from Andrew Pinches, post-industrial avant-garde material from Morphogenesis, as well as even more offbeat items like the experimental & noisy Falscher Hase by East Germans Dieter Zobel & Jorg Thomasius. Label last heard of in 1991. More info req’d.

Dirge - Anglesey based thrash-metal band, 1990-92. Line-up changed a lot, feat amongst others; Duncan Black (gtr) (now a soloist, also plays for Skinflick), Chris ‘Squirrel’ Jones (drms) (ex Red, FBF, Mucus, Y Profiad)., Gareth ‘Bobs’ Brindle (bass) (later Red, Hatework), Ian Cadmore (gtr) (ex Darkside), Bryn Moore (gtr) (later Red, Hatework), Dan Alexander (gtr) (ex Mucus, Fubar, Skink), Johnny Piers (gtr), Chris Moore (voc) (later This Thing), Declan Parry (bass) (later Kobe, This Thing, Army of Crows), John Vietnam (voc) (ex-Vietnam), Malcolm Owen (voc) (later of Near Dark). Band stupidly changed name to Fatal Mistake and did a couple of ill-received gigs at the Normandie. Chris’ lightning speed drumming was legendary though

Dirty Angel Thing – Felinheli band (2001), feat; Ali Roberts (voc) (ex Hamish McDoodle, KKKK), Twigg (voc) (ex Papa Lazaroo, Tarantism, Band With No Name), Danny Cutler (bass) (ex Papa Lazaroo, Midnight Snack). Had a track played on Adam Walton’s show. Side project by members of Logic of Impossibility (website)

Dirty Dogs – Prestatyn covers band (formed early06), feat Terry Jackson (bass) (also of Mo-Tone Company Band)

Dirty Static – project feat; Anthony ‘Paz’ Parry (voc,gtr) (ex Djenifus, HyperTraffic and Oysterboy). Later joined by Steve (bass), Lonny (drms). (website)

Disciples of Spess - Mold band (1981 - present). Rel single on Grimble Recs (1988) (website)

Disco Fish – 5-pc Indie/Funk/Punk/Metal/Ska band from Buckley (1994-97), feat; Peter Crank (drms), Mark Gunning (gtr,voc), Carl Ridge (bass), Chris Pugh (gtr,sax), Steve Davies (keys). An orig band with some pretty cool ideas that split just as they were getting good. Pete & Chris joined a band in Coventry called Colonel Mustard, Carl joined Wrexham based band Flood, Mark writes his own stuff and doesn’t think Steve plays anymore.

Disenterpretation - Buckley band formed 1999 who soon became V-Plates

Distorted Background – band (2001) from Llandrillo Tech feat; Phil Pearson (voc), Dan Harris, Wil Walker. Involved with MASE project.

Disturbed - Rhyl punk band (formed 1981), feat; Graham Bevins (bass) (later Mal de Mer), Tudor Parry (gtr,voc), Mark Jordan (gtr), Chris Turner (drms) (later Frightened By Strangers). First rehearsal was at Inter Leisure’s function room (next to the Golden Gate). Just under a year of practising led to no gigs and they eventually became the initial line up of Mercenary Skank

Dive – (pic) Colwyn Bay based grunge band- formed ‘98, Daz Roddick (gtr,voc) (later Whitewash, Alien Matter, Deadlight Spiral), John Hargest (drms), Julian Neale (bass). Ste Watson (gtr) for short period during ‘98. 1999 Dave Malam replaced Ste Watson as guitarist. Hargest & Neale left Sep99 to join Carpet. Jason Dicken (drms) (later Lantern) & Mike Owen (bass) replace departed members. Roddick/Malam/Owen/Dicken line up lasts for a year and a bit. Malam leaves sometime during ‘01, Dive continue as 3-pc. Later that year Malam rejoins & leaves again. 2002 Mike Owen leaves to go to Uni in Manc land. (website).

Dizzy Mama – Legendary Deeside based pub rock band (c1990- present) , feat; Mogga (bass) (ex-Think Lizzy, now We Are 0151), other members inc Wetlegge ??? (gtr), Andrew Ellix (voc) (now Superbad). 2006 line-up – feat 3 members from the split of Badger Bell Band; Bert ??? (gtr), Gaz Jones (gtr), Dave Hoyle (drms) who were joined by Fred (voc) and Vaughan (bass) (ex-Goodfellas). They tend to look for larger venues such as bike rallies or rock clubs to put on a better visual show and to use the Hi Watt amps to their full potential. As these gigs are more limited the band are not playing as often as when they were on the pub circuit and many people thought they had split up