Many famous stars make a spectacular sight with their glamorous costumes and spectacular make-up. They certainly look as if they are ready to wow the world. A little known fact is that the very word Glamour has its origins in the Welsh language, Cymru. The ancient Celts would paint themselves blue and put chalk in their hair, punk style, before going into battle. Their ferocious and strange appearance would hopefully distract or frighten the enemy. The paint they used was called Glamour. Kylie Minogue takes glamour back to its roots with this rather glam image (opposite).
So you know where to go now ,” but who can I see when I get there” I hear you say. Well I`ll give you a few names to look out for on your travels around the venues. There are some very talented musicians out there, and I think they should get more exposure.
To my mind, one of the tightest outfits you`ll find in this vicinity is the Bluegrass band Roots and Galoots. All are excellent musicians and they pay particular attention to their vocal harmonies. They play regularly around the area and you can usually find them at The Brunswick, or sometimes, The Pontardawe Inn. Another band worth a mention is Up The Creek formally known as the Scallywags. This is a band of three very talented musicians who play their own style of Bluegrass, giving a different slant on more well known tunes ranging from the Beatles to Blondie. They are a band well worth catching at one of their frequent local gigs. For a more traditional sound there are bands such as String Whistle, The Bear Band and Celtic Spirit. They hail from the Swansea Valley, and play a varied selection of Celtic music with a large proportion of Irish tunes. For something a little different but very traditional nevertheless, there`s always swansea`s very own shanty-men Baggywrinkle. And not forgetting yours truly The White Fern Mountain Stringband who have recently added a mandolin player to the outfit. Maybe I`ll see you at one of our gigs.
Sacred Fall are a modern and classic rock covers band. They been around for a few years now under different names and different line ups, but now they are complete. It’s all about rock and that’s what they’re about. Why not sign up to their site, post on the forums and get involved. If you’ve seen them play leave some feedback on their guestbook; and if you want them to play anywhere for you, get in touch on their website www.sacredfall.co.uk. Keep on rocking!
Sacred Fall
Band members
Crig Patrick-Guitar & Vocals
Jay Shepherd-Guitar & Vocals
James Thomas-Bass
Glen Morgan-Drums
After a long time off the road, Sacred Fall are going to hit the studio and lay down a couple of tracks there going to put on their website. They’re also in the progress of reshaping the band so we will keep you informed on what happens. It’s a really exciting time and I know you’ll be with us all the way. (Keep it real guys!)
Sacred Fall
There are now videos online of the Merthyr Rising Weekend gig- look on the website and see the link-
Rock Weekend Poster
Sacred Fall played at Merthyr Tydfil Rock weekend, it was a great day hope you made it!
If you didn’t dont worry! Log on now to the website on Merthyr Rising gig.
The Welsh rock and pop scene is very strong at the moment,But then it always has been.
The first Welsh long- haired, Psychedelic Pop record came out in 1968 by a band called Y Blew.
This was a starting point not least because it marked a break from the music’s polite past.
Anhrefn records released a service of fine Pink records and compilations in the Eightes that were championed on the European anarcho-Punk and by John Peel; Ofn records, run by future Gorky’s Zygotic Mynci and Super Furry Animals. Producer Gorwel Owen, released great electronic music.They faced stiff competition,though from Ffach and Crai.The latter were responsible for early Welsh language records by Catatonia,who later gatecrashed the national charts alongside the Manic Street Preachers, Stereophonics and Super Furry Animals. Now because of the explosion in digital home recording there’s an enormously vibrant new music scene epitomised by online shops like www.sebon.co.uk and labels such as Fitamin Un, Slacyr, Recordiau and Boobytrap.
There are a number of clubs in Swansea, Time & Envy, Playnight Club, and Sin City.
Sin City Alternative and Live Music Venue.
Brought to you by Alternative Swansea and Swansea University
Sin City brings you the best in big names and local bands and Artists, catering for all tastes in Alternative music, The club has two rooms. Both with uber cool Facilities. A great Stage, awesome lighting and a huge sound system.
Badfingerwas one of the most promising upcoming groups of the mid 60s. Originally from Swansea, their line up consisted of Pete Ham: vocals, guitar, piano; Joey Molland: guitar, vocals; Tom Evans: bass, vocals; and Mike Gibbins: drums and vocals. Originally called the Ivey’s, the band was talent spotted and introduced to the Beatles. After signing on with the Beatles own Apple Records, they were mentored by Paul McCartney; recorded songs written by him and played the backing tracks of various Beatles albums. The group were named after Bad Finger Boogie, the working title of The Beatles” With A Little Help From My Friends”. It is, no doubt, because of their close association with the fab four that they were labelled as heir apparent to the Beatles. Rolling Stone reviews frequently noted the comparison between the two bands.
Through out the 70s the band had a string of hit singles such as Come and Get It; No Matter What; Day After Day; and Baby Blue. The also released 11 successful albums and toured extensively between America and Europe. Badfinger was the distinctive and definitive sound of 70s British Power Pop.
Their time with Apple Records, however, was disastrous and led to a legal and financial quagmire that cost millions and literally destroyed the band. In 1975, Pete Ham hanged himself, leaving a young son and heavily pregnant girlfriend. His suicide note blamed the band’s business manager. His daughter was born a month later. In 1983, after years of unhappiness with the band’s business dealings, yet another member, Tom Evans hanged himself. More recently Mike Gibbins, the original Badfinger drummer died of natural causes.
The Band, reformed with new members, has recorded further albums and continued to please audiences well into the 90s. These days, Joey Molland continues to make music and has four solo CDs. He has also created an organization in Minneapolis that helps younger artists learn the ins and outs of the business.
They certainly look as if they are ready to wow the world. A little known fact is that the very word Glamour has its origins in the Welsh language, Cymru. The ancient Celts would paint themselves blue and put chalk in their hair, punk style, before going into battle. Their ferocious and strange appearance would hopefully distract or frighten the enemy. The paint they used was called Glamour. Kylie Minogue takes glamour back to its roots with this rather glam image (opposite). 
