BORN ON JULY 17: 1941: Spencer Davis (The Spencer Davis Group)

Spencer Davis (born Spencer David Nelson Davies; 17 July 1939 – 19 October 2020) was a Welsh musician. He founded the Spencer Davis Group, a band that had several hits in the 1960s including "Keep On Running", "Somebody Help Me", "Gimme Some Lovin'" and "I'm a Man", all sung by Steve Winwood. Davis subsequently enjoyed success as an A&R executive with Island Records.

Davis was born in Swansea, South-West Wales, on 17 July 1939. His father was a paratrooper during World War II. While his father was away, his uncle Herman was a musical influence on Davis, teaching him how to play the harmonica at age six. While growing up in Swansea, Davis lived through The Blitz: "The bombed city centre was my playground. I watched the town being absolutely destroyed."

Davis's mother continued to live in the West Cross area of Swansea until her death.

He began learning to play harmonica and accordion at the age of six. He attended Dynevor School in Swansea and became proficient at speaking a few languages. He moved to London when he was 16 and began working in the civil service as a clerical officer at the Post Office Savings Bank in Hammersmith and then for HM Customs and Excise. However, he went back to his old school to study for A-levels in languages, becoming head boy in 1959. In 1960, he moved to Birmingham, to read German at the University of Birmingham. In music circles, Davis was later known as "Professor".

No Maybes: Supersonic Oasis definitely smash it

By Ed Shrinker

Friends: the wait is over.

Oasis was superb. Their seamless set was stellar.

It was scintillating; exhilarating; uplifting; rowdy; raunchy; compassionate and comprehensive.

On the day when this great city of ours was the epicentre of global rock, Oasis reopened for business and the Oasis collective, from seven to seventy, cajoled and encouraged by rock’s eternal teenager Liam Gallagher, sang and cried their hearts out.

We knew they would be stadium-ready after a 16-year hiatus when, separately, they had roamed the world making very good- but not great- rock, new sets whose own restrictions were highlighted by both’s occasional forays into their Oasis back-catalogue.

The only question mark remaining was- could their performance match the amazing anticipation this reunion had fuelled since the end of last year?

From the first bars, it was never in doubt.

The band and the audience were a unit, revelling in a crackling bonfire of a catalogue that had no “massive potatoes” (don’t mention ‘em) but a lot of bangers at its heart. A bucket-hat brim-full with bangers in fact. One stopped; another started. Liam was rejuvenated. He intoned and inflected, spitting out sequences of emphasised, extended words that were elevated tolyrical lynchpins after beginning life as humble two or three syllable nondescripts.

The master vocalist stared into mid-space, then nodded with assurance and then contorted and grimaced his way through barnstormer after barnstormer.

Alongside, brother Noel, heavy brows knitted and furrowed, coaxed and caressed riff after riff, fill after fill, hook after hook from his guitar. He surfed on a six stringhard drive provided by “legend “ Paul “Bonehead” Arthurs and Gem Archer and a rhythm section of Bassist Andy bell and drummer Joey Waronker.  And he sang a short selection of his own work, including Half the World Away.

The full 23-tune set list is below. All were excellent. The sound system was superb; the decision to keep the roof closed spot on. The psychedelia-inspired back projections were a nostalgic nod to the musical homage that forms the bedrock of Oasis’ music.

For those of us who were there, the heady heydays of 1995 are a long way away. The optimism, swagger and immediacy of Britpop has passed. Cool Britannia has become Broken Britain.

But last night’s gig shows that that spirit remains strongand Oasis certainly aren’t lying down anytime soon.

In fact, like our great city, they are still the Bollox.

For the record, Oasis’ Cardiff setlist was:

‘Hello’ 
‘Acquiesce’ 
‘Morning Glory’
‘Some Might Say’
‘Bring It On Down’
‘Cigarettes & Alcohol’
‘Fade Away’
‘Supersonic’
‘Roll With It’
‘Talk Tonight’
‘Half The World Away’
‘Little By Little’
‘D’You Know What I Mean?’
‘Stand By Me’
‘Cast No Shadow’
‘Slide Away’
‘Whatever’
‘Live Forever’
‘Rock ‘n’ Roll Star’
‘The Masterplan’
‘Don’t Look Back In Anger’
‘Wonderwall’
‘Champagne Supernova’

All photos ©️TC/RC/LP Photography

New Welsh Band Lower Forces Announce Debut Single

Listen here: https://linktr.ee/LowerForces_

Cardiff-based dream pop band Lower Forces this week release their powerhouse début single, ‘Electricity’.

The band comprises lead vocalist Daniel Reed,Guitarists Owen Harries and Liam Moylan and Bassist Rory Chapman. The single is a testament to each member’s influences, including post-punk, indie and shoegaze, which helped them shape their own dream pop sound. ‘Electricity’ was recorded over two sessions at Hot Jam Studios, Bridgend, and produced by Colm Foxon, and is characterised by its atmospheric feel and expressive vocals.

Lower Forces débuted with an appearance at Porters, Cardiff, earlier this year. It’s a venue close to their hearts as it is renowned for its commitment to grassroots music and consistent support of up-and-coming musical talent. Lower Forces are currently planning on touring venues in Cardiff and across South Wales.

Despite the release of ‘Electricity’, the band have several other self-penned releases in the pipeline and are enthusiastically working on their next single.

Lower Forces formed in September 2023. Original members Liam Moylan, Rory Chapman and Owen Harries first met in their workplace in central Cardiff. Music was always a mainstay of water-cooler conversations and, with all three already working on songs individually, starting a band was a natural and exciting evolution.

Their painstaking search for the singular sound that would unify their vision with delivery came with the sonic synergy of Daniel Reed’s distinctive vocals that lend an emotional depth above the clear cohesion of the collective and producing the driven identity that underpins the band’s content.

Listen to Electricity now on Spotify, Apple Music, and all other major streaming platforms - https://linktr.ee/LowerForces_

More information from contact.lowerforces@gmail.com

Review - Graham Gouldman - Heart Full Of Song - The Gate, Cardiff - 10/03/2025

Images - Tony Woolway

He’s a national treasure that most concert-goers today would not have heard of, and whilst people of a certain age would be aware of the great band he co-founded, 10cc, they would hardly have known the number of hits written for others throughout his staggering musical career.

For Graham Gouldman’s songwriting pedigree puts him fairly and squarely at the top of the list when discussing the very best songwriters this country’s produced, and he continues to do so with a quality for melody, highlighting a craft that is sadly absent today.

With a new album, ‘I Have Notes’ due to be released in July, he’s certainly not resting on his laurels with his recordings hardly short of talent with Brian May, Hank Marvin, Albert Lee and Ringo Starr, among others, all featured. One song, his current single ‘We’re Alive’ co-written with Nashville-based singer/songwriter Beth Nielsen Chapman and songwriter/guitarist Gordon Kennedy, was included in this evening’s quite stunning set.

In between classic songs like ‘For Your Love’, ‘Bus Stop’ and ‘Heart Full of Soul’, hits for legendary Sixties bands The Hollies and The Yardbirds, Gouldman informed the very attentive audience on the birth of these iconic songs, lovingly revisited by his mostly acoustic band mates.

Gouldman reminisced about about his career, the input of his father, especially in the writing of ‘No Milk Today’ a worldwide hit for Herman’s Hermits, the inspiration coming after his father had noticed the build up of milk bottles on a neighbouring doorstep and suggested it would make an interesting theme for a song.

Gouldman also talked of his great friendship and collaboration with American singer/songwriter Andrew Gold, now sadly passed, with Gouldman and is talented band performing a stunning version of ‘Bridge to Your Heart’, a 1987 hit for the pop duo Wax.

No performance would be complete without playing one of the greatest hits of the Seventies, 10cc’s ‘I’m Not In Love’, a song that along with the likes of ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’, is considered one of British Rock and Pop’s great masterpieces.

In an evening of great nostalgia, exceptional songwriting and quality musicianship, it was quite simply the best damp, cold Monday evening ever spent witnessing the best of British and a true musical legend.

Tony Woolway

Review - Catfish & The Bottlemen - Cardiff Castle 20/07/2024

After cancelling their performance at the Principality Stadium in 2022, fans feared it might be the end for Catfish and the Bottlemen. However, on Friday, they made a triumphant return to Cardiff Castle!

Friday was the warmest day we've had this year, and fans dressed in band merch were seen all around the city, buzzing with excitement for what promised to be a fantastic comeback. This gig, the first announced after releasing their recent single 'Showtime,' had fans eagerly competing for tickets. It was their second show since their comeback, following their performance at Sefton Park in Liverpool.

The evening kicked off with a set from 'The Big Moon.' Although I only caught the end of their performance, having seen them support other acts previously, I can attest to their ability to set a great tone for the night. Their lively and engaging presence on stage always manages to energise the crowd, making them an excellent choice to warm up the audience for the main event.

As Catfish and the Bottlemen took to the stage at Cardiff Castle, they were met with a huge applause. They opened with the fan-favourite 'Kathleen,' instantly getting the crowd’s hands in the air and setting a high-energy tone for the evening. This was followed by 'Soundcheck,' during which inflatable crocodiles sold at the merch stall bounced around the front of the stage, adding a playful touch to the vibrant atmosphere.

The mid-section of their set consisted of hits like 'Conversation,' 'Business,' and 'Homesick,' maintaining the momentum and keeping the audience fully engaged. My favourite moment was during '2all,' as it’s my favourite Catfish song, and hearing it live again alongside best friends was a nice experience. The energy throughout the set was exciting, with everyone singing along, hands in the air, and many fans perched on shoulders.

Despite a few moments where the energy from the stage dipped, the passionate and consistent atmosphere from the fans never waned. The band closed with an electrifying performance of 'Cocoon,' leaving the crowd on a high note. Although they delivered a familiar setlist, mirroring the one they performed in 2021, and didn't include their most recent single, the night was still enjoyable. Their set began around 9:15 and wrapped up just before 10:40, leaving many of us wishing for at least one or two more songs. The abrupt ending felt somewhat anticlimactic, especially given the high energy and enthusiasm bestowed on them by the crowd.

Overall, it was nice to see Catfish make their comeback, and it made me reminisce about my late teenage years. For extremely dedicated fans, this must have been a great night, but for me, it was the crowd's energy that truly made the evening memorable.

Review - ExTC - Acapela Studio - 20/07/2024

Images - Tony Woolway

2 June 1981, one of UK’s finest bands to evolve from Punk/New Wave XTC played what was to be the band’s final UK live appearance at Cardiff’s Top Rank, promoting their Black Sea album.

It proved a fateful day for fans of the band after the prolific and influential singer/songwriter Andy Partridge’s well documented breakdown meant the band were never to play live in the UK ever again.

Fortunately it didn’t affect the flow of brilliant recordings as the band, almost Beatle-like, transformed into a studio band, that have been a major influence to many of those who followed.

Then a few years ago fans were treated to the rarest of occasions when the returning powerhouse of a drummer Terry Chambers, after relocating to the UK from Australia, hooked up with bassist Colin Moulding for a series of gigs in their hometown of Swindon.

It was a wonderful, but brief encounter as, quickly as he reappeared on the scene, Moulding disappeared back into the shadows after a job well done.

Thankfully, drummer Chambers decided to stick around and with his band of talented brothers, set about more live work leading to a long-awaited return to Cardiff, back to where it all fizzled out many years ago giving fans both young, and now, quite old, a chance to relive what a glorious sound the four Wiltshire chaps helped create.

Along with guitarist and vocalist Steve Hampton and bassist Terry Lines, TC and friends lovingly recreate the sound of XTC with a set pack full of songs that featured in such a long and very creative time for one of UK’s finest ever bands.

Chambers certainly has lost none of the power that helped drive the songs of Partridge and Moulding, proving what an essential part of the sound his drumming helped produce. Certainly with Moulding in tow, the pair where undoubtedly one of the best rhythm sections to come out of new wave, and British music generally.

Opening with the classic no 1 that never was “This Is Pop” and swiftly followed by the classic “Statue of Liberty” the band moved swiftly on to the front foot, dipping into and featuring songs from most of the group’s recorded work through the years.

Hampton in particular took centre stage replicating much of Partridge’s eccentric guitar riffing whilst holding down much of the show vocally. Terry Lines on bass wonderfully reproduced the melodic and quirky Moulding bass lines plus, when required stepped up to the microphone on a few tunes to take the lead, all the while providing backing vocals.

There certainly wasn’t any let up in the pace and following a short break, the band came back with a clutch of songs that blew away the very appreciative audience.

“Sgt Rock”, “Respectable St” and a superb “Living Through Another Cuba / Generals and Majors” lead not unsurprisingly to the bands biggest and best remembered hit “Making Plans For Nigel” .

One of group’s later songs “Stupidly Happy” featured one of the evening’s highlights as one chap kicked off his shoes to perform a David Byrne-like dance performance that beautifully synced with the music, so good that the group would be well-advised to take him on tour with them !

Ending the evening with another single that should have been a massive hit “Life Begins at the Hop” it was a terrific finish to a night of perfection and smile-induced nostalgia. Even the missing members would agree that XTC lives on in the very capable hands of Terry Chambers and EXTC.

By Tony Woolway

Setlist

This Is Pop

Statue of Liberty

No Language in Our Lungs

Love on a Farmboy's Wages

Real by Reel

Towers of London

Paper and Iron

Senses Working Overtime

Jason and the Argonauts

Ball and Chain

The Ballad of Peter Pumpkinhead

Summer's Cauldron / Grass

No Thugs in Our House

Sgt. Rock (Is Going to Help Me)

Rocket From a Bottle

Respectable Street

Living Through Another Cuba / Generals and Majors

Making Plans for Nigel

Stupidly Happy

Life Begins at the Hop

Review - Absolute Bowie - Earl Haig Club 24/05/2024

Images - T.Woolway

Not many would expect to spend a balmy Friday Bank Holiday evening in the confines of Earl Haig’s concert hall, yet the draw was too great for the many Bowie aficionados who attended in droves to witness Absolute Bowie perform, and no one left unhappy after an exceptional performance from the band voted the Best Band and Bowie tribute at the National Tribute Awards.

Even allowing for a few shaky moments at the start of the evening when an electrical fault caused a minor hiccup, the band didn’t get fazed and picked up professionally where they left off taking everything in their stride..

The band embraced the legend that was David Bowie, not only musically where guitarist Andy Marr proved a more than capable Mick Ronson but also by the performance, mainly from front man and true Bowie fanatic John O’Neil. Having the look and mannerisms of Bowie through the ages in his many guises, opening with Ziggy end ending with a stunningly lifelike Reality era Bowie it was something embraced by all the band who dressed accordingly.

It was so great to hear the music come to life, especially the glam rock era featuring songs from Hunky Dory, Ziggy Stardust and Aladdin Sane plus Bowie’s extremely prolific Let’s Dance period and judging by the number of people dancing, everyone beaming the evening was a sure fire success.

It was a triumph also for Global Promotions who have brought to the Haig in recent months some of the finest tribute acts on offer, both varied and superb entertainment.

Dea Matrona - Review - Clwb Ifor Bach - 11/05/2024

Images subject to copyright

The night began with an acoustic set by Eleri, who quickly warmed up the packed crowd downstairs at Clwb Ifor Bach. In addition to her original songs, she delivered a captivating cover of Nancy Sinatra's "These Boots Are Made for Walkin'." which the crowd thoroughly enjoyed, singing along enthusiastically. It was heartening to see the venue full for the support act, a rarity these days but a true testament to Eleri's talent as a live performer. Her performance concluded with a big round of applause, perfectly setting the stage for Dea Matrona. Eleri will be performing next on May 21st at The Moon, with other support slots to be announced. Don't miss the chance to see her live—highly recommended.

Following Eleri, Dea Matrona took the stage, greeted by an eager and energised audience. They started their set with a powerful drum intro that had everyone clapping and raising their hands. The band's high-energy performance and dynamic stage presence kept the crowd engaged throughout, leading to thunderous applause after their opening.

The setlist was a well-crafted mix of their original hits and some well-chosen covers. Highlights included "Stamp On It," "So Damn Dangerous," and the lead single "Black Rain" from their latest album For Your Sins, which was my favourite song of the night. Their rendition of Prince's "KISS" and Sophie Ellis-Bextor's "Murder on the Dancefloor" had the crowd singing and dancing along, showing the band's versatility and ability to keep the energy high.

Prior to performing "Wilderness," Dea Matrona asked the audience if they had seen them play before, with many shouting out that they had seen them in Bristol. The band then inquired if it was anyone's first time seeing them, and a large number of people responded with enthusiastic cheers, highlighting their growing popularity.

Another standout moment was the introduction of "Dead Man’s Heart," where the band embraced a country vibe, complete with sparkly cowgirl hats, and had the crowd shouting "yeehaw." This playful interaction showcased their ability to create a fun and engaging atmosphere.

The evening concluded with a powerful encore of "Make You My Star," leaving the audience on a high note. This was my first time seeing Dea Matrona live, and I've been listening to them nonstop since. Their debut album is sure to be a hit with fans of rock and country. While it features strong pop elements, their music has a unique sound that blends various genres seamlessly. The album is truly impressive. Their stage presence is electrifying, and they deliver a captivating performance with their band. I will definitely be going to see them again. Speaking with a couple of enthusiastic fans, it's clear that Dea Matrona has a strong following. The atmosphere was fantastic, and everyone seemed to have a great time, making it a night to remember at Clwb Ifor Bach.

Set List:

Stamp On It

Get My Mind Off 

Stuck On You

Did Nobody Ever Love You?

KISS (Prince Cover)

Wilderness 

Nobody’s Child

So Damn Dangerous 

Oh Well

Black Rain 

Glory, Glory 

Dead Man’s Heart

Every Night I Want You

Muder On The Dancefloor (Sophie Ellis-Bexter Cover)

Red Button

Make You My Star (Encore)