Paradiddles, Plectrums and Posers

I was putting this page together as recognition of the talent from my homeland, with my personal choice of favoured Welsh bands, when I realised that shockingly each one (except, somewhat ironically given their name, Funeral for a Friend) has suffered terrible tragedy.

This page has consequently become both a celebration of home grown talent and also a dedication to those sadly lost to us.

FUNERAL FOR A FRIEND

Old lineup above,
new 2012 lineup to the left.

STEREOPHONICS

Left with the late Stuart Cable (far left) who died tragically on June 7th, 2010 at the age of 40 years old.

Below left with Javier Weyler (far left).

MANIC STREET PREACHERS

At right the original lineup with Richey Edwards (2nd from left) who disappeared on 1st February, 1995 and who was officially presumed dead in 2008. He was just 28 years old at the time of his disappearance.

Below right are the 3 remaining members.

FEEDER

Left with drummer Jon Lee (far left) who committed suicide on 7th January, 2002 at the age of just 33 years old.

Below Feeder with drummer Karl Brazil (far left).

BADFINGER

Formed in 1968 the band had four consecutive worldwide hits in 1970 and 1971: "Come and Get It" (written and produced by Paul McCartney), "No Matter What", "Day After Day", and "Baby Blue".

The classic lineup was: Peter Ham, Joey Molland, Tom Evans and Mike Gibbins.

2 members of Badfinger committed suicide both by hanging: Peter Ham on 24th April, 1975 at only 27 years old and Tom Evans on 19th November, 1983 at 36 years old.

Drummer Mike Gibbins died in his sleep on October 4th, 2005 at the age of just 56.

The link below is to my favourite Badfinger song, the classic 'No Matter What'.

(Also take a listen to Def Leppard's cover of the song - it's rather good!)