Crys are a Welsh heavy rock/metal band from Resolven, South Wales. The band was formed in 1976 by brothers Liam Forde(Vocals, Rhythm guitar)Scott Forde (Bass guitar)and Alun Morgan (Lead Guitar) while attending boarding school in Hereford, England. They were originally named 'Salic Law' and performed at numerous pubs and clubs in the South Wales area.
Early days
Crys were offered a deal to record a single if they agreed to put Welsh lyrics to their existing songs (which had previously been performed in English). The band complied and the resulting single "Cadw Symud / Lan yn y Gogledd" was released in 1980 on Click Records. The single featured Verden Allen (Mott the Hoople) on keyboards and was recorded at Pete King's studio in Swansea. The line-up by this time was completed by Nicky Samuel (Drums) who had taken over from Mike Condon. The name 'Crys' is a Welsh word that translates into 'Shirt' in English!
Success
The band's profile continued to rise through appearances on Welsh radio and television shows, which ultimately led to a recording contract with Sain Records. Their debut album Rhyfelwr was released in 1981 and their second Tymor yr Heliwr was released in 1982. Both albums gained airplay on Radio Cymru and BBC Radio Wales and they also became the first Welsh language band invited to perform a session on the BBC Radio One Friday Rock Show hosted by the late Tommy Vance. They performed a total of four songs, two in Welsh and two in English, for the session. Both albums won the 'Best album of the Year' award at the annual 'Sgrech' awards show - a Welsh language music industry event. The band continued to perform live throughout Wales and even made a promotional video for the "Merched Gwyllt a Gwin" track from their second album.
Later years
The group disbanded for an extended period of time before recording a third album Roc Cafe in 1995. Original lead guitarist Alun Morgan had emigrated to Canada by this time and was replaced by Mark Thomas. The album was released on Compact Disc by Fflach Records and included a free sticker.
The band have made numerous live and television appearances over the last few years featuring Bridgend sessionist Grant Roberts on lead guitar, including a brief reunion of the original line up when Alun Morgan visited Wales, culminating in a televised performance at Bryn Terfels Faenol Festival.
A best of compilation titled Sgrech was released by Sain Records in 2006 and was the first time the majority of the band's early material was made available on Compact disc and electronic download.
Band Members
Current
Liam Forde (Vocals, Rhythm guitar)
Scott Forde (Bass guitar)
Grant Roberts (Lead guitar)
Nicky Samuel (Drums)
Former
Alun Morgan (Lead guitar)
Mark Thomas (Lead guitar)
Mike Condon (Drums)
Discography
"Cadw Symud / Lan yn y Gogledd" - 1980 Click Records (7" single)
Rhyfelwr - 1981 Sain Records (LP & Cassette)
Tymor yr Heliwr - 1982 Sain Records (LP & Cassette)
Roc Cafe - 1995 Fflach Records (CD)
Sgrech - 2006 Sain Records (CD & iTunes)
Newydd cael sgwrs gyda Nik, eisiau wneud gigs, dwy wedi danfon ebost iddo am likely venues yn Ceredigion/Sir Meirionydd a Sir Caernarfon. Just had a phone conversation with Nik,doing gigs, I have emailed him with contact details for likely venues in Ceredigion, Meirionethshire and Caaernarvonshire.
Pob lwc, eisiau eich gweld yn fwy eto/Good luck, want to see live again.
Yr eiddoch yn gywir/Yours ROCKingly Dan "bach" Griffiths
Hi, I'm sorry for the impersonal nature of this mass comment, we do love you really but typing fingers get tired you know!
Anyway, our new demo is now up on our page! 3 brand new(ish) songs for you to listen to, please let us know if you like them, then come to one of our wonderful live shows and you may even get a free moustache.*
*free moustaches are limited and dependent on us having time to cut them out, where's Henry Ford when yopu need him?
Diolch am gig wych no fawrth! mwynhau! sori ari ni ddim aros tan yr diwedd oedd pawb wedi blino!! Ari ni ddim cyraedd adre tan tua 3!!
Methu aros i pryn albwm chi!! Swnio yn wych!!
Alrighty there my new Welsh amigos? I'm down your way for the Green Man festival in August. I'm severely hoping that the national stereotype, with regards to your lot being knee deep in strange mushrooms at that time of the year, is very true indeed.
Online Now!
