Datblygu frontman David R. Edwards has died, aged 56
David R. Edwards, frontman of influential Welsh post-punk outfit Datblygu has died, aged 56.
The singer handed away at his residence in Carmarthen over the weekend, following a battle with well being points that included epilepsy and diabetes. His loss of life was confirmed by his longtime bandmate and good friend Patricia Morgan, who shared the information on Twitter.
“David is now not with us. He was the most effective mates you possibly can ever have. An enormous, beneficiant character, a bear of a person; his legacy will dwell on.”
David is now not with us. He was the most effective mates you possibly can ever have. An enormous, beneficiant character, a bear of a person; his legacy will dwell on.
— patricia morgan (@patblygu) June 22, 2021
Edwards shaped Datblygu with T. Wyn Davies in 1982, whereas the pair have been in secondary college. Morgan joined two years later in 1984. The pioneering group, which noticed Edwards singing primarily in Welsh, launched debut album ‘Wyau’ in 1988. Its follow-up, ‘Pyst’, arrived two years later together with Davies’ exit from the band. ‘Libertino’, additionally thought-about one of many band’s seminal works, was launched in 1994.
Edwards and Morgan continued the group in numerous codecs earlier than disbanding in 1995. They returned in 2008 for a one-off single, ‘Can y Mynach Trendy’, correctly reforming in 2014 with the album ‘Erbyn Hyn’. The band’s ultimate file, ‘Cwm Gwagle’, was launched final 12 months.
Edwards, who has additionally a poet, has been remembered for his colossal impression on Welsh music. From their genesis, Datblygu stood fiercely in opposition to the standard institution.
When selling ‘Cwm Gwagle’ final 12 months, Edwards remarked: “Datblygu have just one factor in widespread with different Welsh bands and that’s their shared use of the language, nothing else.”
Amongst these to pay tribute to Edwards have been Welsh rockers Tremendous Furry Animals‘ frontman Gruff Rhys, who advised Welsh information outlet Nation.Cymru Edwards was a “gigantic determine”.
“His contribution to the Welsh language can’t be overestimated and his work with Datblygu serves as a focus for its vibrant counter-culture,” he added. “I’ve little doubt his affect will develop and his songs will proceed to function ethical compasses and as sources of sunshine to information us via the darkness down the ages.”
Wichita Recordings co-founder Mark Bowen advised Nation.Cymru it was troublesome to precisely clarify the impression of listening to Datblygu for the primary time on the John Peel present within the mid-’80s.
“To listen to Peel play a file in Welsh that stood head and shoulders above anything he performed that evening was a shocking second for a teen who had by no means felt ‘cool’ for his nationality earlier than.”
On Twitter, The Charlatans‘ Tim Burgess mentioned {that a} particular version of his Twitter Listening Occasion sequence can be held in Edwards’ reminiscence. The band’s compilation ‘1985 – 1995’ would be the featured album on July 2.
See extra tributes to Edwards beneath.
Unhappy to listen to of the passing of David R. Edwards
In his reminiscence 1985 – 1995 by Datblygu will probably be our featured album at The @LlSTENlNG_PARTY on Friday July 2nd at 7pm (??????? time)
No company, no tweets from us however an opportunity to share ideas and reminiscences pic.twitter.com/bKspHTJyVY
— Tim Burgess (@Tim_Burgess) June 22, 2021
Nos da Dave x ? pic.twitter.com/rjG044kqoJ
— ankst (@ankstmusik) June 22, 2021
David R Edwards of Datblygu was one of many best musicians/poets on the earth. I’m so so unhappy to listen to he’s now not with us. Genius is an overused phrase. However he was a real genius. His lyrics and supply are pretty much as good because it will get. ?
— david wrench (@davidwrench) June 22, 2021
Very unhappy to listen to about David R Edwards of Datblygu, deserves to be remembered as an essential, massively influential determine in Welsh music. The form of artist one returns to occasionally and uncovers extra brilliance. pic.twitter.com/di64M0n4Q2
— Chris Thorpe-Tracey ⧖ (@christt) June 22, 2021
Coronary heart aching for all experiencing grief, disappointment & shock at David R. Edwards passing.
His affect and the inspiration he gave has formed Welsh music as we cherish & adore it in the present day and he’ll dwell on via this. Legendary doesn’t come shut. Condolences to all that cherished him. pic.twitter.com/1d3z3R0wRD— SPILLERS RECORDS (@spillersrecords) June 22, 2021