A sound reaction
MANIC Street Preachers’ James Dean Bradfield and The Alarm’s Mike Peters are the latest names to be added to the bill for the Valley Aid floods fundraiser at The Pop Factory in Porth.
Last week it was announced a number of Wales’ leading musicians are to appear at fundraising concerts for those affected by the floods in Pontypridd and across the valleys.
The gigs at the Pop Factory will be spread over two nights.
The first on Friday, March 13, in partnership with Menter Iaith Rhondda Cynon Taf, will feature leading Welsh-language artists raising funds for the much-loved Clwb y Bont in Pontypridd town centre, which has been extensively damaged by the floods.
On Saturday, March 14, a concert titled Valley Aid will feature some of the leading lights of the Welsh music industry internationally, with a rock auction in between acts. All monies raised will support communities affected in RCT.
The first name announced was Grammy award-winning songwriter Amy Wadge, co-writer of some of Ed Sheeran’s biggest hits, who lives in the Pontypridd area.
The Manics’ frontman and The Alarm legend are is the latest addition to the line-up. The singer will open the night with three songs and then will auction the guitar he has played after his set.
News of James’ appearance at Valley Aid comes after his band made a generous donation of £3,000 to an online crowdfunder set up to support those affected by the floods.
Motorhead guitarist Phil Campbell, who has lived in the Pontypridd area his whole life, has also pledged support to the Pop Factory show. Although unable to appear on the evening, as he and his band are away on tour, the legendary rock musician has donated a signed guitar which will be auctioned on the evening.
The full line-up and ticket details for both concerts will be announced on March 1.
The concerts are being put together by Emyr Afan, CEO of media and events company Avanti.
Emyr said: “The valleys have played such a big part in Avanti’s history, from the pioneering days of music television at The Pop Factory in Porth to Tom Jones in Ponty Park and the Full Ponty.
“As one of the leading TV broadcast event companies in the country, we enjoy excellent working relationships with Wales’ biggest bands and leading artists, and we just wanted to put our minds and resources into doing what we do best and hopefully make a difference.
“We’ve had nothing but support from everyone we’ve spoken to so far. The last Valley Aid was held in Porth in 1986 – it’s time we did it again.”
The music community in Wales has come together with fundraising shows across South Wales at Jac’s in Aberdare, Globetrotters Bar in Pontypridd, The Moon in Cardiff, Le Pub In Newport and The Bunkhouse in Swansea.
Meanwhile, Green Man Festival has pledged £10,000 to support those affected by the floods.