TRIBUTES TO INFLUENTIAL WELSH SINGER
‘GIGANTIC FIGURE’ DIES:
THE singer of one of Wales’s most influential bands has died.
David R Edwards from post-punk outfit Datblygu passed away at his Carmarthen home over the weekend of June 19 and 20, aged 56.
Formed in Cardigan in the early ‘80s, the band, who have been credited with influencing a whole host of modern homegrown acts such as Super Furry Animals, blazed a trail on the UK music scene during the Thatcher era.
Championed by the likes of Radio One DJ John Peel, they were one of the first Welsh- language bands to enjoy crossover success outside of their homeland.
Tributes to Edwards have been appearing on social media from the likes of Tim Burgess from The Charlatans and SFA’S Gruff Rhys, who called Edwards “a gigantic figure.” Rhys Mwyn from Datblygu contemporaries Yr Anhrefn also called him “a visionary who composed masterpieces”.
In a post on Twitter, David’s friend and bandmate Patricia Morgan said: “It’s a huge pain for me to think that David is no longer with us.
“He was one of best friends you could ever have. A huge and generous personality; a bear of man. His writing touched people, to give succour, love, anger and humour.”
Matt Davies, who runs Carmarthen independent record store Tangled Parrot in King Street, said: “I am devastated to hear of the passing of dear friend David R Edwards of Datblygu.
“He was a true supporter of the shop in words and deeds. “David was the main reason I decided to learn Welsh – to be able to more fully appreciate the poet behind the words.
“He was the biggest influence on the modern Welsh music scene, it’s as simple as that. His legacy is secured, it’s the man I’ll miss. “Carmarthen had become his home and he really liked it here.” Matt had also, through his own record label, put out David’s first English-language single. Simon Tucker, who also worked at the record shop and was a friend of David’s, said: “His work was soaked in raw honesty and surrounded by wit and intelligence. He was warm, kind and compassionate and he will be sorely missed.”
He was one of best friends you could ever have. A huge and generous personality; a bear of man
Patricia Morgan