As I drove past the Swansea Leisure Centre on a bright July morning I found myself looking at the people in their cars as they passed me. I wasn’t driving very fast, they obviously had places to go. Maybe they were late for work or rushing to get their kids to school. I’m pretty sure none of them noticed the old guy tootling along in the inside lane with a few small tears, slowly rolling down his cheeks.
The Swansea Festival Returns on 29th Oct with a Platinum Jubilee Concert featuring a newly commissioned work by Sir Karl Jenkins, Catrin Finch, Steffan Lloyd Owen, The Swansea Philharmonic, The British Sinfonietta and hosted by Huw Edwards.
On that Sunday in 2008 I still remember Elton saying he hoped I’d enjoy the concert. I can still see the look on his face when I explained the reason why I wouldn’t be able to stay. I still find it hard to express my feelings as the opening chords to ‘Funeral for a friend’ rang up and over the stadium roof as I walked to my car….
In a world of Wedges …be a Bridge. It seems that today many want to divide us rather than bring us together. He who would be a leader, let him be a bridge.
‘I’ve got to the stage in life where I want my songs to say something, to do my bit to help change the world and make it a better place for my own kids…and everyone else’s too while I’m at it. That’s why I’ve written THE BORDER x
Yesterday I had the privilege to sing at the inauguration of Mike Day, the new Lord Mayor of Swansea. At the heart of Mike’s Inauguration was the message ‘Rise Up and Serve’. I just hope that its more than just a song I helped write, I hope it proves to be a call to action for me…and you!
As people around the world prepare for International Dylan Thomas Day maybe we in his home town are missing a trick. We should realise what an asset Dylan should be to our city His name and work really does help reach out to the world encouraging tourism and interest in our Ugly Lovely Town… and who knows, somewhere along the line, we might fall in love with the words as well.
It’s not actually as good as getting to play for the Swans, but its a pretty second best being part of the Swansea City team.
If you are going to be a success you really need a good name, in more senses than one. I’ve always struggled a bit with Maldwyn and I’m not sure Mal is any better..but Tyreman Sam really has a flying start!
I’m often asked when writing songs which comes first, the music or the lyrics. Sometimes it’s neither…sometimes it’s the phone call.
This is the story of the commission to write a song fit for a Queen.
