NME editor likes the Bard of Ely’s style
51NME's editor sees the Bard of Ely in action
Yes, it's true, Ben Knowles was surprised and impressed with my ad-lib performance that once took place in a well-known rock venue in Womanby Street in Cardiff. It was towards the close of an afternoon seminar in 2001 for R1 “Live” that was held at the legendary Welsh Club (Clwb Ifor Bach to the uninitiated), when I successfully demonstrated that guitars and amps were not what I needed to make some music for the people. I created my own free music for the people in my own individual way, and music that the people could respond to!
Bard of Ely outside the Welsh Club
Real Love and Communication
I was actually there waiting for the late great John Peel to be there as he was announced as being part of the event. I thought it would be a great opportunity to meet him and to pass on a CD of my music.
I found out that John Peel was going to be at the Welsh Club later on in the evening but I thought I would stick around anyway and wait until then. The bar was open and that was encouragement enough for me.
Roving mic time arrived to conclude a session of talk between celebrity speakers up on the stage. I signalled that I had something I wanted to say into the roving mic and then declared that at a music event, music should be heard and played and that hours had been spent without any. All that had taken place was just a bunch of people sat up on the stage gassing away, mainly about money and how to get on in the music business.
Ben Knowles was part of that celebrity panel up on the stage that also included Conal Dodds from Metropolis Music and a member of Coldplay. Ben was obviously impressed with what I had to say and invited me to join them and gave me the lead microphone.
Grabbing the mic I let loose with a truly kick-arse acapella rendition of my song Real Love and Communication. The crowd all loved it and joined in on the chorus: "We all need a real love and communication, yes, we do!"
I had made my point. This was true communication and the spirit of rock 'n' roll and the very essence of “live” music in motion. This was music when there was no music at a musical event!
Real Love and Communication link
Womanby Street, Cardiff
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Thank you, Lorlie!
Bard, TOO Much indeed, what a great voice...LOVE IT! Thanks for sharing. Peace:)
Thank you, Katie!
Well done hub and very interesting! Cool topic, Ely!
Well done Bard with the NME - great voice.
Thank you, Ann and Billyaustindillon!
Bard ... how kewl are you?! I love the Clwb Ifor Bach - its the kind of place where you can turn up in jeans and rock out in its blackness. I saw 'A Place To Bury Strangers' there (the loudest band in NYC!) and dens like this, are great to get up close and personal! And for you to have played there and with NME in tow... impressive! Thanks for publishing :)
Thank you, Shaz! Actually although I have played there on many occasions on this particular day I simply sang!
wish i was there, thx for adding the soundtrack......be well
Thank you again!
lorlie6 Level 3 Commenter 2 years ago
WOW! What a treat to listen to your music and read your bio. You had me bopping away at 8am here in California to "Kingfisher!"
This hub is bookmarked and will not be forgotten.
Thanks, Steve, and I'm still waiting for my ticket! :)