Gadael yr 20fed Ganrif

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0:00:00 > 0:00:02- Subtitles- - Subtitles

0:00:03 > 0:00:05- BANGING

0:00:14 > 0:00:16- My name is Gareth David Potter.

0:00:16 > 0:00:19- I'm 49 years old and I'm obsessed.

0:00:20 > 0:00:21- # Some day, some day #

0:00:22 > 0:00:23- With pop music.

0:00:24 > 0:00:27- The stuff that excites you - as a 12-year-old...

0:00:27 > 0:00:31- ..and stays with you - in your teens and college years.

0:00:31 > 0:00:36- Cheap yet powerful, it makes your - heart race and your head explode.

0:00:37 > 0:00:41- It makes you stand up - and scream, laugh or even cry.

0:00:45 > 0:00:50- It's the stuff that you should avoid - at all costs...

0:00:50 > 0:00:53- ..if you're over 25 years old.

0:00:58 > 0:01:03- I've spent my life creating music - by playing in bands and as a DJ.

0:01:03 > 0:01:08- This is the story of the scene - that changed my life forever.

0:01:09 > 0:01:12- The story - of the underground generation.

0:01:12 > 0:01:16- The generation - that had nothing to lose.

0:01:16 > 0:01:19- They did things - because it was pointless not to.

0:01:20 > 0:01:23- The generation - that changed Wales forever.

0:01:23 > 0:01:27- # Talk about #

0:01:28 > 0:01:31- We always joked in the van - about saving the language.

0:01:34 > 0:01:37- It was the start of something new.

0:01:37 > 0:01:40- # Talk about #

0:01:41 > 0:01:43- Disco beats - with a punk rock attitude.

0:01:44 > 0:01:48- I screamed and jumped up and down - on the bed.

0:01:48 > 0:01:51- Waargh!

0:02:03 > 0:02:07- In 1979, - I was a 14-year-old punk rocker...

0:02:07 > 0:02:13- ..growing up in the eternal gloom - of the valleys of South-East Wales.

0:02:13 > 0:02:17- Sid Vicious is dead. - Maggie Thatcher is Prime Minister.

0:02:17 > 0:02:22- The government breaks its promise - to set up a Welsh TV channel.

0:02:22 > 0:02:25- National confidence - is at an all-time low.

0:02:25 > 0:02:30- Voters rejected devolution - in a referendum on St David's Day.

0:02:30 > 0:02:36- The future, my future, looks bleak.

0:02:36 > 0:02:39- In terms of politics, - you had Thatcherism.

0:02:40 > 0:02:42- It's my personal view...

0:02:42 > 0:02:46- ..that it cast a black cloud - over our country.

0:02:47 > 0:02:50- We were just like - a lot of other people...

0:02:50 > 0:02:54- ..and fought back against - the selfishness of the Thatcher age.

0:02:54 > 0:02:57- Everyone was in it for themselves.

0:02:57 > 0:02:59- That's not a community.

0:03:00 > 0:03:03- If you'd asked us about Plaid Cymru - in 1979...

0:03:03 > 0:03:08- ..we'd say that we were anarchists - with no interest in Plaid Cymru!

0:03:09 > 0:03:11- Of course I understand...

0:03:11 > 0:03:17- ..that devolution is better - than everything centred in London.

0:03:17 > 0:03:19- I'm sure we understood that - at the time.

0:03:20 > 0:03:22- But that wasn't on our radar.

0:03:22 > 0:03:25- We wanted to create something new - in Welsh and in Wales.

0:03:26 > 0:03:28- Devolution was irrelevant.

0:03:30 > 0:03:34- Since the 1960s, Welsh pop - has been a political animal.

0:03:34 > 0:03:37- The sound epitomized the protests...

0:03:37 > 0:03:40- ..from Trefechan Bridge - to the Investiture.

0:03:40 > 0:03:44- Despite its radical, - revolutionary objectives...

0:03:44 > 0:03:50- ..it sounded middle-of-the-road - and light ent to my young ears.

0:03:50 > 0:03:53- # Rock 'n roll #

0:03:53 > 0:03:55- I liked Edward H.

0:03:55 > 0:03:57- I was a really big fan.

0:03:57 > 0:04:01- It's hard not to be - when you are five, six or seven.

0:04:01 > 0:04:03- It was really catchy.

0:04:04 > 0:04:07- Later, I realized how much of it - they had ripped off.

0:04:07 > 0:04:10- Not just rip-offs - but pure plagiarism.

0:04:11 > 0:04:14- I probably liked them - as I'd heard them before!

0:04:14 > 0:04:18- We weren't getting the music - we wanted to hear at gigs.

0:04:18 > 0:04:20- It sounded old-fashioned...

0:04:21 > 0:04:26- ..but we ourselves were dated - compared to the scene in England.

0:04:26 > 0:04:28- # Yeah, into the caff I go

0:04:28 > 0:04:31- # Sausage, beans and chips! #

0:04:32 > 0:04:35- If you want something - more interesting...

0:04:36 > 0:04:38- ..do it yourself or just shut up!

0:04:39 > 0:04:43- Llygod Ffyrnig and Trwynau Coch's - punk records were my salvation.

0:04:44 > 0:04:47- But the song that got everyone - dancing at discos...

0:04:47 > 0:04:52- ..was from the new album - by Geraint Jarman a'r Cynganeddwyr.

0:04:52 > 0:04:55- # And they dance to the harp

0:04:57 > 0:04:58- # Hotel Wales

0:04:59 > 0:05:01- # Nobody pays

0:05:02 > 0:05:04- # But everyone's buying #

0:05:05 > 0:05:09- The aim of Welsh pop music...

0:05:09 > 0:05:14- ..in my view and of many others, - is to normalize life.

0:05:14 > 0:05:17- To do something in Welsh - that is normal.

0:05:17 > 0:05:21- It means that people - can go out in the evening...

0:05:21 > 0:05:24- ..and enjoy something of quality.

0:05:24 > 0:05:29- It grows and grows - and people start talking about it.

0:05:30 > 0:05:36- Jarman is the godfather of the Welsh - scene that will grow in the 1980s...

0:05:36 > 0:05:40- ..and flourish - before the end of the century.

0:05:40 > 0:05:42- Sex, politics and attitude...

0:05:43 > 0:05:47- ..wrapped in a perfect parcel - of post-punk paranoia.

0:05:47 > 0:05:49- I'm hooked!

0:05:53 > 0:05:58- I was singing with friends - when we heard that Geraint Jarman...

0:05:58 > 0:06:03- ..would judge a competition - for young Welsh bands on BBC Cymru.

0:06:04 > 0:06:05- Jarman!

0:06:05 > 0:06:09- That's like Joe Strummer or John - Lennon judging on The X Factor!

0:06:09 > 0:06:13- "Practice posing in the mirror," - said our drummer.

0:06:13 > 0:06:16- "We'll jam in the Mormon church - on Friday!"

0:06:18 > 0:06:21- # She sleeps when the radio stops

0:06:27 > 0:06:30- # Mam has locked herself - in the house

0:06:30 > 0:06:33- # She has to sit in the corner - all day

0:06:33 > 0:06:36- # But her mind has flown #

0:06:36 > 0:06:42- We definitely didn't form - Clustiau Cwn to change the world...

0:06:42 > 0:06:45- ..but I'm sure - the 14-year-old Gareth...

0:06:46 > 0:06:49- ..realized that things - weren't right in Wales.

0:06:49 > 0:06:52- I was young, cocky - and saw an opportunity.

0:06:53 > 0:06:57- Somehow, our attitude - won us the competition.

0:06:58 > 0:07:00- I was going to be a rock star!

0:07:01 > 0:07:04- # He gazes at the corner - but Mam doesn't notice

0:07:04 > 0:07:06- # She says that her mind is rotten

0:07:06 > 0:07:09- # She lives in the radio, - thinks in the radio

0:07:10 > 0:07:12- # Laughs in the radio, - cries in the radio #

0:07:13 > 0:07:17- By the start of 1980, - we'd recorded a single with Sain.

0:07:18 > 0:07:22- At the same time, - bands I hadn't heard of yet...

0:07:22 > 0:07:28- ..were forming and writing fanzines - full of ideas and audacity.

0:07:28 > 0:07:31- These magazines - promoted the young and new...

0:07:31 > 0:07:36- ..and stuck two fingers up - at the old and boring.

0:07:36 > 0:07:38- I hated them so much.

0:07:38 > 0:07:41- You had to poke fun at them.

0:07:41 > 0:07:44- So we started writing fanzines.

0:07:45 > 0:07:49- I hated the way - they sang with an American accent.

0:07:49 > 0:07:52- They were trying to be - big pop stars...

0:07:53 > 0:07:55- ..instead of being natural.

0:07:55 > 0:07:58- # Rosaline, wearing tight trousers #

0:07:59 > 0:08:03- It was how we got rid - of our deep-rooted rage.

0:08:04 > 0:08:05- We had to do something!

0:08:06 > 0:08:07- # Angela, reading news #

0:08:08 > 0:08:11- Nothing much appealed - on the Radio Cymru playlist...

0:08:12 > 0:08:16- ..but one late-night programme - on Radio 1 always hit the spot.

0:08:17 > 0:08:19- # Angela, with your oriental eyes #

0:08:20 > 0:08:24- I was at home in Llanfair Caereinion - and heard John Peel.

0:08:24 > 0:08:28- "Here's a band from Wales - called The Trwyni Cock with Angela."

0:08:29 > 0:08:35- If a band could do this in Welsh, - I thought anything was possible.

0:08:35 > 0:08:40- When punk was born, - we knew that we needed it in Welsh.

0:08:40 > 0:08:44- We started our journey - of writing fanzines.

0:08:44 > 0:08:46- It happened through John Peel.

0:08:48 > 0:08:49- # Aargh!

0:08:50 > 0:08:51- # Wa! Wa! #

0:08:51 > 0:08:53- Every day was boring.

0:08:53 > 0:08:59- You went to school and did - what the teachers asked you to do...

0:08:59 > 0:09:02- ..and you just felt bored.

0:09:03 > 0:09:07- I wanted to do something - that would change things.

0:09:08 > 0:09:14- Clustiau Cwn still gig around Wales - every chance we get.

0:09:14 > 0:09:19- In the autumn, we were asked to play - at the inter-university dance...

0:09:19 > 0:09:21- ..one of the biggest gigs - in Welsh rock.

0:09:22 > 0:09:25- We were supporting - Geraint Jarman a'r Cynganeddwyr...

0:09:26 > 0:09:28- ..in Aberystwyth's Great Hall.

0:09:34 > 0:09:38- While the rest of the band - go to look for girls...

0:09:38 > 0:09:41- ..I make myself at home backstage...

0:09:41 > 0:09:46- ..and make friends with Neil White - and Tich Gwilym from Y Cynganeddwyr.

0:09:46 > 0:09:52- There's also an archaeology student - from Cardiff University called Rhys.

0:09:53 > 0:09:55- You can have the leaflets for free!

0:09:55 > 0:09:58- Punk changes you politically.

0:09:58 > 0:10:02- In the very late 1970s - and early 1980s...

0:10:02 > 0:10:06- ..a scene develops - across Britain and Europe.

0:10:06 > 0:10:10- People were releasing stuff - on cassettes.

0:10:11 > 0:10:14- We shared music on cassette - and info in our Xerox fanzines.

0:10:15 > 0:10:19- We don't need Radio Cymru, - old farts and farmers!

0:10:21 > 0:10:27- Cassettes were very democratic - at that time.

0:10:27 > 0:10:29- You only needed a tape recorder...

0:10:30 > 0:10:33- ..to tape you and your friends - messing about with songs.

0:10:35 > 0:10:39- It was a means for us - to get our stuff out there.

0:10:40 > 0:10:42- Rhys interviews me for his fanzine.

0:10:43 > 0:10:47- He views the Welsh scene - as something introverted and poor.

0:10:47 > 0:10:50- Things need to be shaken up - and changed.

0:10:50 > 0:10:54- His brother, Sion Sebon, - has started a punk band.

0:10:54 > 0:10:57- He gives me a cassette.

0:11:00 > 0:11:01- Bingo!

0:11:02 > 0:11:06- Sion Sebon and I - went to meet Dave in Cardigan.

0:11:06 > 0:11:09- We met on the bandstand in Cardigan.

0:11:09 > 0:11:13- And it was during that afternoon...

0:11:13 > 0:11:18- ..that we realized that we could - work together and create a scene.

0:11:18 > 0:11:23- We knew that everything else was - rubbish and needed to be changed.

0:11:23 > 0:11:27- It was like the Magnificent Seven - and Dave was the first.

0:11:28 > 0:11:32- A network gradually grew - away from the media spotlight.

0:11:33 > 0:11:37- It was populated by provocative - characters such as Rhys Mwyn.

0:11:37 > 0:11:41- The cassette was my passport - out of boredom...

0:11:42 > 0:11:44- ..and into the future.

0:11:45 > 0:11:49- # The battles of space - are coming closer #

0:11:49 > 0:11:52- Clustiau Cwn - can be a part of this...

0:11:52 > 0:11:55- ..leading - the underground revolution.

0:11:56 > 0:11:59- # The creatures of Nova 6

0:12:00 > 0:12:02- # Are trying to steal - the quiet streets #

0:12:07 > 0:12:11- But after a few months and bloody - typical of my rock 'n roll career...

0:12:11 > 0:12:14- ..Clustiau Cwn had disbanded.

0:12:17 > 0:12:17- .

0:12:21 > 0:12:21- Subtitles

0:12:21 > 0:12:23- Subtitles- - Subtitles

0:12:26 > 0:12:30- As I was mourning the end - of my band, Clustiau Cwn...

0:12:31 > 0:12:36- ..Rhys Mwyn invites me to a gig - that I can't afford to miss.

0:12:41 > 0:12:45- Full of enthusiasm, I form - a brand-new experimental band...

0:12:45 > 0:12:47- ..called Y Pry Bach Tew.

0:12:48 > 0:12:52- Unfortunately, or fortunately, - as some would have it...

0:12:53 > 0:12:56- ..all our tapes have been lost - in the depths of time.

0:12:58 > 0:13:03- Gwyl Tanddaearol Cymru - in Llanfair Caereinion.

0:13:06 > 0:13:10- The underground festival of Wales, - held here in 1981.

0:13:11 > 0:13:14- This revolution wasn't televised...

0:13:14 > 0:13:19- ..but this shambolic event was away - from the prying eyes of the media...

0:13:20 > 0:13:25- ..and was the most important gig - of the year for Welsh culture.

0:13:31 > 0:13:34- # The one in the kitchen - is dancing all day

0:13:34 > 0:13:37- # The other has let him watch her #

0:13:38 > 0:13:44- Ail Symudiad, Yr Anhrefn - and Chwarter I Un were also playing.

0:13:44 > 0:13:50- We were unbearably bad, of course, - but there was a feeling in the air.

0:13:50 > 0:13:56- A creative crowd who didn't want - grants or sponsorship from councils.

0:13:56 > 0:14:00- The ethic was DIY. Just do it!

0:14:00 > 0:14:04- If it failed, - fail again but fail better!

0:14:05 > 0:14:09- You've got to do something - when you have enthusiasm.

0:14:09 > 0:14:14- If you don't have the money for - the right producer and engineer...

0:14:14 > 0:14:16- ..then you won't do it.

0:14:16 > 0:14:18- It's the only way to do it...

0:14:18 > 0:14:21- ..if you want it - but don't have the money.

0:14:21 > 0:14:23- Yes, you just do it.

0:14:23 > 0:14:28- We were just an acoustic guitar, - snare drum and a keyboard.

0:14:28 > 0:14:31- We felt that it was - a much better sound...

0:14:32 > 0:14:36- ..than anything that other people - were creating at the time.

0:14:37 > 0:14:42- # Wasting your time again #

0:14:42 > 0:14:44- You have to create events.

0:14:44 > 0:14:47- Yes, it was an underground thing...

0:14:47 > 0:14:51- ..but we also wanted - to give bands a platform.

0:14:52 > 0:14:54- I'm almost contradicting myself.

0:14:55 > 0:15:00- We shunned the Welsh scene - and yet we wanted to change it.

0:15:05 > 0:15:08- Every day, I sat with Mark Lugg - on the school bus.

0:15:09 > 0:15:11- We were the only ones - who spoke Welsh...

0:15:12 > 0:15:15- ..and we chatted - about John Peel's programme.

0:15:15 > 0:15:17- It was a natural step - to form a band.

0:15:18 > 0:15:22- Traddodiad Ofnus aimed to push - Welsh rock to the extremes.

0:15:22 > 0:15:25- # Give us the chance - to rock the world

0:15:26 > 0:15:28- # And it might become faith #

0:15:28 > 0:15:34- Our aim was to smash the old system - and replace it with something noisy.

0:15:34 > 0:15:38- We were totally fed up - with the crap Welsh music...

0:15:38 > 0:15:42- ..that had been hanging around - since the 1970s.

0:15:43 > 0:15:45- # I don't want to explode #

0:15:45 > 0:15:47- RHYTHMIC TAPPING

0:15:48 > 0:15:52- After a guerrilla raid on the rock - sessions at Lampeter Eisteddfod...

0:15:53 > 0:15:56- ..where we meet - Datblygu and Y Cyrff...

0:15:56 > 0:16:02- ..we decide to enter the studio to - record our raucous fun on cassette.

0:16:02 > 0:16:04- Free instruments.

0:16:04 > 0:16:07- That was the best thing - about Traddodiad Ofnus.

0:16:08 > 0:16:11- We didn't have any money - for instruments...

0:16:11 > 0:16:15- ..so we thought about places - where everything was cheap.

0:16:15 > 0:16:17- Scrapyards! - Let's go to scrapyards!

0:16:18 > 0:16:21- You get loads in scrapyards - for bugger all of money...

0:16:21 > 0:16:24- ..and they make an amazing sound.

0:16:24 > 0:16:27- My mind is set on revolution.

0:16:27 > 0:16:32- Traddodiad Ofnus - is going to save our culture.

0:16:33 > 0:16:37- I meet Rhys in London to give him - a cassette of our new music.

0:16:37 > 0:16:40- He produces a vinyl album - from his bag.

0:16:40 > 0:16:42- He'd started a record label.

0:16:42 > 0:16:44- Are the days - of the cassette numbered?

0:16:48 > 0:16:53- Cam O'r Tywyllwch is the - most important album of the 1980s.

0:16:54 > 0:16:56- These bands mattered.

0:16:56 > 0:17:00- Y Cyrff, Datblygu, - Tynnal Tywyll and Elfyn Presli...

0:17:01 > 0:17:02- ..were all in one place.

0:17:03 > 0:17:05- The cassettes had done their job.

0:17:06 > 0:17:10- It was time for the underground - scene to stop hiding...

0:17:10 > 0:17:13- ..and stand up - to challenge the Welsh status quo.

0:17:14 > 0:17:17- # Forget time

0:17:18 > 0:17:20- # The feeling that makes you think #

0:17:21 > 0:17:25- At the end of 1984, we were going - to make a single with Yr Anhrefn.

0:17:25 > 0:17:31- But Tynnal Tywyll, Y Cyrff, Elfyn - Presli and Machlud had all formed...

0:17:31 > 0:17:36- ..so our idea of making - a single with Yr Anhrefn...

0:17:36 > 0:17:39- ..turned into a 12-inch LP!

0:17:39 > 0:17:44- It's interesting that when - we were making Cam O'r Tywyllwch...

0:17:44 > 0:17:48- ..I think everyone knew - what we were trying to do.

0:17:48 > 0:17:50- It was a good time in the studio.

0:17:50 > 0:17:55- I remember when we got - those 12-inch vinyls back...

0:17:56 > 0:17:58- ..and put the needle in the groove.

0:17:58 > 0:18:00- I felt like The Beatles...

0:18:00 > 0:18:05- ..The Fall or The Rolling Stones, - Joy Division or New Order.

0:18:05 > 0:18:07- We were up there with them.

0:18:07 > 0:18:13- It's the greatest feeling to have - your own music on a piece of vinyl.

0:18:13 > 0:18:15- It doesn't happen any more.

0:18:15 > 0:18:17- When I got it home...

0:18:17 > 0:18:22- ..I think I just stared at it - for hours.

0:18:23 > 0:18:29- # It's a tradition like us - that lies in the future #

0:18:29 > 0:18:31- Shortly after Cam O'r Tywyllwch...

0:18:31 > 0:18:35- ..Anhrefn Records - released their second compilation.

0:18:36 > 0:18:40- Traddodiad Ofnus had tracks - on Gadael Yr Ugeinfed Ganrif.

0:18:42 > 0:18:48- We shared a record sleeve - with so many superb people.

0:18:48 > 0:18:52- It made us feel - that we did exist within the scene.

0:18:54 > 0:18:58- If you look at the two compilations - by Anhrefn Records....

0:18:59 > 0:19:04- ..there are big differences - between the music of Y Cyrff...

0:19:04 > 0:19:06- ..Igam Ogam and Datblygu.

0:19:06 > 0:19:09- The attitude was important.

0:19:15 > 0:19:21- # Oh, no, - think about the important things #

0:19:21 > 0:19:25- I was listening to John Peel...

0:19:25 > 0:19:28- ..and he said, "It's Datblygu!"

0:19:28 > 0:19:34- I screamed, jumped up and down - on the bed and woke the family.

0:19:36 > 0:19:41- Fans of new, contemporary music - listened to John Peel's show.

0:19:42 > 0:19:45- Now, he had given - his seal of approval to Welsh music.

0:19:46 > 0:19:52- He often played tracks because they - were being ignored by Radio Cymru.

0:19:53 > 0:19:58- Somebody sent me the compilation LPs - of Welsh-language bands...

0:19:58 > 0:20:02- ..which were very rough and ready - and primitive.

0:20:02 > 0:20:06- I liked the kind of atmosphere - and they weren't all terrific.

0:20:06 > 0:20:10- If I had to hum one of the tunes, - I'd be in real trouble.

0:20:10 > 0:20:14- They introduced me to the generality - of Welsh-language music...

0:20:15 > 0:20:18- ..rather than things - specifically on their label.

0:20:18 > 0:20:21- They were Cyrff and Datblygu, - who I liked a lot...

0:20:22 > 0:20:25- ..and who did some sessions - which were really good.

0:20:26 > 0:20:30- Rhys went straight for the jugular.

0:20:30 > 0:20:32- He went to John Peel...

0:20:32 > 0:20:37- ..and told him that he had - to listen to us and Yr Anhrefn.

0:20:37 > 0:20:43- Both Yr Anhrefn and us did sessions - and it paved the way for others.

0:20:43 > 0:20:45- And the rest is history!

0:20:50 > 0:20:55- By the mid 1990s, Datblygu recorded - more sessions for John Peel...

0:20:55 > 0:20:59- ..than T Rex, Roxy Music - and Joy Division.

0:21:00 > 0:21:05- There was a huge demand for this - new music among young listeners.

0:21:05 > 0:21:10- There didn't seem to be a gap - between the bands and the fans.

0:21:10 > 0:21:13- Everyone felt involved.

0:21:13 > 0:21:17- The gigs and record fairs are full - of people who are either in bands...

0:21:18 > 0:21:22- ..selling magazines and fanzines - or starting new indie labels.

0:21:22 > 0:21:27- It's spelt nicely as Ffa Coffi Pawb.

0:21:30 > 0:21:34- In 1982, after protests - by Cymdeithas yr Iaith...

0:21:34 > 0:21:37- ..and Gwynfor Evans's threat - of a hunger strike...

0:21:37 > 0:21:40- ..S4C starts broadcasting.

0:21:40 > 0:21:46- By 1987, the godfather, Geraint - Jarman, has moved into television.

0:21:47 > 0:21:50- Criw Byw - and their programme Fideo Naw...

0:21:50 > 0:21:55- ..transforms the way pop music - is covered by S4C.

0:21:55 > 0:21:58- I stopped singing...

0:21:58 > 0:22:01- ..and looked at - what was happening...

0:22:01 > 0:22:05- ..to see what I could do next.

0:22:06 > 0:22:11- Once you broaden your horizons, - you see how to create things.

0:22:11 > 0:22:15- "As night fell, he came to them."

0:22:15 > 0:22:19- With sharp, unique presenters - such as Eddie Ladd...

0:22:19 > 0:22:21- ..it was essential viewing.

0:22:21 > 0:22:27- But did Fideo Naw - reflect the scene or sustain it?

0:22:28 > 0:22:29- I heard that a lot.

0:22:29 > 0:22:33- People wondered if Fideo Naw - was sustaining the scene.

0:22:34 > 0:22:39- Fideo Naw argued that we merely - represented an existing scene.

0:22:40 > 0:22:42- Once you put a camera in a room...

0:22:42 > 0:22:46- ..it's a focus for the scene - and you create something for it.

0:22:48 > 0:22:50- That programme is responsible...

0:22:50 > 0:22:53- ..for a lot of the things - that followed.

0:22:53 > 0:22:56- It was a training ground - for bands...

0:22:56 > 0:23:00- ..to use and visit - a professional studio.

0:23:00 > 0:23:04- And out of it came Gorky's...

0:23:04 > 0:23:07- ..Ffa Coffi Pawb...

0:23:07 > 0:23:10- ..as well as Catatonia.

0:23:10 > 0:23:13- A lot of bands were helped...

0:23:14 > 0:23:16- ..through having that experience.

0:23:17 > 0:23:20- # Her name is Blodwen

0:23:21 > 0:23:24- # She's more beautiful - than the white lily #

0:23:25 > 0:23:29- I'd say, "I want to be Gruff Rhys. - His hair is so cool."

0:23:29 > 0:23:33- They were proper pop stars. - They behaved like pop stars.

0:23:33 > 0:23:37- Tynnal Tywyll's Ian Morris - was most like a pop star.

0:23:37 > 0:23:41- # The 1970s records are on the floor

0:23:41 > 0:23:45- # Eisteddfod, Eisteddfod #

0:23:45 > 0:23:47- He is the best frontman ever.

0:23:47 > 0:23:51- Girls screamed for him - and boys, I suppose.

0:23:53 > 0:23:57- Fideo Naw - took the new generation seriously.

0:23:57 > 0:24:01- We got paid fairly and got to use - a proper recording studio.

0:24:02 > 0:24:04- I call it financial irrigation.

0:24:05 > 0:24:10- It comes without moral pressure - on how to spend the money.

0:24:10 > 0:24:16- You can use it on equipment - or to pay for a recording session.

0:24:16 > 0:24:22- One telly gig paid more - than doing a paper round all summer.

0:24:26 > 0:24:29- Fideo Naw came along...

0:24:29 > 0:24:35- ..and was a great help - to our live and studio performances.

0:24:35 > 0:24:38- You were proficient, I suppose...

0:24:38 > 0:24:42- ..by the time you got out - into the big, bad world.

0:24:42 > 0:24:46- # You're under his skin - and turning but why? #

0:24:46 > 0:24:49- The programme showcased the scene.

0:24:49 > 0:24:53- The scene produced material - for the programme.

0:24:53 > 0:24:54- It was a circle.

0:24:54 > 0:24:59- It turned like a whirlpool - or maybe a whirlwind.

0:24:59 > 0:25:02- We're not in Kansas any more!

0:25:02 > 0:25:07- # I turn to someone better than me - who's just like you #

0:25:07 > 0:25:11- Every band - who appeared on the programme...

0:25:11 > 0:25:15- ..could take their track - and record it in a studio...

0:25:16 > 0:25:19- ..and they were allowed - to take that track...

0:25:20 > 0:25:24- ..and put it on CD, - cassette or vinyl.

0:25:24 > 0:25:28- Some college friends - turned their cassette label...

0:25:28 > 0:25:32- ..from a university hobby - to something ambitious.

0:25:32 > 0:25:37- Ankst was at the centre - of this exciting period...

0:25:37 > 0:25:41- ..releasing material - from the new stars of the scene.

0:25:41 > 0:25:45- Beganifs, Y Gwefrau, Tynnal Tywyll - and Ffa Coffi Pawb.

0:25:45 > 0:25:49- # I've gone down and I feel bad #

0:25:50 > 0:25:52- It started as a laugh or a hobby.

0:25:53 > 0:25:56- It was like a big snowball - that just kept rolling.

0:25:56 > 0:26:00- We got more bands, got excited - about what we could achieve...

0:26:01 > 0:26:03- ..and never got a proper job!

0:26:03 > 0:26:06- # I've left - and the mountain is closed #

0:26:08 > 0:26:11- It wasn't a genre or a movement.

0:26:12 > 0:26:16- It was more about the attitude, - which is probably much healthier.

0:26:17 > 0:26:21- All the bands that followed, - the ones in the next wave...

0:26:21 > 0:26:25- ..were different bands - with different music and styles.

0:26:25 > 0:26:29- They maintained - that healthy outlook on music.

0:26:29 > 0:26:31- They weren't blinkered by genre.

0:26:34 > 0:26:40- I'm 23 and about to tour Germany - to promote a new album and 12-inch.

0:26:40 > 0:26:44- Things are about to get very - interesting for Traddodiad Ofnus.

0:26:45 > 0:26:48- But there's a clash - about the band's direction...

0:26:48 > 0:26:52- ..and some want to drop - our guitarist, my flatmate.

0:26:52 > 0:26:55- I disagree and decide to leave.

0:27:02 > 0:27:05- This was becoming a habit.

0:27:07 > 0:27:07- .

0:27:10 > 0:27:10- Subtitles

0:27:10 > 0:27:12- Subtitles- - Subtitles

0:27:15 > 0:27:19- It's the end of the 1980s - and everything is changing.

0:27:19 > 0:27:23- Politics, technology, - communication, drugs, music.

0:27:23 > 0:27:25- The future has arrived.

0:27:26 > 0:27:27- What's that stuff coming out of it?

0:27:27 > 0:27:28- What's that stuff coming out of it?- - It's acid or something.

0:27:28 > 0:27:30- Acid? Goodness me!

0:27:33 > 0:27:36- Cassettes had helped us - expand underground...

0:27:36 > 0:27:38- ..and vinyl had spread our message.

0:27:39 > 0:27:44- We had to step into the digital age - and embrace this new revolution.

0:27:47 > 0:27:50- I was living in Manchester....

0:27:50 > 0:27:55- ..and the whole rave scene - was incredibly influential.

0:27:55 > 0:27:57- Everything changed.

0:27:57 > 0:28:01- You'd put a dance beat - over the sound of a car engine.

0:28:01 > 0:28:05- We've had nothing like it since.

0:28:05 > 0:28:07- You had punk before it.

0:28:08 > 0:28:11- I'd started recording - as Pop Negatif Wastad...

0:28:11 > 0:28:16- ..in an Anglesey studio - with Esyllt from Crisialau Plastig.

0:28:16 > 0:28:21- We wanted to make pop music that had - never been heard before in Wales.

0:28:21 > 0:28:25- Modern pop - that had underground roots.

0:28:25 > 0:28:29- # It's fine, it's fine - it's always fine #

0:28:32 > 0:28:37- By the time Central Slate released - our record in August 1989...

0:28:37 > 0:28:40- ..we had disbanded - without performing a live gig.

0:28:41 > 0:28:46- Pop Negatif Wastad was a carcass - on the beach at Rhosneigr.

0:28:46 > 0:28:50- # Talk about

0:28:51 > 0:28:56- # Wales, England and Llanrwst #

0:28:59 > 0:29:03- Our record wasn't the song - of the summer that year.

0:29:03 > 0:29:05- That honour went to Y Cyrff.

0:29:05 > 0:29:09- Cymru, Lloegr A Llanrwst - is a strong, excellent anthem.

0:29:09 > 0:29:13- They shot to the top - as Wales's most popular group.

0:29:13 > 0:29:18- The Cam O'r Tywyllwch generation - had taken the reins.

0:29:19 > 0:29:24- # It's the only time - I never feel restless #

0:29:25 > 0:29:29- Despite personal setbacks, - I'm not ready to stop.

0:29:29 > 0:29:32- I've come too far and I'm obsessed.

0:29:32 > 0:29:35- I record a demo - under the name of Ty Gwydr...

0:29:35 > 0:29:39- ..and send copies - to Lugg, Criw Byw and Ankst.

0:29:41 > 0:29:44- The digital experiments - of the underground scene...

0:29:45 > 0:29:48- ..made non-Welsh speakers - sit up and take notice.

0:29:48 > 0:29:50- NME and Melody Maker...

0:29:51 > 0:29:55- ..boosted the confidence - of those in the Welsh scene.

0:29:55 > 0:29:59- It was brilliant as Gareth came - out of nowhere with this track...

0:30:00 > 0:30:02- ..and asked me to be a part of it.

0:30:03 > 0:30:06- It amplified the electronic world.

0:30:06 > 0:30:09- # My feet on the pavement - of the big city

0:30:09 > 0:30:11- # Looking up and looking down

0:30:11 > 0:30:14- # Look at the crowd - and the cars on the street

0:30:15 > 0:30:17- # I could be - in any town in the world

0:30:17 > 0:30:20- # Amid the chaos of the buildings

0:30:21 > 0:30:23- # Amid the commotion, - the confusion and pain

0:30:24 > 0:30:26- # Wandering, searching for a sign

0:30:26 > 0:30:28- # A familiar face puts me at ease #

0:30:28 > 0:30:30- We had to change musically.

0:30:31 > 0:30:34- What was the point - in repeating ourselves?

0:30:34 > 0:30:39- Once again, our aim was to push - the boundaries of Welsh pop music.

0:30:39 > 0:30:43- Change its flavour - and reinforce the Welsh language.

0:30:43 > 0:30:45- # Some day, some day

0:30:46 > 0:30:50- # We can walk freely

0:30:51 > 0:30:53- # Some day, some day

0:30:54 > 0:30:58- # We can walk freely - and keep our faith #

0:30:59 > 0:31:03- With strobe lighting, a smoke - machine and a pair of decks...

0:31:03 > 0:31:07- ..a village hall, rugby club, - a back room in a pub or shed...

0:31:07 > 0:31:11- ..could be transformed - into a temporary nightclub.

0:31:11 > 0:31:15- For Lugg and me, - it extended the DIY punk culture...

0:31:15 > 0:31:20- ..and techno music embodied - the new face of the underground.

0:31:24 > 0:31:27- But this movement - was more than just music.

0:31:27 > 0:31:32- A group of performers and fans - chose to show their support...

0:31:33 > 0:31:37- ..for the political acts - of Cymdeithas yr Iaith.

0:31:37 > 0:31:42- Alun Llwyd ran Ankst and was also - chairman of Cymdeithas yr Iaith.

0:31:42 > 0:31:45- His role - in the property act campaign...

0:31:45 > 0:31:49- ..saw him and Branwen Niclas - imprisoned for a year.

0:31:50 > 0:31:54- There was my time in jail - and with Cymdeithas yr Iaith.

0:31:55 > 0:31:58- I didn't take the decision - to go to jail lightly...

0:31:59 > 0:32:01- ..and spoke to Emyr - and Gruffudd about it.

0:32:02 > 0:32:05- I knew I could be away from work...

0:32:05 > 0:32:09- ..for three months to a year, - depending on my sentence.

0:32:09 > 0:32:14- At that same time, Ankst - was releasing compilation albums...

0:32:14 > 0:32:19- ..such as Ap Elvis and Hen Wlad Fy - Nhadau which were quite political.

0:32:19 > 0:32:22- My work - with the property act campaign...

0:32:23 > 0:32:25- ..went hand in hand - with my work at Ankst.

0:32:26 > 0:32:29- Thankfully, Gruffudd and Emyr - took the same viewpoint.

0:32:30 > 0:32:32- But it was an exciting time...

0:32:32 > 0:32:36- ..because of the gathering - of a number of bands.

0:32:36 > 0:32:39- It wasn't a celebration - of our release...

0:32:39 > 0:32:43- ..but our imprisonment - and stance within the campaign.

0:32:44 > 0:32:49- December saw the Rhyw Ddydd - Un Dydd gig at Pontrhydfendigaid...

0:32:49 > 0:32:54- ..to welcome Branwen Niclas - and Alun Llwyd on their release.

0:32:55 > 0:32:57- It was great to see their release.

0:32:57 > 0:33:01- I was there and watched them - walk out of prison...

0:33:01 > 0:33:03- ..so it was great - when we did the gig.

0:33:04 > 0:33:07- There must have been 2,000 people.

0:33:07 > 0:33:12- They were our age and probably - in their forties and fifties now.

0:33:13 > 0:33:18- I can't remember a thing about it - and that isn't because of drink.

0:33:18 > 0:33:21- I think the whole emotion - of the event...

0:33:22 > 0:33:25- ..and realization - of what was happening...

0:33:25 > 0:33:28- ..was too much - and I couldn't deal with it.

0:33:29 > 0:33:33- The excitement of being - a part of it was unforgettable...

0:33:33 > 0:33:36- ..even though I can't remember it!

0:33:36 > 0:33:39- # Your

0:33:40 > 0:33:42- # Reward

0:33:43 > 0:33:46- # Is in heaven

0:33:46 > 0:33:47- # So believe in life

0:33:48 > 0:33:50- # And believe in sex #

0:33:50 > 0:33:54- The line up includes - a real cross-section of talent.

0:33:54 > 0:33:57- Fflaps, Y Beganifs, - Jess, Meic Stevens...

0:33:58 > 0:34:01- ..and loads of other bands - and soloists.

0:34:01 > 0:34:04- The atmosphere - is one of celebration.

0:34:05 > 0:34:07- One nation in the groove.

0:34:07 > 0:34:11- But one prominent name is absent.

0:34:11 > 0:34:14- # So believe in life - and believe in sex #

0:34:14 > 0:34:17- Luckily, I was abroad at the time.

0:34:17 > 0:34:20- I was in Thailand so I wasn't there.

0:34:20 > 0:34:26- I'm sure Huw Gwyn phoned Sion Sebon - and asked him to do a solo act....

0:34:26 > 0:34:29- ..but Sion would never have done it.

0:34:29 > 0:34:32- Yr Anhrefn wouldn't have done it.

0:34:32 > 0:34:36- It was like the Welsh equivalent - of a Royal Command Performance.

0:34:36 > 0:34:39- It was everything we were not.

0:34:39 > 0:34:42- For me personally...

0:34:42 > 0:34:46- ..the thing that happens - when you reach that point...

0:34:46 > 0:34:52- ..is something that I call - the mutual appreciation society.

0:34:53 > 0:34:55- That's how I see it with Ankst.

0:34:56 > 0:35:00- Once they're in, it's all about - being friends, liking each other...

0:35:00 > 0:35:05- ..going to gigs, headlining - at the Eisteddfod and that's it.

0:35:05 > 0:35:10- You've got to have one band - that isn't in that Welsh bubble...

0:35:10 > 0:35:12- ..or in Cymdeithas yr Iaith...

0:35:12 > 0:35:17- ..or everyone ends up - doing the same thing.

0:35:19 > 0:35:24- Rhyw Ddydd Un Dydd proved - that there were enough people...

0:35:24 > 0:35:27- ..to hold huge celebrations - on the scene.

0:35:28 > 0:35:32- It became a memorable event - in the history of Welsh pop music.

0:35:41 > 0:35:43- There was change in the air.

0:35:43 > 0:35:47- One period was ending - and a new era was dawning.

0:35:50 > 0:35:53- At the end of the 1980s - and start of the 1990s...

0:35:54 > 0:36:00- ..those in the underground scene - were playing their swansongs.

0:36:01 > 0:36:07- The Welsh language spattered out - on unexpected stages.

0:36:07 > 0:36:11- Since the late 1980s, - Yr Anhrefn, Fflaps and others...

0:36:11 > 0:36:16- ..travelled deeper into Europe - past the limits of the old East.

0:36:17 > 0:36:20- They often slept on fans' floors - or in vans.

0:36:23 > 0:36:26- With Yr Anhrefn, - we reached a point...

0:36:27 > 0:36:31- ..where our only option - was to try and succeed as a band.

0:36:31 > 0:36:35- It was better to visit more - countries and get more airplay...

0:36:36 > 0:36:40- ..but we refused to sing - in any language other than Welsh.

0:36:52 > 0:36:57- I tried going to college - but failed miserably.

0:36:57 > 0:37:03- I quit a few times and ended up on - tour with Yr Anhrefn for two years.

0:37:04 > 0:37:06- It was all very exciting.

0:37:07 > 0:37:10- Regardless of the music, - it was the whole vibe.

0:37:12 > 0:37:16- We had a great time - performing in Berlin or Prague...

0:37:16 > 0:37:20- ..so we'd stopped - being part of the Welsh scene.

0:37:20 > 0:37:25- Those years, - when we were doing our tours...

0:37:25 > 0:37:30- ..and disconnected from Wales, - were really odd.

0:37:31 > 0:37:33- # The day will come #

0:37:33 > 0:37:37- Our last gig was in Czechoslovakia - in a Hell's Angels club.

0:37:38 > 0:37:40- It looked set to be a disaster.

0:37:40 > 0:37:45- We had to do a cover of LA Woman - by The Doors just to get out alive!

0:37:45 > 0:37:49- # Assists the vision

0:37:49 > 0:37:52- # We'll rewrite the history books #

0:37:52 > 0:37:54- Looking back...

0:37:54 > 0:37:58- ..I think we played - in the same old places.

0:37:59 > 0:38:02- At the time, we felt like - there was nowhere left to go...

0:38:03 > 0:38:04- ..by singing in Welsh.

0:38:04 > 0:38:08- We never thought - of singing in English with Y Cyrff.

0:38:08 > 0:38:11- We just never had that conversation.

0:38:12 > 0:38:15- It probably just felt wrong - to do that.

0:38:17 > 0:38:19- It just felt - like the right time to stop.

0:38:20 > 0:38:23- Y Cyrff, Ffa Coffi Pawb, - Yr Anhrefn...

0:38:23 > 0:38:28- ..and many bands with underground - roots found their natural end.

0:38:29 > 0:38:33- # Long life! Long life! Turn away! #

0:38:34 > 0:38:36- By the summer of 1992...

0:38:37 > 0:38:40- ..Reu club nights - by Ty Gwydr were legendary.

0:38:40 > 0:38:46- We decided to organize one last - massive night in Pontrhydfendigaid.

0:38:46 > 0:38:49- # Mathematics, engineering, - Reu, technology

0:38:49 > 0:38:52- # Mathematics, engineering, - Reu, technology

0:38:53 > 0:38:55- # Mathematics, engineering #

0:38:55 > 0:38:58- I'm standing, - DJ'ing on the side of the stage.

0:38:58 > 0:39:00- The crowd is going mental.

0:39:00 > 0:39:03- Dave Datblygu - gives me a massive hug.

0:39:04 > 0:39:06- "We created this," he said.

0:39:06 > 0:39:08- "This is our time.

0:39:08 > 0:39:10- "Here. Now."

0:39:16 > 0:39:17- And in that instant...

0:39:18 > 0:39:22- ..we'd stopped - being underground and alternative...

0:39:22 > 0:39:25- ..and moved into the mainstream.

0:39:25 > 0:39:28- What else was there to achieve?

0:39:34 > 0:39:34- .

0:39:38 > 0:39:38- Subtitles

0:39:38 > 0:39:40- Subtitles- - Subtitles

0:39:47 > 0:39:51- I'm back in Cardiff, like many - other musicians from the scene.

0:39:52 > 0:39:53- From the ashes...

0:39:53 > 0:39:57- ..new, confident music - is breaking through.

0:40:00 > 0:40:05- Y Cyrff has disbanded and - Mark and his girlfriend, Cerys...

0:40:05 > 0:40:08- ..have moved to Cardiff - to start a new band.

0:40:08 > 0:40:12- I want to move so we decide - to find somewhere to live.

0:40:13 > 0:40:16- Cerys and I find a flat here - on Gold Street...

0:40:16 > 0:40:20- ..and it becomes a creative cave.

0:40:21 > 0:40:26- # Don't talk about me at midnight #

0:40:26 > 0:40:29- The place is filled with music, - day and night.

0:40:30 > 0:40:33- Mark and Cerys write and listen.

0:40:33 > 0:40:37- Stone Roses, Bob Dylan, The Beatles.

0:40:37 > 0:40:43- Musicians, artists and actors call - to play backgammon and smoke.

0:40:43 > 0:40:46- We're poor and yet so rich.

0:40:50 > 0:40:51- On the other side of town...

0:40:52 > 0:40:56- ..Gruff Rhys and Dafydd Ieuan start - a project to follow Ffa Coffi Pawb.

0:40:57 > 0:41:01- Everyone spends the weekend - at The City Arms and Clwb Ifor Bach.

0:41:02 > 0:41:04- Cardiff is on fire!

0:41:06 > 0:41:09- I'm back in the flat - for the first time in 20 years.

0:41:10 > 0:41:13- The ghosts of the past - are still here.

0:41:13 > 0:41:14- This was my room.

0:41:14 > 0:41:17- Mark and Cerys's room - was behind me.

0:41:17 > 0:41:20- They had guitars and amps - set up in their room.

0:41:21 > 0:41:24- Late one night, - we sit around and play new tracks.

0:41:24 > 0:41:28- The Catatonia and Datblygu stuff - sound excellent.

0:41:28 > 0:41:33- I play some new tracks by Ty Gwydr - on the stereo.

0:41:43 > 0:41:48- Later, I lie on my bed - and my mind is full of doubt.

0:41:50 > 0:41:53- I get the feeling - that my time has passed...

0:41:54 > 0:41:57- ..and that the future - is in the next room.

0:41:58 > 0:42:02- # It was easy

0:42:04 > 0:42:08- # Completely natural #

0:42:20 > 0:42:25- # I didn't say that I would go

0:42:25 > 0:42:28- # I didn't say that I would go #

0:42:28 > 0:42:33- If Gorky's Zygotic Mynci weren't - from the underground generation...

0:42:33 > 0:42:36- ..they were certainly - cheeky little brothers...

0:42:37 > 0:42:39- ..and the first to fly the nest.

0:42:39 > 0:42:43- After three albums with Ankst, - they sign with Fontana...

0:42:43 > 0:42:46- ..and record a further three albums - for different labels.

0:42:47 > 0:42:49- We do x, y, z of bands.

0:42:50 > 0:42:55- Bands such as Steve Eaves - appealed to an older Welsh audience.

0:42:55 > 0:42:58- Beganifs were our Welsh - teen pop sensations.

0:42:58 > 0:43:02- And Gorky's Zygotic Mynci - came from Pembrokeshire...

0:43:02 > 0:43:07- ..where speaking and singing - bilingually was totally natural.

0:43:07 > 0:43:10- They weren't trying to make a point.

0:43:10 > 0:43:13- They might as well - have been beamed in from Mars!

0:43:14 > 0:43:17- They create music - that is totally idiosyncratic.

0:43:17 > 0:43:23- They come with four albums - worth of songs and are barely 16!

0:43:23 > 0:43:25- # Money

0:43:25 > 0:43:29- # Is always money

0:43:29 > 0:43:31- # And never funny #

0:43:31 > 0:43:34- While Gorky's - conquered the Far East...

0:43:35 > 0:43:41- ..there was something happening - in a dingy Newport club called TJ's.

0:43:44 > 0:43:48- Inspired by the success - of Manic Street Preachers...

0:43:48 > 0:43:53- ..a wave of bands flowed out - of the South-East Wales valleys...

0:43:53 > 0:43:58- ..winning the acclaim - of the music press in London.

0:43:58 > 0:44:01- The combination - of those Welsh underground bands...

0:44:02 > 0:44:05- ..and those from the indie scene...

0:44:05 > 0:44:08- ..was a force - too powerful to ignore.

0:44:10 > 0:44:13- But change frightens some people.

0:44:13 > 0:44:17- Playing to the same audiences - time after time gets boring...

0:44:17 > 0:44:20- ..for the bands and audiences.

0:44:20 > 0:44:23- Sometimes, you need to do something.

0:44:23 > 0:44:24- Something different.

0:44:25 > 0:44:27- Something new.

0:44:27 > 0:44:30- We knew that we were - starting something new.

0:44:30 > 0:44:33- But it was going to happen anyway.

0:44:34 > 0:44:39- We had a generation of musicians - who were truly talented...

0:44:39 > 0:44:41- ..with a global vision...

0:44:42 > 0:44:45- ..who wanted to make - a living out of it.

0:44:45 > 0:44:50- That wasn't an option if they sang - in Welsh and remained in Wales...

0:44:51 > 0:44:56- ..or even if they sang in Welsh - outside Wales.

0:44:56 > 0:45:00- It was at that time - that I started to realize...

0:45:00 > 0:45:06- ..I had to quit Yr Anhrefn and Ffa - Coffi to do something else.

0:45:06 > 0:45:10- I went to Super Furries - to start something...

0:45:10 > 0:45:13- ..and face the fact - that we had to sing in English...

0:45:13 > 0:45:17- ..to earn a decent living - and see more of the world.

0:45:17 > 0:45:21- It left us feeling uncomfortable, - there's no denying it.

0:45:22 > 0:45:24- For many years after that...

0:45:24 > 0:45:28- ..we wondered if it had - a positive or negative impact.

0:45:29 > 0:45:34- You could argue that Gorky's and the - Super Furries inspired a generation.

0:45:34 > 0:45:38- Did they make people think you - had to sing in English to succeed?

0:45:39 > 0:45:44- In the end, Super Furry Animals - and Gorky's sang in both languages.

0:45:45 > 0:45:48- They took both languages - across the world.

0:45:48 > 0:45:50- You can't ask for more than that.

0:45:51 > 0:45:54- # She smashed up all her violins #

0:45:55 > 0:46:00- I was in California reading an - article in Rolling Stone magazine...

0:46:00 > 0:46:05- ..about Newport and this odd band - called Gorky's Zygotic Mynci.

0:46:05 > 0:46:10- Yet in Wales, they couldn't - make the music they wanted...

0:46:10 > 0:46:12- ..in a way that had global appeal.

0:46:13 > 0:46:19- Looking back, it was such - a narrow-minded way of thinking.

0:46:19 > 0:46:21- They kept people in a box.

0:46:21 > 0:46:24- I don't understand - the purpose of that...

0:46:24 > 0:46:29- ..because they were promoting - the Welsh language overseas.

0:46:29 > 0:46:34- # Pulling beehives - on my head all day

0:46:37 > 0:46:41- # Pulling beehives on my head - every hour of the night #

0:46:44 > 0:46:49- We'd go to places such as Japan - or America with the Furries...

0:46:49 > 0:46:53- ..and this Britpop thing - was happening at the same time.

0:46:53 > 0:46:58- We were lumped into that genre - when we were outside Britain.

0:46:58 > 0:47:01- There was - this sub-group of Britpop...

0:47:01 > 0:47:04- ..which was Cool Cymru in Wales.

0:47:04 > 0:47:09- Don't get me wrong, it helped - a lot of Welsh bands at the time.

0:47:09 > 0:47:14- Welsh bands were treated the same - as bands from anywhere else.

0:47:14 > 0:47:18- They weren't a sheep shagger - or a boyo!

0:47:18 > 0:47:22- Cool Cymru was a term - devised by journalists...

0:47:22 > 0:47:24- ..but it happened.

0:47:25 > 0:47:27- Not everybody was on that bus...

0:47:27 > 0:47:31- ..but it contributed - to our new confidence as a nation.

0:47:31 > 0:47:34- Gorky's, Catatonia - and Super Furry Animals...

0:47:35 > 0:47:37- ..signed with major - international labels...

0:47:38 > 0:47:43- ..bringing more challenges, more - worries and more responsibilities.

0:47:48 > 0:47:53- We did a tour in America and then - came back to play in a festival.

0:47:53 > 0:47:59- I think it was Glastonbury - or something like that.

0:48:00 > 0:48:03- It was obvious - that things had changed.

0:48:03 > 0:48:07- All of a sudden, people - were singing our songs back at us.

0:48:07 > 0:48:11- Something had happened - when we were out of the country.

0:48:11 > 0:48:17- # Every day, when I wake up

0:48:17 > 0:48:23- # I thank the Lord I'm Welsh #

0:48:23 > 0:48:26- The scene that grew - from Anhrefn Records...

0:48:27 > 0:48:30- ..was fruitful - in producing true Welsh stars...

0:48:31 > 0:48:33- ..such as Cerys, Gruff and Euros.

0:48:33 > 0:48:38- Suddenly, the music scene - was an exciting place to be.

0:48:39 > 0:48:43- And right here on Womanby Street - with Clwb Ifor Bach at its centre...

0:48:44 > 0:48:47- ..and The City Arms and Four Bars - on the corners...

0:48:47 > 0:48:50- ..it was the coolest street - in Europe.

0:48:50 > 0:48:53- # Magic

0:48:53 > 0:48:57- # Show me magic #

0:48:58 > 0:49:02- So what if John ac Alun kept cooing - and Sobin attracted the masses...

0:49:03 > 0:49:06- ..and Y Moniars stayed - right in the middle of the road?

0:49:07 > 0:49:09- A massive point had been made.

0:49:09 > 0:49:14- The underground generation - defined Wales now.

0:49:14 > 0:49:16- It was us on the cover of NME.

0:49:16 > 0:49:19- It was us on the stages - of Glastonbury.

0:49:19 > 0:49:22- It was us being heard - on the world's radio waves.

0:49:22 > 0:49:26- We knew that we were - as good as anyone else.

0:49:27 > 0:49:32- It ignited something in the hearts - of Welsh youth of all backgrounds.

0:49:33 > 0:49:38- It turned on a switch inside - that said "yes" on a personal level.

0:49:38 > 0:49:43- They might have felt - that they belonged to something.

0:49:43 > 0:49:45- Our new Wales...

0:49:45 > 0:49:49- ..and our vision - of a bright and new future.

0:49:49 > 0:49:52- As a generation, - we went out of our way...

0:49:52 > 0:49:56- ..without the support - of a council or government...

0:49:56 > 0:50:00- ..to create a scene - that expressed our restless energy.

0:50:00 > 0:50:02- An unofficial culture...

0:50:02 > 0:50:07- ..that extended beyond - national and linguistic boundaries.

0:50:07 > 0:50:12- By doing this and breaking free - from the introverted grip...

0:50:12 > 0:50:15- ..that choked - the older generation...

0:50:15 > 0:50:21- ..we found our voice and did - just enough to make a difference.

0:50:21 > 0:50:25- # You see the sand, the dust

0:50:25 > 0:50:28- # But you see - that there are flowers #

0:50:28 > 0:50:30- Every time I pass this place...

0:50:30 > 0:50:33- ..I can't stop myself thinking - that we created it.

0:50:34 > 0:50:38- I think of everyone of our - generation who created something...

0:50:38 > 0:50:41- ..whether it's a song, - performance or piece of art.

0:50:42 > 0:50:45- Those who jumped up and down - in the front row...

0:50:45 > 0:50:49- ..or spent hours gluing - record covers or Xerox fanzines...

0:50:50 > 0:50:52- ..with Pritt sticks and passion.

0:50:52 > 0:50:56- Those who threw ink on a T-shirt - and wore it to a rally.

0:50:56 > 0:51:01- Music doesn't change the world - but it can reflect change.

0:51:01 > 0:51:07- It can add to an atmosphere and be - a soundtrack to the revolution.

0:51:07 > 0:51:11- Rock 'n roll, in the language - of Dafydd ap Gwilym...

0:51:11 > 0:51:14- ..can be the soundtrack - to scenes in pubs...

0:51:15 > 0:51:17- ..from Ffestiniog to Warsaw...

0:51:17 > 0:51:22- ..from Swansea to Belfast, - from Tokyo to Llanfair Caereinion.

0:51:22 > 0:51:26- # Love

0:51:28 > 0:51:34- # Lo-ve

0:51:37 > 0:51:41- # The feeling

0:51:43 > 0:51:49- # Happiness arises

0:51:49 > 0:51:55- # And comes true sometimes

0:51:56 > 0:52:02- # And it shows - that there's something

0:52:02 > 0:52:04- # Even in nothing #

0:52:04 > 0:52:06- S4C Subtitles by Tinopolis

0:52:06 > 0:52:07- .