Farewell to Poet 'Dave Datblygu': David R Edwards, a unique voice of Welsh music (3 September 1964 – 19/20 June 2021)

 

A very difficult post to write it is with much sadness to announce my dear friend, Poet and musician David Rupert Edwards, the frontman of legendary Welsh band Datblygu, has died. I heard the tragic news last night that he had passed away in Carmarthen over the weekend, aged just 56. He had been suffering from health issues including epilepsy and diabetes.

David was born in Aberteifi Cardigan and became one of the giants of modern Welsh culture whose uncompromising, challenging and individual talent as a poet, vocalist, and musician made him one of the most idiosyncratic and influential Welsh artists of his generation. His attitude towards the artistic bourgeoisie and politicians in Wales, and his work in his own language at a time when Welsh bands were expected to sing in English, liberated and influenced a whole generation of bands such as Super Furry Animals, Gorkys Zygotic Mynci, Y Ffug  and many more who certainly owe a debt to the work done of the band. They were, in their own words, “non-conforming non-conformists.”

His brilliant group Datblygu, (Welsh for ‘progress’, ‘evolution’ and/or ‘development’) started in 1982 while David was still at school in Aberteifi, Ceredigion  emerging from the tail end of the post-punk period, and the horrors of Thatcher's Britain, becoming a universe unto themselves.. At first, it was him and instrumentalist T Wyn Davies before Patricia Morgan joined in 1984 whose vital musical contribution cannot be understated. Datblygu’s music was, as their name suggests, often experimental.

In their time they played in such diverse styles as experimental post punk, disco, country, nursery rhymes, crooning and just about anything else. The NME described them as “Kraftwerk with a hangover”. Their debut EP ‘Hwgr Grawth-Og’ was released in 1986 on Anhrefn. Datblygu were a firm favourite of the late great John Peel, who became one of their most loyal fans. Davids band managed in their time to record 5 brilliant sessions for Peel between 1987 -1993 and they communicated regularly.over the years.

All this led to them being referred to somewhat reductively as 'The Welsh Fall'.a band incidentally David loved passionately.As handy as that descriptor is as a marketing tool for newbies, the truth is Datblygu's work draws on an entirely distinct and separate tradition, interweaving left-wing politics, Welsh history, and science fiction in a framework that moves from angular guitar led songwriting to off piste synth pop and beyond.

As a poet, a label that  David did not like he existed in hostile opposition to the traditional establishment and with his music he was determined to drag the ‘Sgymraeg’ culture and music screaming into the modern age in the 1980s.Three of Datblygu's most important works, the albums –  Wyau (1988), Pyst (1990), and Libertino (1994) – are recognised to be the pinnacle of modern Welsh language rock culture. A body of work that crossed cultures, languages and borders..They sang in Welsh, but that in itself does not really matter.
A unique acerbic point of view, a singular voice with a masterly command of language ( which just so happens, was in the medium of Welsh) . His live performances were legendary and incendiary, a real tour de force, I was lucky to see him in full flight a couple of times, unforgettable . His uncle Gwynfor  used to live down the road from me  when I was younger, so I'd see a lot of Dave (my sister became his nephews godmother)... he'd mention bands that sounded exciting, and had me searching furtively at night for John Peel. Daves' musical influences  were very wide and ranged from the mighty Fall, Joy Division.  the mekons, to the outer limits of Can, Beefheart  to Frank Sinatra, Nick Drake, Leonard Cohen  .to emerging Welsh bands. Willfully ignored by the Welsh establishment of the time, he raged too hard you see. His music always seemed to convey a pissed- off, phlegmatic menace. Fucked up on Thatcherism, mass unemployment and general shitty Politicianism , he could be provocative and brilliantly funny at the same time, a real peoples' poet he spoke for everyone, and the people loved him  Unflinchingly was not afraid to speak his truth  and put his two fingers up to anyone.David also performed with Tŷ Gwydr and electronic pioneers Llwybr Llaethog, and worked for some time as a secondary school teacher in the mid-90's but was deemed unfit for work, for among other issues, smoking in front  of the pupils. Years into long term unemployment, he would comment, ' I don't see how anyone who's done a day's work in thrir lives can fail to be left wing.'

At the height of  his creativity in the late  nighties, David withdrew from performing and releasing music and began a painful period of treatment for mental health problems. After the death of his father who he adored I would spend many a Saturday afternoon in his pleasant charming company in his living room in 7 Y Rhos, Cardigan  discussing everything  under the sun, subjects ranged from books and  music to Tony fucking Blair to the bloody Tory party.It was a beautiful friendship that meant not judging one another.and over the years have witnessed his strength, his friendship and love, that has carried and lifted  me, kept me afloat  in my own periods of darkness. 

David's battle with health problems and alcoholism was chronicled in an O Fllaen dy Lygaid documentary produced by BBC for S4C,rg programme also featured his friend, actress Rhian Rees Davies.As he weight of mental health issues iimploded David had to go away for a while, but we kept in touch and at the beginning of the new century, it was wonderful to see his health improve and David once again living an independent life in Carmarthen and once again releasing music as Datblygu with his lifelong friend and musical soul mate Patricia Morgan.

He also published his autobiography in 2009 – ‘Atgofion Hen Wanc’ – which he described as ‘no fflim fflam, no repetition, no boring bits that will send you to sleep’. Here he could share his feelings about Aberteifi, the love he felt for his parents and his musical heroes like Mark E.Smith, Captain Beefheart, Frank Sinatra and Ryan Davies and hs friendships with the likes of John Peel and Attila the Stockbroker. It also featured his loathing of authority and the disciplinarian nature of school and work, and also the nature of his life-long love/hate relationship with Wales and the Welsh which fed so much of his creativity,,an honest account of his life ,told with humour and candour. David released a collection of English poems called Dave Datblygu's Search in English for the House of Tolerance in 2017 and another last year called Davey Datvlygu;s  Policy of Company,

David's  band’s legend grew during this, and when they played their first gig in 20 years, at the Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff in April 2015, they were finally accorded the reverence that was deserved but lacking during their heyday.

In the press release for his last album ‘Cwm Gwagle’ released last year,in the height of the pandemic he again re-iterated the unique nature of the band and his work – ‘Datblygu have only one thing in common with other Welsh bands and that is their shared use of the language, nothing else.’

Following the news of his passing people from across Wales and beyond took to twitter to pay their respects and tributes.

 In a post on Twitter, Datblygu bandmate and friend Patricia Morgan offered: “It’s a huge pain for me to think that David is no longer with us. He was one of the best friends you could ever have. A huge and generous personality; a bear of a man. His writing touched people, to give succour, love, anger and humour.” 

Among those to pay tribute to David were Super Furry Animals frontman Gruff Rhys, who told Welsh news outlet Nation.Cymru  “Devastated, Dave was and is a gigantic figure. His contribution to the Welsh language can’t be overestimated and his work with Datblygu serves as a focal point for its vibrant counter-culture. I’ve no doubt his influence will grow and his songs will continue to serve as moral compasses and as sources of light to guide us through the darkness down the ages.” 

A statement from Datblygu’s record label Ankst read: “Since the 1980s the existence of Datblygu made it clear that there was much more to Welsh-language culture and music than some pale copy of Anglo-American culture.

Wichita Recordings co-founder Mark Bowen told Nation.Cymru it was difficult to accurately explain the impact of hearing Datblygu for the first time on the John Peel show in the mid-’80s.

“To hear Peel play a record in Welsh that stood head and shoulders above anything else he played that night was a stunning moment for a teenager who had never felt ‘cool’ for his nationality before.”

On Twitter, The Charlatons Tim Burgess said that a special edition of his Twitter Listening Party series would be held in Edwards’ memory. The band’s compilation 1985 – 1995 will be the featured album on July 2.

 First Minister Mark Drakeford, also paid tribute who tweeted: "Incredibly sad news - Wales has lost a cultural giant."

An Early Day Motion has also been presented to paliament poposed by  my local Plaid Cymru MP Ben Lake that reads ' That this House mourns the passing of David R. Edwards (Dave Datblygu), musician, poet and and frontman of legendary Welsh band Datblygu at 56 years old in his home in Carmarthen; celebrates the legacy of Mr Edwards, originally from Cardigan, whose radically original music and lyrics including on albums such as Wyau, Pyst and Libertino, paved the way for a whole generation of Welsh alternative musicians; notes that through their music and art, Datblygu, who formed in 1982 and released their most recent album in August 2020, have been especially influential in shaping the diverse and vibrant culture we enjoy in Wales today; and sends its condolences to his family and friends as they come to terms with the sad news of his passing.' https://edm.parliament.uk/early-day-motion/58687

Ii is somewhat ironic that David in passing is only now getting the attention and warm accolades that he so richly deserved. I was fortunate to forge a friendship  with David  spanning  over 3 decades, that has left me with so many happy memories,  I will remember David as a loving, faithful, creative, kind,caring,wise individual and endearing friend whose loss to us all will be immense. A passionate sports fan,  he'd often tell me of latest win on the horses, after a flutter at the bookies, he held a myriad of interests, a decent cook too,  his music illustrated a determination to propel Welsh language culture and music ever forward. Without David, there would not have been any Ankst Records or Cool Cymru and without his friendship, talent and love over the decades life here in Wales would have been so much poorer and duller. His voice and his words will definitely live on and continue to astonish.

My debt to David is enormous and I thank him from the bottom of my heart for sharing his life and talent with me. I will treasure all the letters  over the years he faithfully sent me, he used to phone me regularly too and could be incredibly humorous. His death so heartbreaking since in his last one he talked fondly of a loved one, how he an her had both left the Labour Party  due to the way that Mr Corbyn was treated and  the direction that  the party is now taking. at end of the day David was a man of deep principle, whether supporting animal rights, cnd or the miners  never conforming , never compromising, He ended his most recent letter about  how he was looking forward to life beyond lockdown, sent me his love and best wishes, was in the process of replying alas to my regret I left it too late, but I know he knew the depth of my affection and fondness was genuine and real. My  condolences go out to his family and friends as we deal with this heartbreaking news.

 David was a magnificent  poet, a trailblazer  who must be remembered for his colossal impact on Welsh music, who even  in the bleakest of moments managed to show his incredible way with language and his inherent love of words in all their forms, while encouraging my own voice. The sheer depth of his intellect was awe inspiring. I  for one will continue to love  Dave and his music and words ureservedly,  if you want hear  some truth. switch off the mainstream news, seek out his records full of lyrical beauty, of  musical depth, and emotion, carried in the medium of the Welsh ,a  message that will  also enable you  to fall in love with this rich language, like me and his friend the late John Peel. Genius is an overused word. But he was a true genius. His lyrics and delivery are as good as it gets. .I will end  with a quote from Mr Edwards  - "there's no need to analyse, feelings so pure."  

Nos Da David, diolch yn fawr brawd, cariad mawr you will not be forgotten, your legacy is secured x

 

 Y TEIMLAD ( The Feeling) - David R Edwards

Y teimlad sy'n gyrru pobl
i anghofio amser
y teimlad sy,n gyrru ti feddwl
nad yw'r dyfodol mor fler
y teimlad sydd yn dod
ac yn sbarduno gobaith
t'in gweld y tywod llwch
ond ti'n gweld fod yna flodau

Y Teimlad
beth yw y teimlad?
Y Teimlad
sydd heb esboniad
Y Teimlad
beth yw y teimlad
Y teimlad
Sy'n cael ei alw,n gariad
Y teimlad

Mae Hapusrwydd yn codi ac yn troi
yn wir rywbryd
ac mae'n dangos fod yna rywbeth
mewn hyd yn oed dim byd
a pan mae'r teimlad yno
mae bywyd yn werth parhau
ond yn ei absenoldeb
mae'r diweddglo yn agosau

Y Teimlad
beth yw y teimlad?
Y Teimlad
sydd heb esboniad
Y Teimlad
beth yw y teimlad? 

 

The feeling that makes people forget time

The feeling that makes you think the future isn't so bad

The feeling that comes before sparking off hope

You see the sand dust but you see that there's flowers

 

The feeling, what is the feeling?

The feeling that's inexplicable

The feeling, what is the feeling?

The feeling that is called love

Love, love, the feeling

 

Happiness rises and turns true sometimes

And it shows that there's something even in nothing

And when the feeling is there, life is worth continuing

But in its absence the end approaches

 

The feeling, what is the feeling?

The feeling, which is inexplicable?

The feeling, what is the feeling?

The feeling that is called love