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David Edwards (singer)

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David Edwards
Edwards in Bethesda, Gwynedd, 1985
Born
David Rupert Edwards

(1964-09-03)3 September 1964
Cardigan, Ceredigion, Wales
Died20 June 2021(2021-06-20) (aged 56)
Carmarthen, Wales
NationalityWelsh
Other namesDave Datblygu
Occupations
  • Musician
  • singer
  • writer
Years active1982–2021
Known forLeader singer of Datblygu

David Rupert Edwards[1] (3 September 1964 – 20 June 2021) was a Welsh musician, singer and writer, best known as the lead singer of the Welsh language post-punk/experimental band Datblygu. NME said that "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".[2] Additionally, John Peel said that Edwards' lyrics made him want to learn Welsh.[3]

Early life

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Edwards was born in Cardigan, Ceredigion, and the band was formed at Ysgol Uwchradd Aberteifi/Cardigan Secondary School in 1982.[2]

Career

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As well as Datblygu, Edwards worked with Tŷ Gwydr and pioneering electronic act Llwybr Llaethog on L.L. v T.G. MC DRE (1992), around which time he took up work as a secondary school teacher. Health problems and alcoholism forced Datblygu into retirement after releasing the Putsch double A single in 1995.

Edwards has since been largely ignored by mainstream Welsh media but interest was revived after Ankstmusik re-released 1993's classic Libertino in a triple disc box set along with the first two studio albums Wyau and Pyst in 2004.[4] Datblygu returned to the studio in 2008 to record a one-off 7-inch single entitled "Cân y Mynach Modern".[5]

Edwards's autobiography, Atgofion Hen Wanc, was published by Y Lolfa in 2009.

Datblygu performed occasionally during the 2010s. In 2014, the band released new material and were featured in a documentary, Prosiect Datblygu, made in 2012 and broadcast on S4C to mark the release of the new songs.

Health and death

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Edwards's health problems and alcoholism was chronicled in an O Flaen dy Lygaid documentary, produced by BBC Cymru for S4C. The programme also features his friend, actress Rhian Ree Davies.[6]

On 20 June 2021, Edwards died at his home in Carmarthen at the age of 56, having had health issues for several years.[7][8]

References

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  1. ^ "David R Edwards". Discogs. Retrieved 25 June 2021.
  2. ^ a b Alex Gallagher (23 June 2021). "Datblygu frontman David R. Edwards has died, aged 56". NME. Retrieved 24 June 2021.
  3. ^ "Sound Nation". Archived from the original on 28 September 2007. Retrieved 20 August 2007.
  4. ^ "Ankst Music". Archived from the original on 6 August 2016. Retrieved 18 February 2010.
  5. ^ "Ankst Music". Archived from the original on 31 October 2017. Retrieved 18 February 2010.
  6. ^ "Ffeithiol | S4C". S4c.cymru. Archived from the original on 7 March 2012. Retrieved 2 August 2020.
  7. ^ "Welsh musical giant David R. Edwards of Datblygu has died". Nation Cymru. 22 June 2021. Retrieved 22 June 2021.
  8. ^ David Edwards
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