There’s a definite feeling of excitement in the air, and in hushed corners of the local venues plans are being made for Wrexham’s annual assault on the Hills of the Brecon Beacons. Yes, it’s nearly Greenman time again!
With no Glastonbury this year this will be many peoples one and only foray into the world of festivals. But the diaspora of Wrexham will not be alone on their journey to the promised lands, and can feel safe in the knowledge that two of our finest acts will be there too to greet them with some familiar sounds.
And in amongst the heady talents of Mogwai, Van Morrison and Feist are two of Wrexham’s best exports – surf rock slackers Mowbird and folk superstar Andy Hickie.
Wrexham’s bratty surf-punk quartet Mowbird have become something of a phenomena over the past two years, and their performance at Greenman is the culmination of a year which has seen them supporting Neon Indian, Times New Viking, Islet and Dinosaur Pile-Up, with a triumphant appearance Swn 2011 (yes, they’re already booked for Swn 2012!), as well as recording a BBC Introducing Session at Maida Vale. “We’re really happy to be invited back to Swn festival for the second year. Cardiff is where the Mowbird embryo was concieved, nurtured & inspired, so it feels special to recieve such a warm welcome back from the Swn organisers & the city itself. Plus we will be playing with many great and interesting new bands we’ve met over the last year from all over Wales & the border: Islet, Sexhands, Irma Vep, Joanna Gruesome and Shy & The Fight to name but a few awesome ones. We wouldn’t have met these guys if it wasn’t for the opportunities we’ve been given & we’re really happy we have. The only thing we’re missing now are our good friends Furrow but there is plenty of chance to see them elsewhere & there’s still time.” They’ll be bringing their fuzz to the revellers at the Walled Garden Stage, and the word is they’ll be on about 4.15pm Friday, so make sure you’re there!
They will also be joined by local troubadour Andy Hickie. With his guitar and harmonica Andy has been described as “The Welsh Bob Dylan”, by radio DJ’s and fans alike, singing his tales of freedom, love, and life on the road, as well as his powerful singing of traditional Folk ballads.
If Andy has a ‘spiritual home’ the Green Man would be it. Although this year will be his official debut he has actually played at the festival every year, apart from the first back in 2003.
“It became an annual pilgrimage for me, to sing at the main fire till sunrise, jamming and meeting some great musicians. I have some great memories… a very drunk Steve Mason from the Beta Band improvising on the accordion and playing beer bottles, The Traveling Band rolling around in a festival induced haze!
I vaguely remember meeting my wife at the fire, I was wearing a dress and trying to sing but I think I was about to collapse. Then last year we got engaged at Green Man!
So finaly I get to play ‘officialy’ and I return a very happy married man….. THANK YOU Green Man, you have been a loyal friend over the years and by far my favourite festival”.
Andy will be playing the Solar Stage in Einstein’s Garden at 2pm on Saturday.
Amazingly, tickets are still available! Maybe this is due to the deluge we seem to have been suffering this summer, but the rain can’t last forever. So head down to Green Man and bask in a guaranteed heatwave of musical brilliance. See you there!
Green Man Festival happens on 17th, 18th and 19th August 2012. For full details and tickets go to www.greenman.net
