Ian Rush(2)


 * (This page refers to the Peel session band from Wales. For the Liverpool footballer of the same name, see Ian Rush.)

Ian Rush were a Welsh-language indie band from Mold, north Wales, who attracted some attention by naming themselves after the all-time top goalscorer for both Liverpool and Wales. They played their first gig in 1991.

Featuring a lineup of Pete Bryon (vocals), Geraint Williams (guitar), Mario Trasmundi (bass) and Sion Williams (drums), the band made their recorded debut on the 1993 Ankst label compilation “Ap Elvis”, appearing alongside fellow Welsh bands such as Datblygu and Gorky's Zygotic Mynci. The cassette single ‘Cwcwy’ was released the following year, also on Ankst.

After over a decade of silence, the band reconvened in 2007 for a comeback live appearance at the National Eisteddfod. 

Links to Peel


Bowing to the inevitable, avid Liverpool fan Peel introduced the band’s track on “Ap Elvis” for the first time on his show of 29 May 1993:

"'Something which I’ve always hoped to be able to say to you: this is a record by Ian Rush.'"

Despite his regular support for Welsh-language music, the DJ admitted that his positive reaction to the band's contribution to the compilation may have been predictable:

"“The notes that come with it, the press release, say, ‘Another new band, this time sporting a moniker that should guarantee an airing on the John Peel show, if nothing else.’ And I suppose there’s a measure of truth to that. I would probably be less enthusiastic about playing the track if they had been called Mark Hughes.”"

Nevertheless, 'Dal Heb Fy Nal' was to enjoy more airings on the Peel wingding than any other band's contribution to "Ap Elvis". The DJ was also quick to consider booking the newcomers for a session, while acknowledging that his decision could well be influenced by their unusual choice of name:

"“Perhaps we ought to get Ian Rush in for a session. I’d quite like that because, well, I’d just like to hear people saying during the daytime, ‘And on John Peel’s programme tonight, a session from Ian Rush’.”"

While the session did go ahead, little more was heard from the band in Peel’s lifetime, although “Brian” from the band (presumably Pete Bryon) appeared on the show of 29 January 1994 as a guest reviewer of that day’s match between Cardiff and Manchester City (Cardiff won 1-0).

Festive Fifty Entries

 * none

Sessions
One session. No known commercial release.

1. Recorded 1993-10-31. First broadcast 04 December 1993. Repeated
 * Catrin Nadolig (Catrin Christmas) / Unrhyw Borthadd (Any Harbour) / Drwg Yn Y Caws (The Evil Within) /Cwcwy (Perfect Egg)

Other Shows Played

 * 29 May 1993: Dal Heb Fy Nal (Various Artists CD - Ap Elvis)’ (Ankst)
 * 05 June 1993 (BFBS): Dal Heb Fy Nal (v/a album - Ap Elvis) Ankst
 * 19 June 1993: Dal Heb Fy Nal (Various Artists CD - Ap Elvis) Ankst