Y Bandana
Welsh alternative rock band
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Y Bandana are a Welsh language alternative rock band that formed in Caernarfon in 2008.[1] The band is composed of brothers Tomos Owens (keyboard) and Siôn Owens (bass guitar), their cousin Gwilym Bowen Rhys (lead vocals, guitar) and Robin Jones (percussion).[1] They are known for combining humorous lyrics with catchy melodies.[2][3]
Y Bandana | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Caernarfon, Wales |
| Genres | Alternative rock |
| Years active | 2008–2016 |
| Label | Copa (imprint of Sain) |
| Members | Tomos Owens Siôn Owens Gwilym Bowen Rhys Robin Jones |
| Website | http://www.myspace.com/ybandana |
The band have achieved great success in the Welsh language rock scene and have been the recipients of numerous awards, including awards from the Welsh-language magazine "Y Selar" for best song three years running ("Cân y Tân" 2010, "Wyt ti'n nabod Mr Pei?" 2011, "Heno yn yr Anglesey" 2012) and best band three times in 2010, 2011 and 2012 as well as the award for best single 2012.[4][5][additional citation(s) needed] They featured frequently at the Maes B festival during the annual National Eisteddfod, with their ninth consecutive - and final - appearance in August 2016 at Abergavenny.[6][7] Shortly before the Eisteddfod, the band announced they would disband at the end of the year, with their last gig performed in their hometown in October 2016.[8]
They have since performed at a reunion gig in the National Eisteddfod 2026.
The band was awarded in four categories in 'Gwobrau'r Selar 2016': Best Band; Best Song - Cyn i'r lle ma gau; Best Album - Fel Tôn Gron; Best Artwork - Fel Tôn Gron.[9]
Robin Jones is now a member of the band Bwncath. Gwilym Bowen Rhys is also a member of the folk band Plu with his sisters Elan and Marged,[10] and his first solo album came out in August 2016. Siôn Owens was also a member of the band Umaar and now often performs with Bwncath.