Tomos is the guitarist for Four Kicks - we asked him a few questions about being a wedding musician, and particularly one of North Wales’ most popular wedding bands - here’s what he had to say:
What was the thing that got you into music?
Finding Eric Clapton’s live album ‘24 Nights’ in my dad’s CDs box in the attic! Banger of a CD!`
Who are your musical influences?
A lot of people from a lot of genres! Iconic blues players like Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Eric Clapton and Peter Green. The most notable for me is probably Bruce Springsteen! He’s also influenced who I listen to these days… people like Sam Fender, Dave Hause, Brian Fallon (Gaslight Anthem).
What is your favourite song to play live?
Depends on the occasion! Something upbeat with a lot of guitar parts, probably! Bryn puts on his dancing shoes when we play Johnny B Goode or Footloose.
What do you enjoy most about playing live?
Seeing everyone have a great time! A gig is a lot easier when everyone is dancing!
What do you feel is the hardest thing about being a wedding musician?
Relearning the songs after a short break! Remembering that some of the songs are in different keys to the original etc. Just little things more than anything! Looking after Bryn too - he’s hard work sometimes!
Do you have any stand-out gigs that you've played in the past?
There are a few! A wedding in Rhosgoch in 2018 - Massive evening party with a load of farmers without shirts dancing on top of each others’ shoulders and not letting us finish the set! A recent gig in Nanhoron Arms, Nefyn too - The band was worrying that the turnout wouldn’t be great, and Ioan Gwyn forgot the mixer for the PA on Anglesey (lemon!). Luckily, a lot of people turned up before the set started and Ioan made it back in time! Everyone was dancing from the first to last songs!
If you could create and attend a dream gig with 3 acts, dead or alive, who would they be and why?
Bruce Springsteen, Sam Fender a George Harrison - That would be good, wouldn’t it?
Watch Four Kicks’ video below!
