The Darling Buds are an indie/alt/rock guitar band from Newport South Wales, led since 1986 by singer Andrea Lewis-Jarvis.
Formed in Newport, South Wales they gained recognition in the UK after their self released debut 7” was championed by John Peel leading to 3 ‘Peel Sessions’ and a major record contract with Sony/Epic. They released 3 well received albums that showcased the bands energy and appetite for evolving and developing their sound whilst honing their hook laden songwriting skills. Along with the various accompanying ep’s and a couple of actual hit singles this resulted in them becoming a successful and prolific touring band in the UK, Europe and the US, up until the early 90’s.
The band folded in 1994 when critical and artistic success couldn’t be replicated commercially, despite gaining a hardcore of devoted fans across the world.
Following a gap of 17 years and with all ex-members having moved on, and consigned the band into a dim and distant memory, fate presented an opportunity to play one more gig in tribute to a dear departed friend.
Re-energised by this, the band started accepting offers to play again and a sold out gig at London’s Borderline was ecstatically received and put to bed any misgivings about ‘comebacks’. Henceforth the Buds became a going concern once again, albeit as just an occasional gigging and recording outfit.
The band recorded a 4 track 10” ep of new material in 2017 for local indie label Odd Box and have played festivals in Europe and the US, as well as their sporadic but always hugely fun UK shows, and are currently working on finishing their 4th album which should see a release in 2025.
The Buds now consist of Andrea, Chaz Watkins and Matt Gray from the early 90’s line ups on guitars, Erik Stams on drums and Dave Corten on bass. Gigs are a rare but special treat so if you see them playing somewhere near you, get along!
Formed in Newport, South Wales they gained recognition in the UK after their self released debut 7” was championed by John Peel leading to 3 ‘Peel Sessions’ and a major record contract with Sony/Epic. They released 3 well received albums that showcased the bands energy and appetite for evolving and developing their sound whilst honing their hook laden songwriting skills. Along with the various accompanying ep’s and a couple of actual hit singles this resulted in them becoming a successful and prolific touring band in the UK, Europe and the US, up until the early 90’s.
The band folded in 1994 when critical and artistic success couldn’t be replicated commercially, despite gaining a hardcore of devoted fans across the world.
Following a gap of 17 years and with all ex-members having moved on, and consigned the band into a dim and distant memory, fate presented an opportunity to play one more gig in tribute to a dear departed friend.
Re-energised by this, the band started accepting offers to play again and a sold out gig at London’s Borderline was ecstatically received and put to bed any misgivings about ‘comebacks’. Henceforth the Buds became a going concern once again, albeit as just an occasional gigging and recording outfit.
The band recorded a 4 track 10” ep of new material in 2017 for local indie label Odd Box and have played festivals in Europe and the US, as well as their sporadic but always hugely fun UK shows, and are currently working on finishing their 4th album which should see a release in 2025.
The Buds now consist of Andrea, Chaz Watkins and Matt Gray from the early 90’s line ups on guitars, Erik Stams on drums and Dave Corten on bass. Gigs are a rare but special treat so if you see them playing somewhere near you, get along!