Big Buzz In The Bay

On This Day 27/07/2003 Marc Almond

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On this day, 27 July 2003 former Soft Cell singer Marc Almond played Cardiff’s Big Buzz Festival.

Almond first began performing and recording in the synthpop/new wave duo Soft Cell where he became known for his distinctive soulful voice and androgynous image. He has also had a diverse career as a solo artist. His collaborations include a duet with Gene Pitney on the 1989 UK number one single "Something's Gotten Hold of My Heart".

Almond's career spanning over four decades has enjoyed critical and commercial acclaim, and he has sold over 30 million records worldwide. He spent a month in a coma after a near-fatal motorcycle accident in 2004 and later became a patron of the brain trauma charity Headway.

He was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 2018 New Year Honours for services to arts and culture.

Setlist

Tears Run Rings

The Days of Pearly Spencer

(David McWilliams cover)

Something's Gotten Hold of My Heart

(Gene Pitney cover)

Adored and Explored

Tainted Love

(Gloria Jones cover)

Say Hello, Wave Goodbye


Review - BBC Wales

Big Buzz in the Bay

Thousands gathered in Cardiff on Sunday for BBC Radio Wales' annual Big Buzz event.

Chart topping stars Sinead Quinn from last year's Fame Academy, Blazin' Squad, D-Side and the Fastfood Rockers will be performing at the free event in Cardiff Bay.

And an exclusive set was played by Marc Almond from 80s band Soft Cell.

This is the fourth year the event has been held as part of Cardiff Festival.

As part of the day live music was played by Welsh bands including Hot Puppies, Squeezebox, and Noisecandy.

There was also DJ workshops, a busking stage, motorcycle stunts and sumo wrestling.

The event was hosted by BBC Radio Wales presenters Kevin Hughes, John Lenney, Alan Thompson and Lynda Lewis, plus others across the afternoon including Chris Needs, Adam Walton and Howard Griffiths.

Fame Academy's Sinead Quinn was in the line-up

"This is the fourth Big Buzz we have held in Cardiff and it's getting bigger and better every time," said Kevin Hughes, BBC Wales Top 40 Chart presenter.

"It's one of the highlights of my year and is proving to be a highlight of the Cardiff Festival.

Winners of the Battle of the Bands competition, Little Kishky, the pop rock combo from Caerphilly are looking forward to the event.

"This is a fantastic opportunity for an up-and-coming band to gain some much-needed publicity and exposure," said event producer Paul Forde.

"The Big Buzz at Cardiff Festival also gives local groups and up and coming talent the chance to showcase their talents on the same stage as the more established artists - it's a fantastic opportunity," said Mr Forde.

The Cardiff Festival is a major highlight of the city's summer calendar and has been running for the past 17 years.

"Cardiff Council's partnership with BBC Radio Wales is now in its third year," said Marion Drake, deputy leader of the council.

"Radio Wales Big Buzz at the Cardiff Festival gives young people of Cardiff and the surrounding areas the opportunity to see big name acts and for up-and-coming talent to perform alongside these artists in the wonderful Cardiff Bay setting," she said.