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Saw Doctors
SAW Doctors' guitarist Leo Moran is keeping his fingers crossed there's a mini drought in North Wales next month.
The Irish folk band are returning to Dolgellau's Sesiwn Fawr festival - and Leo's hoping the event will be a little drier than their last visit.
He said: "I think it was about four or five years ago and it was one of the rainiest, wettest gigs we have ever done but the people stayed out in it for us, they were absolutely fantastic.
"It was a lovely festival for us and we are delighted to be going back for a second time. I didn't get to see much of the area last time but I did go fishing, it reminds me a bit of home."
The expected 15,000 festival-goers will see bands on six stages, with Sibrydion, Man and Huw Chiswell on the opening night. On Saturday the Saw Doctors will follow performances by Catrin O'Neill, Cowbois Rhos Botwnnog, Gwibdaith Hen Fran, Rhian Mostyn and four African bands.
Highlights will also be broadcast on S4C.
The Saw Doctors are regarded by many as one of the best live bands around and although they may have only recorded six studio albums their live shows have brought international renown.
"We've recorded a few albums but I think performing live is where we are more comfortable plus people think we're better live anyway, " said Leo.
"I absolutely love touring, it's preserving my youth. It's a wonderful way of living, there's no having to walk the dog or getting up in the mornings to put out the bins, it's great."
"You get to go to new places and meet new people every day".
Leo cites as his hero and his musical inspiration the American guitarist Bruce Springsteen.
"I love Springsteen, every time he's on stage he gives a masterclass. His songwriting and performances are brilliant, I've learned a lot from him.
"We have a solid base in the States - at the present time we go there and attract big crowds to big gigs. It's really worth our while going out there and performing."
The band were recently awarded with a lifetime achievement award in Ireland for their services to the music industry.
"I am very delighted with the award. It's great because the music we do is almost in our own area. We are on the peripheral to the main scene in the music industry."
The band received the award 20 years after they were first spotted in a small pub in Galway.
An area the band has yet to conquer is mainland Europe and asked whether or not this was an ambition of his, Leo replied: "Going to new places is always exciting. It's in our interests to go to new places but I'm happy with the way things are at the moment."
Sesiwn Fawr, Dolgellau, July 18-19.
Day tickets from £22, weekend £45, family weekend £99, from www.sesiwnfawr.co.uk or 08712 301314, plus Siop y Cymro, T Siamas, Dolgellau, Andy's Records, Aberystwyth, Cob Records, Bangor, and Awen Meirion, Bala
