Beaux Gris Gris and the Apocalypse 12/13 August 2025
Well, what a fantastic two gigs at the Muse presented by Mid Wales Rhythm and Blues Club. Two consecutive nights of Beaux Gris Gris and the Apocalypse.
I have seen the band before with a different line up, but I have to say with the new personnel on keyboards, bass and drums, they were on fire.
This band has transformed into a great lively melodic blusy rocky great musical unit. You are compelled to move some part of your body when they take the stage.
They have light and shade energy, quality, and truly entertain.
I had the great pleasure of being M C to introduce the band two nights in a row Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th July 2025, and I was firstly truly impressed by the person that gels the band and makes it tick.
That is none other than Greta Valenti from Louisiana USA. What a bundle of energy and presence she is! Controlling the flow of the band and belting out a bluesy rocker or a laid-back ballad as a truly great passionate singer and with a cheeky smile she is a consummate performer.
Both nights in stiflingly hot weather, she ruled the stage and forayed into the eager fans as they sang along, echoing they’re by now, many well-known favourite songs.
‘Don’t Let the Bastards Get You Down’ is now seemingly the anthem song for Beaux Gris Gris and the Apocalypse.
We had the crisp rhythm work and out-front soloing of her husband Robin Davey, who is not afraid of venturing out into the crowd to solo and connect with the audience.
The rhythm backline were Charlie Kay and Kev ‘ the hair’ Hickman. (Sorry about that Kev if you are reading this!) These two were so tight and I enjoyed seeing that connection and interaction between the two musicians, who were smiling and grooving as one. The energy and commitment to each song was undeniable.
The addition of keyboard player Jack Herbert has really taken the band to another level in my opinion. He brought an energy and musical dexterity to the music and again there was joy in his playing. His soloing complemented the guitar soloing of Robin Davey.
There you have it, a great musical event for MWRB Club and a great showcase for Brecon as a music town.
Great respect to Angus Kings for all the effort and time in getting the band back to Brecon for the 4th & 5th occasion.
It was the first time we have had a band for two consecutive nights and many of the fans stayed overnight and had a second helping, which probably included a helping of the lip-smacking street food provided outside The Muse by Charlie and Dave’s Orange Mobile Kitchen.
Ian Keddle aided by Jonathan Morris on those nights, provided as usual his excellent talent of ‘twiddling the knobs’ as I call it His patience and knowledge setting up the sound was great as usual.
Thanks to Ruth at the Muse and bar staff. Robin on the door and Barry zooming in to take photos and all those who contributed especially their fans made the weekend a great success.
Written by Paul Keddle with images taken by Barry Hill…
