Ones To Watch: Fireroad
The 24th band to step into the spotlight in our weekly Ones To Watch showcase are Welsh Valleys rockers Fireroad.
Richard Jones (lead vocals, guitar), Gavin Davies (guitar, vocals), Anthony 'Evsy' Evans (bass, vocals) and Matthew Whitney (drums, vocals).
Formed in 2012 in the Valleys, South Wales by vocalist and band lynchpin Richard Jones, rock quartet Fireroad serve up authentic, highly infectious anthems that, satisfyingly, pack a hefty lyrical punch too.
Already in their six-year career they’ve released an album to considerable plaudits (2012’s ‘I Got Sound’), toured with their fellow countrymen and kindred spirits Stereophonics together with rock legends Lynyrd Skynyrd in North America, and stormed events including Steelhouse Festival and our very own Planet Rockstock and Winter’s End.
Having released their second album ‘Flesh, Blood & Bone’ via a very limited release in 2017, the band are poised to release a Special Edition of the record in the autumn of this year complete with bonus material. The concept record is based on the life of Welsh boxer Johnny Owen – aka the Merthyr Matchstick – who tragically died aged 24 in 1980 after challenging Mexican boxer Lupe Pintor for the Bantamweight title.
“This isn’t the story of his untimely death, this is the story of his passion for LIFE with the focus being on Johnny’s work ethic, his positive nature and his drive to succeed,” comments Richard Jones. “Themes of struggle, pain, hope, leading to positivity and redemption are running through the songs.
“Sometimes people have to fight just to get out of bed in the morning and my lyrics are reflecting on personal issues as well as how we see ourselves. It’s about having the strength to get back on your feet when you are knocked down.”
Ahead of the album’s release, Fireroad have premiered the lyric video for feel-good current single ‘Your Summer Sun’, a song about “the warmth that people are capable of giving to each other.”
You can catch Fireroad at the following upcoming shows:
MARCH 2018
Belfast SSE Arena – Thu 15th (w/ Stereophonics)
Dublin 3Arena – Fri 16th (w/ Stereophonics)
Evesham The Iron Road – Fri 23rd
Swindon Swiss Chalet – Sat 24th
Aberdare Aman Tavern – Fri 30th
Abertillery The Dolls House – Sat 31st
APRIL 2018
Leicester Firebug – Fri 27th
JUNE 2018
Wrexham Racecourse – Sat 2nd (w/ Stereophonics)
Cardiff City Stadium – Sat 9th (w/ Stereophonics)
Keep up to date with Fireroad by visiting their official website of following them on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.