Two established South Wales alternative acts from the 2000s era are set to reunite for a charitable fundraiser later this year.
Last of the Okinawa Fighters and Life!
Death!
Prizes!
will take to the stage at Brynmawr Rugby Club on Saturday, September 12.
The two groups, which formed part of the backbone of Blaenau Gwent’s underground music circuit between 2002 and 2006, are staging their comeback sixteen years after their original dissolution.
The reunion marks a special occasion, with the event organised to mark band member Fergus Rogers’ fortieth birthday.
Those confirmed for the lineup include Chris Tookey, Angus Rogers, and Fergus Rogers, who will be joined on stage by former members Chris Peet and James White.
The musicians have been preparing since January to revisit their earlier catalogue of material.
The gathering aims to recapture the communal spirit that characterised the regional alternative scene during the mid-2000s period.
A portion of proceeds from the evening will support the UK Stroke Association.
The charitable cause holds particular significance for the Rogers family following their father’s stroke diagnosis last year.
Supporting acts on the diverse bill comprise Moonface the Mage, an acoustic performer who emerged from the original FOAD era and currently tours across South Wales, Corned Beef, a dedicated Reuben tribute act reforming exclusively for this occasion, and Polgar, a recently formed project featuring respected South Wales singer Harriet Whitehead.
Entry to the event carries no charge, with contributions gathered both during the evening and via digital channels.
Co-organiser Gus Rogers commented that the evening provides an opportunity for those who participated in the local scene during its peak years alongside newcomers to alternative music to unite as a community while supporting a worthwhile cause.
Both groups originally emerged from the FOAD production collective, which delivered weekly punk, metal, and alternative showcases throughout Blaenau Gwent throughout the 2002-2006 period.