Florence Black's Tristan Thomas hails Budgie and Burke Shelley

Florence Black frontman Tristan Thomas has heaped praise on his musical heroes Budgie in the wake of Burke Shelley’s untimely death on Monday evening (10th January).

Speaking to Planet Rock, Merthyr Tydfil born Tristan Thomas explained that the musical might of fellow Welsh band Budgie inspired him to form a rock n’ roll three-piece.

However, Thomas told Liz Barnes that unlike many people of his generation who discovered Budgie through their records, he was introduced to them by original drummer Ray Phillips.

“I first heard of Budgie when I used to play cover bands when I was about 13 or 14, and the original drummer Ray Phillips… he’d seen us play in a club and he came up to me after the show asking to be in a band with him,” Thomas said.

“So, I started playing with him when I was about 15. It was called Ray Phillips’ Budgie and we used to play the old Budgie songs, Led Zeppelin songs, all the classics. We used to play up in Reading and all around the UK. He’s the one who showed me Budgie.

“They’re a three-piece as well, so the power they have from just the three of them really inspired me to want to be in a three-piece as well. So, I'd say they definitely inspired me a lot.”

Thomas continued: “I was shocked when (Phillips) came over to me and I found out who Budgie were. We used to practice like from 7 o'clock in the morning to 7 o’clock in the night, just constantly and getting things tight. He showed me a lot.”

Commenting on Burke Shelley’s sad passing, Thomas added: “Rest in peace Burke. I actually met him once in a conservative club, there was a band night and he was over by the bar drinking and I had to go over and say, ‘you’re one of my favourite bands ever!’

“He took the time to speak to me and, yeah, he seemed like a really cool guy. Such sad news.”

Florence Black regularly cover Budgie's 'Breadfan' at their live shows, including at Planet Rockstock 2021.

Florence Black’s Tristan Thomas on My Planet Rocks:

You can listen to Tristan Thomas’ full My Planet Rocks episode this coming Sunday evening (16th January) on Planet Rock at 7pm. The show is repeated on Wednesday 19th January at 9pm.

Listen to Planet Rock on DAB nationwide, on our free app, online, via your smart speaker (“Play Planet Rock”) and on Freesat.

Yesterday (11th January), Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich released a short statement praising Burke Shelley.

Sharing a photo of Shelley on his Instagram stories, Ulrich wrote: "Thank you Burke for everything you did for heavy music and much next level appreciation for co-writing and creating two songs that Metallica were honoured to record over the years, 'Breadfan' and 'Crash Course In Brain Surgery'."

Florence Black headline Steelhouse Away Day III at Tramshed Cardiff on Friday 8th April 2022. Tickets are on sale RIGHT HERE.

Florence Black and more rock Planet Rockstock 2021:

Listen to Planet Rock on DAB nationwide, on our free app, online, via your smart speaker (“Play Planet Rock”) and on Freesat.

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