Super Furry Animals Keyboardist Hits The High Notes
Super Furry Animals keyboardist Cian Ciaran played possibly the most unusual venue of his career when he staged a special concert – on top of a 200ft wind turbine.
And after the unique event, the keyboard player said the intimate gig highlighted important issues about the future of sustainable energy.
Cardiff-based Cian played his unique gig at the top of the turbine in Norfolk, performing songs from his latest solo album They Are Nothing Without Us.
“It was very interesting and enjoyable, I have to say,” he told WalesOnline after the gig.
“It was a bit foggy and so the view was not as vast as it might have been.
“There was hardly any breeze at ground level, but with the blades spinning up there, it was awe-inspiring to witness the power that can be generated by the wind.”
The Welshman’s new collection of songs takes broadsides at politicians and irresponsible corporations, pulling no punches in an uncompromising protest album.
With the gig Ciaran said he is keen to raise awareness of the alternatives to what he sees as outdated sources of electricity.
Performing to a maximum audience of 10 people, the musician and activist highlighted wind, solar and water energy sources as an alternative to nuclear and fossil fuel-burning power stations in a 30-minute concert at the top of a tower at the Ecotricity-owned turbine based in Swaffham, Norfolk.
The stripped back performance took place in a glass “donut” and employed the skills of surround sound specialist technician to create an unorthodox musical experience.
Cian said: “I don’t agree with the Government’s agenda of pulling us towards nuclear power.
“We should not go sleepwalking towards nuclear power.
“Instead, we should look more to the example being set by Germany, the most powerful country in Europe, which has rejected that course.”
He added: “Studies have shown that more jobs could be created by focusing on the renewables and energy efficiency sectors.
“Not only that, it is the cleanest source of energy, becoming cheaper to produce, is as competitive and is in endless supply.”