Simon Phillips

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We spoke to ex-gig promoter and music shop owner Simon Phillips about the role he played in putting on miners' benefit shows during 1984 and 1985.

Having run Rockaway Records in Newport Provisions Market for some five years before the miners' strike, he put together a group of people to put on shows in aid of Bedwas mine's food fund.

Simon was joined by Pete French, John Glennon, Steve Court and Nick Nine in developing the gigs and running them for 18 months - putting on a myriad of local bands in addition to some better known acts such as Billy Bragg, The Pogues and Red Lorry Yellow Lorry.

Watch the video and hear Simon recall some of the shows and analyse what happened in the wake of the gigs.


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