Back in 2018, the Steelhouse Mountain was already a proving ground for future legends – and that year, Bridgend’s finest, Those Damn Crows, strutted onto the stage with fire in their bellies and something to prove. Little did we know… this was the beginning of something truly special. 🤘
🐣 The Humble Debut – 2018: A Band on the Rise
Those Damn Crows were still relatively unknown outside of South Wales when they were added to the Steelhouse bill. But the moment Shane Greenhall gripped the mic and the band roared into life, the valleys echoed with new power. They weren’t just another new act – they were on a mission.
🎶 Tracks like “Fear of the Broken” and “Rock ’n’ Roll Ain’t Dead” lit up the mountain like wildfire. The audience – many seeing them for the first time – were drawn in by the raw energy, tight musicianship, and undeniable charisma.
It wasn’t just a set – it was a statement.
🗣️ “They came on like they’d been headlining for years. By the time they finished, they’d earned every cheer.” – overheard in the crowd
🛤️ Climbing the Ranks
After that 2018 set, the Crows’ rise was meteoric – more albums, bigger stages, and eventually headlining their own arena shows. But fans and the band alike often look back on Steelhouse 2018 as the turning point. The year the mountain welcomed them with open arms… and never let go.
From opening slots to main stage thunder, the Crows became a Steelhouse staple – returning to even bigger crowds, bigger cheers, and eventually claiming headliner status in 2024. What began as a humble debut has become a Steelhouse success story of legend.
🐉 Legacy on the Mountain
Steelhouse isn’t just about who you are – it’s about what you bring. And in 2018, Those Damn Crows brought passion, grit, and pure Welsh heart.
They’ve since gone on to fly the flag for Welsh rock around the world, but they never forget where they earned their wings.
🎤 From rookies to rock royalty – the mountain remembers.
🎸 Crowd Reaction (2018)
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Fan Favourites:
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“Blink of an Eye”
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“Someone Someday”
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“Don’t Give a Damn”
🏔️ Welsh Saying of the Set:
“Bendigedig!” – It means magnificent… and that’s exactly what it was.
Got any memories of the Crows’ first flight at Steelhouse 2018? Share ‘em on the forums, butt! 🐉📣
#ThoseDamnCrows #Steelhouse2018 #MountainLegends #CrowsOnTheRise #BendigedigRock #FromSupportToStormers #WelshRockRoyalty #FearOfTheBroken #TidySet #CmonWales #RockAintDead
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Absolutely, butt! Let’s trace the full flightpath of Those Damn Crows from their Steelhouse Festival debut in 2018 to their headline dominance in 2024 – with stops at other massive festivals and landmark gigs along the way. Strap in – this is the rise of Welsh rock royalty. 🏔️🐦🔥
🐣 2018 – First Steps on the Mountain
Steelhouse Festival: First-ever appearance – mid-afternoon slot, but they played like headliners.
🎵 Key Songs: “Blink of an Eye,” “Don’t Give a Damn,” “Fear of the Broken”
👥 Fanbase: Word-of-mouth explosion post-performance
📍 Other Gigs:
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Camden Rocks Festival
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Headline shows at local venues like Hobos Bridgend & The Globe Cardiff
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First UK tour dates supporting The Bad Flowers
🔥 Milestone: Release of debut album “Murder and the Motive”
“They weren’t just a band from Bridgend anymore – they were a band to watch.”
🐓 2019 – Wings Spread Wide
Steelhouse Festival: Returned stronger, higher on the bill – the buzz was building
🎵 Key Songs: “Long Time Dead,” “Behind These Walls”
🎤 Other Festivals:
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Download Festival (Dogtooth Stage – massive reception!)
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Ramblin’ Man Fair
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Planet Rockstock
📍 Touring: -
Support for Skindred
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UK headline shows drawing bigger crowds each month
🔥 Milestone: Signed to Earache Records
“By the end of the year, they weren’t just on the radar – they were circling the skies.”
🚀 2020 – Ready to Soar (Then Grounded)
Steelhouse Festival: Cancelled due to COVID 😔 – a missed chance, but momentum kept building
🔥 Milestone: Released second album “Point of No Return” (Top 20 UK Album Chart!)
🎵 Anthems: “Set in Stone,” “Who Did It”
🎥 Digital Presence:
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Online shows
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Acoustic livestreams keeping fans engaged
📍 Planned Gigs: -
Download
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Steelhouse
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Slam Dunk
(All cancelled/postponed)
“The pandemic clipped their wings, but the Crows kept flying – digitally.”
🧨 2021 – Back with a Vengeance
Steelhouse Festival: Live return to the mountain! Emotional set, big crowd singalongs
🎵 Fan Moments: “Never Win,” “Go Get It” became warcries
📍 Other Festivals:
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Download Pilot
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Rockstock
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Headline shows with COVID restrictions
🔥 Milestone: Sold out Tramshed Cardiff
“The mountain roared with them – a band that had grown through the chaos.”
🎯 2022 – From Contenders to Champions
Steelhouse Festival: Main support – one step away from headlining
🎵 Notable Tracks: “Wake Up,” “Be You”
🎤 Other Festivals:
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Download Festival (Second Stage)
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Rockstock
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Bloodstock (surprise set!)
📍 Touring: -
Major UK tour with Massive Wagons
🔥 Milestone: International fanbase began to grow – especially in Germany and the Netherlands
“They were no longer rising stars. They were the real deal.”
🎆 2023 – Europe Conquered, UK on Lock
Steelhouse Festival: Special guest slot – crowd bigger than the headliner for many!
🎤 Other Highlights:
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Wacken Open Air (Germany)
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Graspop Metal Meeting (Belgium)
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Planet Rock Winter’s End
📍 Tours: -
Full UK headline tour – Cardiff, Birmingham, Manchester, Glasgow – all buzzing
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Played Dunraven Brewery Field in Bridgend – homecoming gig of dreams
🔥 Milestone: Started teasing third album
“The Crows had outgrown the club circuit – now they ruled the stage.”
👑 2024 – Steelhouse Headliners at Last
Steelhouse Festival: HEADLINERS. 🏔️🔥 From openers in 2018 to rulers of the mountain in 2024
🎵 Set Highlights: “Takedown,” “This Time I’m Ready,” “Man on Fire”
📍 Other Festivals:
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Main Stage – Download Festival UK
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Rock am Ring (Germany)
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Resurrection Fest (Spain)
🔥 Milestone: Release of third album (title TBA) – biggest and boldest yet
🎥 Media Buzz: -
BBC Introducing feature
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Rock Sound cover story
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Kerrang! album of the week
“C’mon Wales!” roared the crowd – louder than the amps.
🛫 2025 and Beyond – Still Rising
The future’s wide open. Rumours swirl about a US tour, fourth album demos, and more European domination. But they’ll always be Steelhouse’s Crows – born in the valleys, forged on the mountain.
🐉 Full Circle: The Mountain Remembers
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2018 – Mid-bill mystery
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2024 – Headlining heroes
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2025+ – Where next? Arenas? Stadiums?
🎤 Crowd Chant Then vs Now:
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2018: “Who are these guys? They’re bloody class!”
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2024: “Those Damn Crows – Kings of the Mountain!” 👑🏔️🐦
🏴 Welsh Saying Recap:
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“C’mon Wales!” – now a rallying cry heard at every gig
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“Tidy, butt!” – the standard review from the moshpit
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“Bendigedig!” – what we all said after their 2024 set
