This August, KU Stockton will welcome a true indie icon—Gruff Rhys, the lead singer of the Welsh psychedelic band Super Furry Animals.
Rhys is performing in support of his latest album, Sadness Sets Me Free. With an incredible 35-year career and this being his 25th album, fans can expect a mix of new tracks and a rich selection of hits from his extensive catalogue.
Born in Haverfordwest, Gruff Rhys is not just a musician but a multifaceted artist—composer, producer, filmmaker, and author. He gained mainstream recognition in the 1990s with Super Furry Animals, particularly after signing with Creation Records and releasing their debut album Fuzzy Logic in 1996. The band continued their success with albums like Radiator (1997), Guerrilla (1999), and the Welsh-language album Mwng (2000). Their last release to date is Dark Days/Light Years from 2009.
Beyond Super Furry Animals, Rhys formed the electro-pop duo Neon Neon with Boom Bip, whose album Stainless Style was nominated for the 2008 Mercury Prize. Rhys also won the 2011 Welsh Music Prize for his solo work Hotel Shampoo. His 2014 project American Interior expanded into a film, book, and mobile app. Rhys is a key figure in the Cool Cymru movement, alongside notable names like Cerys Matthews and Manic Street Preachers.
Released through Rough Trade Records, Sadness Sets Me Free has received high praise. Critics describe it as “stoical and proactive,” and Pete Paphides highlights its unique quality of being “disconcerting and comforting.” Major publications like Metacritic, Uncut, The Irish Times, and Mojo have also commended the album.
While the special guests for the night are yet to be announced, KU Stockton’s reputation precedes it. Located on Prince Regent Street, the venue is a cornerstone of Stockton’s live music scene, having hosted renowned acts like Arctic Monkeys, The 1975, and Reverend and The Makers, while also supporting emerging local talent.
