Boanerges ... possibly the only Welsh language 1982 Christian Rock band in the world! Formed whilst they were in Theological College or attending courses at Aberystwyth University they performed all over Wales in venues ranging from Church Halls to Pubs to University Dances. They also put in an appearance on TV show 'SER2' the Welsh language "Top of the Pops' of its day.

Why this name?
Boanerges was a name chosen by Maldwyn Pryse that in Greek means "Sons of Thunder". The name also had a connection with one of the founding fathers of Welsh Presbyterianism called Daniel Rowlands, whose thunderous voice preached at many revivals in the eighteenth century.

Three of the band members eventually became... at least for a while... Welsh Presbyterian ministers. Merion Morris serves as a minister in the Welsh Presbyterian Church, Maldwyn Pryse was for a while a minister in Mid-Wales before taking on a school Principal position, yours truly (Adrian) now ministers in West Virginia.

Geraint went into teaching, as did Susan, who continues to record, sing and perform amazing Christian Music in her homeland.

College being college folks came and went and Boanerges eventually mutated into a band called  'Tystion' featuring (again from left to right) Gwyn (who went on to play with myself on the Jester album) on drums, myself on Bass, Phil on keyboards, Maldwyn as the lead singer, Elgan Phillip (who had written some of the words to Boanerges songs) on vocals and guitar and Eurig

Thanks in a large part to Maldwyn's bustling and hustling Tystion got to contribute a couple of tracks to a Welsh language album of Christian artists called "Bywyd Newydd" (New Life). The album featured songs by established Welsh artists such as Tegwin Ifan, Arfon Wyn and the already mentioned Elgan Phillip.

A  spin off from the Boanerges/Tystion years came when I had a chance to record a song to raise funds for Christian Aid that focussed on the plight of Brazil's Street children. Awesomely coached by Susan it's the only time I've recorded in a language that was not my own!  I was delighted when the song was featured in a TV documentary on Welsh TV.  Click the pic to listen!