Budgie

Budgie are a Welsh rock band from Cardiff, South Glamorgan. They are widely considered as one of the first heavy metal bands and a seminal influence to many acts of that scene.

Budgie formed in 1967 in Cardiff, Wales under the name Hills Contemporary Grass. Their original line-up consisted of Burke Shelley (b. John Burke Shelley, 10 April 1947, Tiger Bay, Cardiff, South Glamorgan, Wales) on vocals and bass, Tony Bourge (b. Anthony James Bourge, 24 November 1948, Tiger Bay, Cardiff, South Glamorgan, South Wales) on guitar and vocals, and Ray Phillips (b. Raymond John Phillips, 1 March 1949, Tiger Bay, Cardiff, South Glamorgan, South Wales) on drums. After performing several gigs in 1968, the band changed their name to Budgie the following year and recorded their first demo then.

Current members are: Burke Shelley - Bass, Vocals; Steve Williams - Drums; Craig Goldy - Guitar

Former members: Tony Bourge - Guitar; Ray Phillips - Drums (1967-1973); Pete Boot; "Big" John Thomas; Simon Lees - Guitar (2003-2007); Rob Kendrick - Guitar; Andy Hart