Gruff Rhys

Gruff Rhys
Rhys in 2015
Background information
Birth nameGruffudd Maredudd Bowen Rhys
Born (1970-07-18) 18 July 1970
Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, Wales
OriginBethesda, Wales
Occupation(s)Musician, songwriter, filmmaker, author, producer
Instrument(s)Guitar, vocals, keyboard, saz, harmonica, drums, bass
Years active1988–present
LabelsTurnstile, Rough Trade, Team Love
Member of
Formerly ofFfa Coffi Pawb
Websitegruffrhys.com
EducationYsgol Dyffryn Ogwen
Alma materManchester Metropolitan University
FatherIoan Bowen Rees

Gruffudd Maredudd Bowen Rhys (Welsh pronunciation: [ˈɡrɨ̞fɨ̞ð maˈrɛdɨ̞ð ˈbowɛn ˈr̥ɨːs]; born 18 July 1970) is a Welsh musician, composer, producer, filmmaker and author. He performs solo and with several bands, including Super Furry Animals, which obtained mainstream success in the 1990s. He formed the electro-pop outfit Neon Neon with Boom Bip. Their album Stainless Style was nominated for the 2008 Nationwide Mercury Prize. He won the 2011 Welsh Music Prize for his album Hotel Shampoo, which was followed up by American Interior in 2014, accompanied by a film, a book and a mobile app. His most recent album, Sadness Sets Me Free, was released in 2024. He is considered a figurehead of the era known as Cool Cymru.