A folk-rock band whose latest release reached number two in the official UK Folk Album Charts are making their debut in Cwmbran.
Caldicot’s Rusty Shackle are in the lineup for Crow Fest, a music festival at Cwmbran Stadium on Saturday 19 July 2025 (ticket link in the comments)
Cwmbran Life caught up with Rusty Shackle’s Scott McKeon.
He said: “We’ve been knocking around for a good few years. If you want to pigeonhole us, we’re folk-rock music, like pop’y folk rock.
“We’re upbeat, very lively. We’ve got banjos, fiddles, guitars, drums and all the rest.
“I don’t think we’ve ever played Cwmbran. We’ve done Newport, Cardiff and what not, but bypassed Cwmbran, so this is our debut.”
I asked him what the Crow Fest crowd can expect from Rushy Shackle’s first performance in the town.
The fiddle and banjo player said: “If a crowd’s not our own, we try and throw everything at it with high energy and get everyone on board
“We don’t take things too seriously.”
The band’s website says: “Hailing from diverse backgrounds between rock, folk and indie, they converge to create a harmonious explosion of sound. With heartfelt lyrics, infectious melodies, and exhilarating live shows, they have carved their mark in the music world. Prepare to be captivated by the irresistible force of Rusty Shackle.”
VIDEO: Rusty Shackle at Caldicot Castle
And after their final song, what does Scott expect the crowd to be doing?
He joked: “I expect them all to be queuing up to buy a vinyl or a single. No, I’m hoping they’ll be singing and dancing.”
Their album ‘Under a Bloodshot Moon’ made number two in the official UK Folk Album Charts
‘Loyal fan base’
Scott said: “We are a completely independent band, no label behind us. We spread the word to our brilliantly loyal fan base.”
Look out for their latest album, due to be released in October 2025.
This interview was carried out thanks to the support of the event’s organisers, Cwmbran Community Council.
Follow Rusty Shackle on Facebook and Instagram.
Buy tickets for Crow Fest 2025
Use this link to buy your tickets for Crow Fest 2025.