Family of Ail Symudiad singer Richard Jones reveal cause of death in emotional message

The family of musician Richard Jones have posted an emotional message on social media to let people know the cause of his death.

He passed away in July just a month after his brother Wyn who was a fellow member of the much loved group, Ail Symudiad (Second Movement).

The message read: “I’m sad to report that dad/Richard died of sudden and catastrophic complications due to undiagnosed liver cancer.

“This has been another huge and upsetting shock for us as a family, and hard to comprehend he would’ve had cancer at the same time as Wyn. But at least we have an answer as to why we lost dad so suddenly, and are thankful he didn’t suffer for a long time.

“We’d like to thank everyone again for their continued support.”

The message was signed “Ann, Dafydd + Osian x”

The brothers founded the group in Cardigan in 1978, releasing a number of records over 40 years while building up a loyal audience.

They also set up an independent  record label and a recording studio in the town.

Among their most popular songs were Garej Paradwys, Twristiaid yn y Dre, Llwyngwair a Geirau.

Richard was lead singer for the band and played guitar while Wyn played bass.

Ail Symudiad was a pioneering band and one of the first from the area to play punk rock.

The brothers helped several generations of Welsh bands find their feet with their record label, Fflach,  and its offshoot, Rasp, which gave a guiding hand to new and emerging artists like Y Ffug, Bromas, MC Mabon and Swci Boscawen.

They were also rewarded for their long-standing commitment to Welsh music when they were inducted to the Gorsedd of Bards at the 2017 National Eisteddfod on Anglesey.

‘Tribute’ 

At the time of Richard’s death, broadcaster Richard Rees said: “It’s incredible – just five short weeks ago we were in the same situation paying tribute to Wyn.

“I spoke quite a bit to Rich after that – I saw him a fortnight ago and  he was clearly feeling the loss badly.

“He said at the time it was like losing an arm.

“Of course, nobody knew then we would also be losing Rich within a few weeks”

Richard Rees says their deaths were a loss not just for Cardigan but for the whole of Wales.