Welsh powerhouse Rockabye Reaper have decided to release a rock ballad written with bandmate Dan Clarke before his sudden and tragic passing in July, in honour of his memory.
Dan was a very talented pianist. He started out as a stagehand for his childhood musical idol Howard Jones. Howard noticed his musical talent and one day invited him to support him on his UK Tour. This further developed into an invitation to formally join Howard’s band on a full time basis. In the following years, Dan would travel the world with Howard playing to thousands. Later linking up with his old friend Keeley and after hearing early demo tapes of Rockabye Reaper tracks, Dan would become a full time member. Dan’s impact on Rockabye Reaper was profound as he came with an abundance of talent and contributed so much to the band.
The video contains actual footage of Dan performing the track at The Moon Club in Cardiff in April, which was part of a live performance video and was to be the last time performing live all together. The rest of the band decided to use the footage and create a video to honour him and the beautiful rock ballad he helped create. The second part of the video which was recorded in September, shows the band performing around an empty grand piano in an emotional tribute to their absent friend.
The song itself touches on grief and the longing for those that are no longer with us. It reflects on how you can have a bond so strong that even though you may not be able to see someone anymore, they never truly leave us. They simply walk through a door, awaiting us on the other side until we are ready to once again join them.
“The song is a ballad in memory of those lost before their time. When we miss those we have lost and they feel like they’re so far away, yet still so close, as if they are just the other side of the door. We cannot see them, or hear them, but we know they are still there. Just out of reach but still close enough to feel their presence.” – Rockabye Reaper
Formed in 2022, Rockabye Reaper have already caught the attention of the local scene with their debut single and music video, ‘Betrayal‘.
Rockabye Reaper have attracted considerable radio play, and received glowing reviews from the likes of BBC Radio Wales, named ‘Single of the Week‘ on TotalRock Radio, praise from countless local Rock Radio Stations and even reaching Spanish Rock Radio!
Rockabye Reaper’s debut single has received a glowing reception straight out the gate with streams, views and engagement not to be sniffed at.
Rockabye Reaper are busy refining their craft with recent live performances including SOS Festival and support slots with Benji Webbe (Skindred) and Leader of Down (Late Wurzel of Motorhead).
