Carl Bevan, Musician and Artist, Dies at 51

It seems another ’90s rocker has left the building. Carl Bevan, the drummer of the punk rock band 60ft Dolls, has passed away at the tender age of 51. While some might say, “Who?” those of us who remember the gritty sounds of the ‘Cool Cymru’ movement are left to ponder the fleeting nature of fame and the enduring impact of art. Let’s dive into the life of this musician-turned-painter and see what lessons we can glean from his journey.

The Rise of 60ft Dolls

Carl Bevan, originally from Glynneath and raised in Newport, Wales, found his claim to fame as the drummer for 60ft Dolls in the 1990s. The band, part of the ‘Cool Cymru’ movement, made waves in the UK music scene with their punk rock sound and energetic performances.

The 60ft Dolls weren’t just another garage band. They supported heavyweight acts like Oasis and others, and even graced the stage at Glastonbury. Their 1996 album “The Big 3” reached the top 40, solidifying their place in the British rock pantheon. However, like many bands of the era, their time in the spotlight was short-lived, and they split in 1998.

Today we learned the incredibly sad news of the passing of hugely talented artist and 60ft Dolls drummer Carl Bevan.

Here is @asoundreaction's interview with Carl from 2020 where he talks about his career in music and reawakening his love of arthttps://t.co/2GbrBszQoL

— Nation.Cymru (@NationCymru) August 9, 2024

From Drummer to Painter

Years after his time as a drummer for the band, Bevan transitioned to becoming a landscape artist in 2018. Working from a studio in Cardiff, he found a new passion in capturing the beauty of Welsh landscapes on canvas. It’s a reminder that creativity knows no bounds and that it’s never too late to reinvent oneself.

Legacy and Loss

Bevan’s passing was announced by his partner Bev on social media, leaving fans and fellow musicians in shock. He is survived by his daughter Connie, a testament to the personal life he built beyond the stage lights.

Tributes poured in from various quarters, including his father Ray and former bandmates. In a post on Facebook, Ray said, “I will miss you Carl, I’m so proud of you.”

The music community in South Wales, in particular, felt the loss keenly, with bands like Jump the Underground expressing their sorrow and acknowledging Bevan’s influence on their work.

As we reflect on Carl Bevan’s life, we’re reminded of the transformative power of art and the importance of finding one’s true calling, regardless of age or past successes. From the drumkit to the easel, Bevan’s journey shows us that it’s not about how long you stay in the spotlight, but about the passion you bring to your craft.

In closing, let’s raise a glass to Carl Bevan – drummer, painter, and a true embodiment of the creative spirit. May his rhythms echo and his canvases shine on.