THE owner of the popular music venue The Dragonffli, in Pontypool, is set to make a return to playing seven years after his last gig.

Nick Byrne last played a gig at the venue when it was called the Hog and Hosper, back in 2012.

He said the timing felt right to perform again.

“I thought that I hadn’t done anything in a long time, and I was starting to feel the need to go out and give it a go.

“I’ve been playing since I was 16.

“Ever since I bought the venue, I have also had a full-time job, so it has been hard to find the time to play.

“It was like I had given up on it.

“One of the main things that got me back in to it was hearing Slaves play at my venue last year.

“I couldn’t believe it. There were people from all over the country coming to see them in this small venue in Pontypool. I was talking with them about playing almost all day.

“I picked up my guitar and started playing again about three or four months ago.

“I want to play some stuff that I haven’t played live before, and see if people like it.”

Mr Byrne will be performing with TREP, and will be supported by Lazarus Moon and The Revelators.

“When I was getting back in to playing, I didn’t have a band,” said Mr Byrne. “TREP play at The Dragonffli quite often, and they suggested that they back me up.

“They are probably one of my favourite bands that I have seen play at the venue, so it is great to be playing with them.

“The other two bands also play at mine quite a lot.

“Lazarus Moon asked to support me. I said to them that I should be the one supporting them.

“I’ve ended up headlining the night, so the pressure is on!”

The gig, held on Friday at 7pm, will raise money for an Ataxia charity.

“I met someone who had Ataxia,” explained Mr Byrne. “I hadn’t heard of it before, so I decided to put this gig on to raise awareness of the condition.”

Entry is free, but donations are being collected on the door.

More information can be found here.