Fans of Gavin and Stacey may recognize Oscar Hartland, known on screen as Neil the Baby, for his heartfelt performance of The Beatles’ “Blackbird” during the sitcom’s 2024 Christmas finale.
The episode was watched by approximately 12.3 million people on Christmas Day and featured Hartland’s character serenading wedding guests at the nuptials of his on-screen father, Smithy, played by James Corden.
Yet that performance was only the beginning for Hartland, now 17, who says his band aims to become “the next Stereophonics, or something along those lines.”
He has recently released a new single, and he and his bandmates are on a mission to create a fresh, modern sound for Wales.
Hartland, from Machen in Caerphilly county, said his latest release, “Wild Bull,” is rooted in “being a bit crazy” and the challenges of growing up in the South Wales valleys.
The actor and singer embarked on his first tour in 2025, describing the past several months as a process of “figuring out the earth behind the sound” with bandmates Cayden Hughes on bass, Aiden Williams on drums, and Deacon Ball on electric guitar.
“We’ve had lots of people say it’s rocky, but it’s Welsh and has plenty of substance behind it,” he told Lucy Owen on BBC Radio Wales.
“Growing up, I was a wild bull. I was just out of control at school, out and about, playing rugby, being wild and crazy. I know plenty of friends who are exactly the same.”
“It is very difficult for a young person, especially in the Welsh valleys, to stay out of trouble when there is so much mischief to get into.”
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