The singing security guard performing lockdown gigs at Cardiff Castle
Cardiff, Wales May 16 2020
A security guard has joined the likes of Manic Street Preachers, The Killers and Paul Weller in performing at Cardiff Castle.
But unfortunately for Jodie Daniels there hasn’t been the same sort of crowds the castle’s previous gigs have attracted.
That’s because the castle is currently closed during the coronavirus lockdown and the castle is currently only accessible to staff.
Like many other Cardiff council workers, Jodie has been redeployed during the pandemic.
He has spent the last seven years working as a tour guide at Cardiff Castle but is now working as a security guard at the historic venue.
During shifts in his new role, Jodie, from Roath, has been able to take full advantage of the quiet setting and the building’s acoustics to practice his music.
The 34-year-old has covered classics like Come Together by The Beatles in parts of the castle that aren’t usually accessible to the public and has shared videos of his music on YouTube.
Jodie, who works as a musician alongside his council job, said: “The response I had has been incredible.
“I’ve performed at venues all over Cardiff, but I never imaged the castle would be one of them.”
As well as gigging at the castle, being a security guard there is a far cry from Jodie’s usual day job.
Jodie said: “Music and working at Cardiff Castle are two huge parts of my life, but the transition from taking tours and singing to working through the night was slightly daunting at first,” he said.
“I will admit it can be slightly unnerving late at night on patrol when these old buildings tend to make most of their usual scary sounds.
“I’m used to the castle being packed with people, and I’m a bit scared of the dark. But I’ve settled into the role more now.
“Being tasked as extra night security, I was keen to use my time wisely and use some of the inspiring rooms – which are fabulous for natural acoustics.
“I never thought the videos would be as popular as they have. My Facebook has blown up with people getting in touch.”
Peter Bradbury, cabinet member for culture and leisure, said: “We’re grateful to Jodie and the hundreds of staff across the council who have been redeployed into new roles for stepping up to the challenges posed by Covid-19.
“Cardiff Castle is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Wales, welcoming hundreds of thousands of people from across the world every year and we’re looking forward to it re-opening when this is all over.
“In the meantime, it’s good to see that not only is the castle being kept secure 24 hours a day, it’s also still hosting events, even if they are on a slightly smaller scale than usual.”
