Budgie is a Welsh hard rock band founded in Cardiff, Wales, by bassist Burke Shelley in 1967, with Ray Philips (drums) and Tony Bourge (guitar). The group played an important role in establishing heavy metal and making it more prominent. They released their first album, Budgie, in 1971. Philips left in 1973, to be replaced briefly by Pete Boot, and in 1975 by Steve Williams.