Rocking and rolling in SA
VAN COKE KARTEL BOW OUT BUT FOKOFPOLISIEKAR RETURN LATER IN 2017
There are some live shows coming up that music fans should not miss.
It’s quite a thing to hit it big in South Africa’s fickle music market, especially on the rock scene. Add to that a band that’s Afrikaans and with a rebellious attitude and you’ve created a monster many ought not to want. But then Van Coke Kartel burst onto the scene 10 years ago.
Earlier this year the band called it quits, announced their farewell tour and didn’t have to say they were sorry. Loyal fans know the music lives on and, with the revival of Fokofpolisiekar coming later this year, the farewell tour was a time to appreciate the mania that was VCK.
Tomorrow night will mark the group’s last ever show in Cape Town.
The Jägermeister Presents: The Final Tour has been a huge success. Rumours Rock City in Randburg in Johannesburg was alive with mayhem earlier this month with over 1 000 people singing along to every lyric. Atterbury Theatre (in Pretoria) was sold-out in advance and by the time the band left the venue, all their merchandise (CDs, vinyl, shirts and hoodies) were sold out. Mystic Boer in Potchefstroom lapped up the last drop of VCK, leaving Francois van Coke with a bloodied shirt. This is rock and roll after all.
“It has been insane! We never expected the shows to be this well attended. People really came out to support and show their love for the band. Although every evening ended on a high note, there was also a sadness in the air. Seeing people this amped for the band does make the swansong on Friday evening difficult, but we will channel this positive energy into future projects,” says Wynand Myburgh, the bassist and band manager.
Their last show is at Mercury Live after five albums, three Samas and one EP. But VCK’s exit doesn’t mean the end of rock and roll in SA. The genre is emerging stronger than ever and here are some live shows you can’t miss.
LIEFDE BY DIE DAM
Okay, this is not only for rock fans, but the show will be headlined by Francois van Coke on August 6 at Emmarentia Dam.
Get your ticket and join Van Coke and Die Heuwels Fantasties, who are loved for their unique music and energetic live performances. Crowd favourite and Sama nominee, Majozi, returns this year with his foot stomping, electro indie rock and adding to this stellar line-up is the inspirational Tresor, and South Africa’s own rap superstar, JR.
Attendees were encouraged to donate their picnic blankets after the concert in 2016, and the tradition lives on this year.
BLOOD BROTHERS
The third-ever Blood Brothers is taking place this September. Known as South Africa’s first rock supergroup, this year there will be six new members joining in to create a party of rock and roll bliss at The Good Luck Bar in Johannesburg. The best news is that the show raises funds for Vrede Foundation which gives financial aid to young South Africans with cancer.
This year’s line-up includes veterans Francois van Coke, Albert Frost, Kobus De Kock Jnr and Jason Hinch with newcomers Garth Barnes, Hanu De Jong, Chris Van Der Walt, Jaco Mans, Jason Oosthuizen and Loandi Boersma. There will also be a few surprise guest performances.