Eagles tribute to rock the Bay
Hell freezes over at Boardwalk
SOARING harmonies, intricate acoustic guitar delights and a songbook packed with hits combine as Centrestage “takes it to the limit” again by recreating the Hell Freezes Over magic of The Eagles at the Boardwalk amphitheatre tomorrow night.
The show is modelled on two of The Eagles famous reunion concerts – the 1994 concert, which band member Don Henley famously said (following an acrimonious break-up 13 years earlier) “would only happen when hell freezes over”, and their 2005 Farewell Tour, which featured beautiful updated arrangements of classic Eagles songs.
Andre Strydom plays the role of Timothy B Schmit, Wayne Kallis is Henley, Alan Kozak fronts as Joe Walsh and Sandy Robbie fills the shoes of Glen Frey, who died just under a year ago.
Robbie, who is also the show’s musical director, was the original guitarist for the South African all-girl group Clout, having played with the band famous for the song Substitute from 1978 to 1981, when they split up.
He is also in another Centrestage show this week – Saturday night’s Ultimate Sing-Along Rock ‘n Roll Party Show featuring the music of Status Quo and Creedence Clearwater Revival.
“Our biggest challenge was trying to get as close as possible to their incredibly tight harmony sound and distinctive voices,” Robbie, who moved to Port Elizabeth from Johannesburg two years ago, said.
“Their song-writing was phenomenal, producing among others one of the most classic rock songs of all time in Hotel California. I’m really enjoying the cohesive element which is present in the band lineup for this show.”
Percussionist/second keyboardist Devon van Rooyen said he particularly enjoyed playing Seven Bridges Road.
“This a great opportunity to shift the focus off the instruments and onto the vocals and is one of my favourite light/shade moments in the show,” he said.
Deborah Everard is the main keyboard player in the seven-person lineup, with all seven performers joining in on vocals.
The show includes evergreens such as Take It Easy, Lying Eyes, One Of These Nights, Desperado, The Heat is On, Heartache Tonight, Tequila Sunrise, Life In The Fast Lane and New Kid In Town.
“These are performed with the trademark Centrestage musical precision, attention to detail, intensely accurate instrumental work, stand-out vocals, heartfelt love of the music itself and balance between showmanship, entertainment value and an authentic approach,” Centrestage founder Gary Hemmings said.
Tickets cost R150 each (R130 for eight or more), with children under 18 at half price booked through Wendy on 082-661-6921.