Wonderboom on ‘unplugged’ tour
MORE than two decades of relentlessly rocking the music world in South Africa and abroad are coming together with Wonderboom’s Best Side Story tour – a celebration of 22 years, nine albums, multiple awards and a wealth of experiences.
The band kicked off the tour in Krugersdorp last weekend and are making their way down the coast to Cape Town before heading off for a criss-crossing of dates in Gauteng, Mpumalanga, Kwazulu-natal and the Free State.
We caught up over coffee this week to find out more about what fans can expect at the gigs – which are always crackling with electric energy anyway, with a repertoire of songs rooted in fundamental rock as well as extending into genres ranging from funk through to punk and even Afro-dance.
“We’re playing at least a couple of songs from every album, and they’re presented in a more intimate, unplugged and stripped way,” said guitarist extraordinaire Martin Schofield.
Audiences were enjoying the unplugged format. “I think they feel somehow closer to us.”
The guys have heeded their fans, too by choosing songs which have been requested over the years but seldom performed in recent years; Night Falls Like A Grand Piano is one in particular we can look forward to.
There is storytelling as well ....
“People are really digging that aspect,” said Cito (vocals, guitar, and a few other things).
“We’re talking about certain songs and how they were written, and the motivation and journey behind them, and funny scenarios.
“We want people to get to know us a bit better and we think a lot of fans want this as well.”