I’ve spent the past week in Cape Town as travelling salesman for the band, getting to meetings, doing general PR, sorting out Schengan and UK visas… and would you believe, performing a couple of shows.
As any South African knows, Cape Town is a very seductive city when the weather plays its part. This past week consisted of blue skies on most days, showcasing the mountain in all its iconic glory. Staying in Sea Point didn’t hinder the effect either. I don’t know how anyone gets any work done here, but anyway…
I had two confirmed shows for the week I was in the Mother City. The first of which was at Mercury Lounge, one of the longest-standing live music venues. There was a smallish crowd for the gig (following the public holiday on Tuesday), but my set went well, the songs were well received, and it was great meeting up with some old friends from Maritzburg who are now living in Cape Town.
Other bands on the line-up included Sam Jam, a Kenyan now based in Cape Town with some real raw rock talent. He showcased some of his newer tunes as a three-piece act. Rounding up the evening was the Ghostbane Collective, a five-piece hard rocking band who I kept thinking our drummer Rudi would’ve really appreciated (as the former frontman of hard rock act 2Flye).
Monday night was a stop in at the Barleycorn Music Club, which meets weekly at the Villagers Rugby Club pub – a great venue (it’s carpeted!) with good sound and an attentive, appreciative audience. Discerning, but appreciative. I followed on from Sam Jam (this time performing as an acoustic solo artist) and my long-time friend Matt Allison, whose tunes brought back many good memories from gigs at the old Red Door (in PMB) and at my folks’ old house.
The set went so well that I actually managed to sell albums, which all help get us a few centimetres closer to Spain in September.
Just to say a very big thank you to all who came and supported and met up during the week. It was good to see so many of you again, and for all your support of this band and this music.
