The occasion was actually the gig of Plush frontman Rory Eliot, who was out to showcase a few new tunes as the band goes into the studio shortly to record their fourth album. Rory invited me along to open up proceedings for the evening, post-Sharks/Stormers game.

On arrival, you could just tell it was going to be one of those evenings. Everyone is ticking after the steady flow of beer and shots, and the air has that smokey haze about it. It’s noisy inside and out, and getting from one side to the other of the shoulder-to-shoulder crowd means everyone has to breathe in and out alternatively. “Acoustic evening”… yeah, right.

And everyone is more courageous on a night like this. Occasionally some young executive gets up on a table and leads a slurry war cry. A few brawls ensue outside from time to time. You get the feeling that anything could happen on a night like this. As I say, it took me back a few years.

It’s a completely different vibe when you’re on your own up on a stage. Truth be told, it’s terrifying. It was terrifying back then, and it still is. Normally if things get out of hand, I can just go and hide behind my bodyguard Rudi at the back of the stage. But not tonight. There are times when you just have to remind yourself why you pay medical aid every month, and off you go.

To kick things off, On The Edge. Then I’m Alright. Wide Open World and More Beautiful Tonight brought out more drinks and the lighters swaying to and fro amidst the dopey haze. It’s nice to be playing to someone else’s fans, actually. You know that they’re not there for you, and as a result there’s less pressure. And this lot seem drunk enough and surprisingly happy enough to accommodate some of my originals, and there’s generous applause after each song.

Better Days rounds the set off and the crowd is warm, my job is done. My guitar is still intact, and I’m only bleeding from my fingertips. I send my wife an sms to assure her that I’ll live to sing another night and all my limbs are intact.

I then sat back and relaxed, and took up my seat to catch the Plush tunes. Today, Tainted and Wishing Well all fulfilled the usual magical fan club’s sing-along sessions, but I was interested in the new stuff. Carousel, Closer and Furtherest Place From Home show a new depth in Plush’s music, and it would be obvious to make the deduction from Rory’s university studies in songwriting in Bath (UK).

When we performed with Plush (in Cape Town at the Assembly), Rory told me that the growth from his studies is not something he’s necessarily aware of, but it seems “that’s what everyone else thinks”.

I first met Rory about three years ago, during the season of Rory Eliot and the Reason. It was after a hiatus of Plush, following the death of Rory’s band-mate and close friend Chas Smit. At the time we met, the band was rebuilding momentum, and one of the things I remember Rory saying was, “We do well because we write good songs.”

I agree. He does write good songs. The band works hard, they reach for greater things and are working their way up the SA music ladder even more. No doubt their fourth album will be a great new chapter in the band’s repertoire and something they push hard for, in the world of radio and in the commercial and corporate sphere. Here’s wishing them well.



Related posts:

1. Open Strings in Westville
2. The RCB Cape Town tour memoirs
3. Rock and Big Beats with Prime Circle and people of the Burrah
4. Post-Maritzburg Musicians’ Club

The band’s first soiree into Cape Town was an unbelievable time. For a band, there is nothing like being on the road. Especially a road where you make so many friends and meet so many awesome people.

It’s far too much to recount all-in-all, but herewith my brief take on the shows:

Sunday 4 April, House of Grace (near Paarl):

Swinging it with one of the kids.

The gig was organised by the good people at Citta, a small but vibrant community of people who are looking to impact Cape Town through music.

Our man Kenn Gibson and his wife Tracy met us and took us out to where some 20-odd children are looked after and cared for. We enjoyed some cricket and kicked a ball around, and had lunch with the kids, after which the RCB took the stage (verandah).

Our set was very well received, and for me it’s always great having children in the audience, their inhibition and joy create a vibe in the crowd which is different to other shows. They particularly enjoyed uncle Berto’s improvised bass and vox solo.

CD Sales: 5
Attendance: 40
Quote of the day: “Maritzburg!? Is that near Bloemfontein?” – one of the dudes at Citta.

Tuesday 6 April, Pinelands Presbyterian Church (Pinelands):
After Monday’s gig at the Barleycorn was cancelled by the organisers, it was good to get back into business. The venue is the new home of my folks, Rob and Pam, who are now ministering to a maturer congregation in the Cape. The hall at PPC was laid out in supper theatre format (just the way we like it) and the show was well attended by 60-odd people. In all honesty, we had to work some plans for this particular crowd, where the average age was… well, let’s just say they are not accustomed to drums. The show, however, was an absolute cracker, and had one of the noisiest renditions of Chin Up Young Heart (Stand Up) during the whole tour. Thanks to Andre who provided the sound rig… all we can say is we hope we play on that system again!

CD Sales: 7
Attendance: 60
Quote of the day: “I’m a classical musician, but I really, really enjoyed your music.” – a senior choir lady at Pinelands.

Wednesday 7 April, Alma Road Cafe (Rosebank):

In the corner.

Venue owner Richard Tait was kind enough to let us pull in and play at one of the best jols we had all week. Rich himself is an accomplished muso and has worked and performed for many years in the industry. Alma Road Cafe is a small little spot in Rosebank, which seats about 30 people (max) and operates mainly on Sunday nights.

Wednesday is the famous burger night, with the occasional live act. Tam opted out of this one, feeling the effects of travelling and 12 weeks of pregnancy, and also factoring in that the venue is small.

When I say small, the stage holds two people. So we innovated a bit, Rudi went down on the side next to the stage and Jon on the other end, with Berto and I doing our thing on the platform.

The opening act was Zimbabwean Immanuel and boeremusiek instrumentalist Heine, whose music was diverse and really entertaining. Our set went well, despite not having Tam with us, and the audience – about 25 or so – gave us an unbelievable reception at the end.

CD Sales: 1 (thanks Emma Cook!)
Attendance: 30
Quote of the day: “Lekker bru… the eternal optimist. You okes have changed my attitude today.” – Heine, post-show.

Thursday 8 April, Fogeys (Muizenberg):

Jon’s minions arrived en masse at the Railway Station restaurant in Muizenburg for one very memorable night. Fogeys has a wonderful retro vibe about it – it’s a genuinely older looking interior but has a warmth and special vibe all its own.

It was good to have Brad (the official RCB live sound engineer) with us and on board for the next few nights. He quickly got to grips with the in-house PA and we were set up on time.

We were now finding our groove and getting used to the set and towards the end we had to give the front row what they came for – a piano solo, followed by the Chuck Berry classic Johnny B. Goode.

The crowd loved it, and even we were slightly surprised at what Juffs produces when put under a bit of pressure. Will probably do that more often!

CD Sales: 3
Attendance: 40
Quote of the day: “Yeeesh bru, where on earth did that come from?” – Rudi, to Jon, after his solo.

Friday 9 April, New Gen Church (Somerset West):
By far the most organised gig of the tour. Minette at New Gen is an organisational guru and has a creative flair which really inspired us, and the venue was impeccably laid out and had a beautiful ambiance about it. Brad on sound again, and we were marvelling at the ability of the diminutive system in the venue… wow!

The day started with me taking a solo trip to the airport (while everyone else was still waking up back at the house) to fetch Adrian and Sharon, who arrived at CT International decked out in RCB T-shirts! It made my day. They also brought additional shirts, which made the band look very impressive that evening with all these groupies walking around branded.

The gig was a scorcher, and the band felt like we were at our best on this night. The audience was awesome, and didn’t miss a beat either! Was so good to see friends and family who we have missed for ages – a very special evening for us.

CD Sales: 6
Attendance: 50
Quote of the day: “Berto, turn down your bass amp 20 percent” – Brad to Roberto. “What’s 20 percent???” – Berto.

Saturday 10 April, The Assembly (Harrington Street) with Plush
Arrived at 5.15pm for sound check with the boys from Plush. Was good to see them again, and we spent a few hours chatting and catching up on news, life and stuff in general while the technical guys got everything set up. I’m always more excited for sound checks and am generally disappointed. The business is mundane and fiddly. Our opening slot was 30 minutes, which went by in a complete blur but was nonetheless worthwhile – we were able to perform to people who normally we would not have.



Related posts:

1. A week in Cape Town
2. U2 360 in Cape Town
3. Cape Town: Perfect place for a weekend, or longer
4. Mark Haze: Cape Town rocker talks music industry