COX & NEWMAN BACK IN DURBS

Steve Newman and Tony Cox

Literally thousands of people have asked this question? Are Steve Newman and Tony Cox ever going to play together again? The answer takes the form of their current concert tour of South Africa which began in January in the Baxter in Cape Town, a theatre that goes back with them into history. It was here, back in 1982, when they had their first big series of shows and ran out of material to perform, so for their third and final encore, they famously kissed each other on stage in front of a bursting Concert Hall audience. The crowd went nuts. These concerts resulted in the infamous 101 Ways To Use the Acoustic Guitar album that propelled them to national status.

After their tour of the UK in 2005 they decided to take a break after over two decades of constant touring together. They have a worldwide performance record, unequalled by any other South African guitarist.

Both Newman and Cox have long and distinguished careers as soloists. They are the recipients of multiple awards over the years and have each collaborated with a small army of other finely-honed musicians from South Africa and the rest of the world. However, the duo has a special place in the hearts and minds of folks who have seen them in concert. Their irreverent approach to old classics is legendary and have tickled the ribs of a multitude spanning three generations. Indeed their shows are unique in that their jaw-dropping guitar skills can attract three generations of the same family!

The series of concerts is a celebration - not only of their musical reunion and a staggering 30 years of performance together, but also for their back-to-back birthdays (Tony January 24 and Steve January 25). The shows promise guitar nights like no other, delivered by two masters of the guitar performing a mix of their side-splitting golden oldies with new material.

The Durban leg of the series sees Cox & Newman - Return of the Road Warriors running from March 8 to 13 at Moonshadow at the Old German Club. Book at Computicket. More information on 031 266 0836.

If you’ve seen them before, you know what to expect – for newcomers to the Cox/Newman magic, you have a treat in store! (Caroline Smart, artSMart editor)