(Eddie Eckstein, Paul Ditchfield, Derek Gordon and Pete Clifford)South Africa can boast many achievements over the last few years and one of these has to be the return of a band that, over-40 years after its inception, is back on the road and still pulling in the crowds. Yes, the Bats are well and truly back with their show, Loudly South African.
It all started in 1964 when the bats, Eddie Eckstein, Paul Ditchfield, Pete Clifford and the late Barry Jarman, burst onto the local scene and became South Africa’s answer to the Beatles to many ardent followers. They toured extensively, both locally and internationally, wowing audiences here and in the United Kingdom, Zimbabwe (then Rhodesia) and Germany with their brilliant music and hilarious comedy show. More than just great musicians, they were also great entertainers, and this is what kept them at the top of their game for 16 years, an amazing achievement for any band.
In the early 70's they won a Sarie award for Song Of The Year with Who's That Girl and in 1972, Paul’s composition Oh God It's Beautiful was chosen to represent South Africa at the Tokyo world song festival. Paul took Eddie with him to Tokyo to perform the song and they reached the finals.
In 1980, with many hit singles, including In A Shabby Little Hut and Vat Hom Dawie and a whole bunch of long playing vinyls under their belts, they decided to go their separate ways to pursue solo careers. This break just seemed to hone their talents because after a break of 21 years, they are better musicians now than they were then!!
After constant pressure from their fans, Eddie, Paul & Pete (minus the late Barry who had decided to retire) were joined by Derek Gordon and got back on the road again for what they thought would be a short 'come back'. Little did they know that five years later they would still be on the road, delighting audiences young and old, and releasing a brand new CD.
So, if the live performance CD sales are anything to go by, the Bats are certainly right on track.
Loudly South African runs at Heritage Theatre in Hillcrest from May 1 to 6. Tickets R165 pp Tuesday dinner and Sunday lunch and R195 Wednesday to Saturday including a two course meal. As they only have a week in Durban, early booking is advised. For more information or to book, call 031 765 4197 or visit www.heritagetheatre.co.za
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