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Saturday, January 14, 2017

CREEDENCE CLEARWATER REVIVAL



Rip-roaring rock and roll party - dynamic, energetic and certainly full of spirit.. (Review by Keith Millar)

So the festive season is well and truly over. Most people have returned to work, schools have started for the year, and it is back to the humdrum routine. Many will probably be feeling just a touch of post-holiday blues.

Well, it doesn’t have to be like that. For one last hurrah get yourself down to the Rhumbelow Theatre in Umbilo and join the rip-roaring rock and roll party as the Black Lapels pay tribute to the fabulous American rock group of the late 1960’s and early 70’s Creedence Clearwater Revival.

Fronted by lead guitarist, vocalist and primary songwriter, John Fogerty, Creedance or CCR as the group was popularly known, lasted for only four years, but in that time produced a plethora of hit music. All told they have sold in the region of 26 million albums.

Included amongst their memorable hits are Up Around the Bend, Have You Ever Seen the Rain, Down On the Corner, Green River, Lookin’ Out My Back Door, Bad Moon Rising, Proud Mary, Born On the Bayou, Suzy Q, Cotton Fields and Stuck in Lodi Again.

Durban’s excellent tribute band, the Black Lapels, pounded out these as well as many others songs in a foot-stomping sing along performance last night. Brought back by popular demand, the group produced a performance which was dynamic, energetic and certainly full of spirit.

Lead singer and guitarist Rob Warren has a smoky, bluesy voice which does justice to John Fogerty’s memorable music and his guitar duels with lead guitarist Luke Wyngaard (now going by the name of Rusty Red) were inspirational. Garth Warren’s bass playing is rock solid while Gareth Gale must be one of the most intelligent drummers around.

This show makes use of a few audio visual images and there is a bit of chat, but mostly the group lets the music speak for itself. It is an exhilarating bombardment of great rock music. A credit to the Rhumbelow Theatre’s continuing support for musical entertainment.

The Rhumbelow itself is growing from strength to strength. As Durban’s only independent theatre organisation, it is now offering entertainment at Tina’s Hotel in Kloof, the Aliwal Theatre in Umkomaas and the Windsor Tennis Club in Glenwood along with its regular venues in Umbilo and Pietermaritzburg.

The Creedence Clearwater Revival tribute show can be seen this weekend at the Rhumbelow Theatre in Umbilo and next weekend at Rhumbelow Pietermaritzburg. Tickets R150 (R130 pensioners – this weekend only. Contact Roland for large group booking discounts – 20 or more)

Bring your own food. Bar available (no alcohol may be brought on to the premises) and there is limited secure parking. Booking is essential through Computicket or Roland on 082 499 8636 or email: roland@stansell.za.net or visit http://events.durbantheatre.com – Keith Millar