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