(Barry
Thomson, Dawn Selby, Shaun Dragt, Mali Sewell &
guest guitarist Jason
Andrew)
An intense, passionate, hard-hitting explosion of
music which is by far and away the hottest rock and roll party in town. (Review
by Keith Millar)
Durban’s premier show band, The Reals, are setting
the stage alight at the Rhumbelow Super Theatre in Umbilo with a sublime performance
of classic rock tunes.
It is an intense, passionate, hard-hitting explosion
of music which is by far and away the hottest rock and roll party in town.
This is The Real’s first appearance at Durban’s
Rhumbelow Theatre this year and they are back with a bang presenting a mixed
bag of rock music from the 1980.s and 90’s which includes hits tunes from
artists such as ZZ Top, Bon Jovi, Green Day, Blink 182, Motely Crew, Alice
Cooper, Poison, Guns N’ Roses, Kiss, Pearl Jam, Pink Floyd, Foo Fighters and
more. Enough to keep every rocker, young and old, singing along in a haze of
nostalgia and ecstasy.
The show is not presented chronologically, nor does
it have a particular theme. It is rather an inspiring display of musicianship
by five consummate performers doing what they do best. It is pointed out,
however, that there are common threads which run through all music from
generation to generation.
Audiovisual displays were used throughout the show
to add spice to the proceedings.
The Reals are fronted, as ever, by their inimitable lead
guitarist and vocalist Barry Thomson. Thomson, who was celebrating his 50th
birthday on Friday, just seems to get better and better with age. He is a
remarkable rock guitarist. He is not short on charm, either, and his banter
with the audience and insights into the music are always entertaining.
He is joined on lead guitar and vocals for this show
by guest artist Shaun Dragt. He is also a very accomplished performer, although
his nerves did seem to get the better of him while he was performing a couple of
Green Day songs. His generation gap repartee with Thomson is also good fun.
On keyboards and vocals is the group’s musical
director, the ever-green Dawn Selby. Her performance of Guns N’ Roses’ November Rain was absolutely superb. I
can’t wait for the day that she decides to do a show featuring women rockers.
The outstanding Mali Sewell on drums and Jason
Andrew on bass form the strong backbone against which The Reals’ excellent
sound is created. Both are talented and very skilled performers. Andrew, of course,
also makes a big contribution with his vocals.
The sound balance on this show was first-rate. Kudos
to resident Rhumbelow sound engineer, Andre Norden, for his excellent
contribution to the success of the production.
If you are in the mood for some excellent music
excellently performed, or if you are just in the mood to be entertained by
Durban’s leading rock band then this is the show for you.
Don’t miss it. Support local live music.
The Long Road To
Rock with The Reals will be on at the Rhumbelow Super Theatre in
Umbilo until May 28 with shows as follows:
May 20 at 20h00
May 21 at 14h00
May 26 & 27 at 20h00
May 28 at 14h00 and 18h30
(Venues open 90 minutes before show for picnic
dinner)
Tickets
R150 (R130 pensioners and tables of eight or more – first weekend only). Contact Roland for large group booking
discounts – 20 or more.
Take
along food picnic baskets. Braais will be available. There is limited secure
parking and booking is essential. A cash bar is available (no alcohol may be
brought on to the premises). Booking is through Computicket or contact Roland
on 082 499 8636, email roland@stansell.za.net
or visit http://events.durbantheatre.com
Rhumbelow
Durban is situated at 42 Cunningham Road off Bartle Road in Umbilo. – Keith Millar
Posts
