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Saturday, October 31, 2020

ROCK GUITAR LEGENDS: REVIEW


(Trevor Donjeany,
Barry Thomson, Mali Sewel & Dawn Selby. Pic by Val Bottomley)

The Reals were on fire for this production. Lockdown seems to have done little to their tightness and they performed with great passion, energy, and musicality in an uncomplicated, rock and roll party of a show. (Review by Keith Millar)

Back by popular demand at the Rhumbelow Theatre in Umbilo is Durban’s top rock band, The Reals, with their critically acclaimed tribute to the world’s Rock Guitar Legends.

There are many guitarists who could have been chosen for this tribute show, but I think that with The Reals’ choice of who to feature in this production, they have pretty much hit the mark as far as Rock Guitar royalty is concerned.

The Reals were on fire for this production. Lockdown seems to have done little to their tightness and they performed with great passion, energy, and musicality in an uncomplicated, rock and roll party of a show.

Alternating between his Fender Stratocaster and his Gibson Les Paul guitars, the incomparable Barry Thomson performs the music of the likes of Hank Marvin (The Shadows), Eric Clapton (Cream, The Yardbirds and solo career), Brain May (Queen), Slash (Guns and Roses), Carlos Santana (Santana), Mark Knopfler (Dire Straits).

And that is just the first half. After the interval, the party moves up notch with Dave Gilmour (Pink Floyd), Stevie Ray Vaughn, Richie Blackmore (Deep Purple), Gary Moore, Jimmy Page (Led Zeppelin and the Yardbirds) and Jimmi Hendrix.

Not a bad line-up, I would say, to get anyone into a rock and roll party mood.

Along with Barry Thomson, The Reals feature the exceptional Dawn Selby on keyboards and vocals – she is also the musical director of the show – and the God of Thunder, Mali Sewel, on drums. Regular bassist Jason Andrew is away on compassionate leave so his place was taken by the talented Trevor Donjeany.

Thomson takes on the responsibility of chatting to the audience, something he does quite well in his self-deprecating and humorous style. He is also the main vocalist, ably supported by Dawn Selby.

Some of the songs they perform include I Shot The Sheriff, Tie Your Mother Down, November Rain, Samba Pati, Sultans of Swing, Brick In The Wall, Pride And Joy, Burn, Still Got The Blues, Fire and Whole Lotta Love.

As mentioned, the band was on top form. It was a thrilling performance. They are well worth hearing when they are in this mood. So dust off the old jeans and leathers and get yourself to Durban’s Rhumbelow Theatre for a party you will long remember.

Rock Guitar Legends runs from October 39 to November 8, 2020.

Performances run on Fridays and Saturdays at 19h30 and on Sundays at 14h00. (Venue opens 90 minutes before show for snacks/drinks)

Tickets R160 (R140 pensioners and students with a valid student card). Discounts 1st weekend ONLY. Loyalty Card Holders (R130) ALL SHOWS

Booking is essential on email to roland@stansell.co.za or on 082 499 8636 or visit http://events.durbantheatre.com/

Rhumbelow Theatre is situated at 42 Cunningham Road off Bartle Road, Durban. Limited secure parking is available and there is a cash bar (no alcohol may be brought on to the premises). Bring food picnic baskets or buy from Kevin.

ALL SEATING WILL BE AT SEPARATE TABLES. RHUMBELOW WILL BE SEATING CO-HABITING COUPLES AND/OR FAMILY MEMBERSTOGETHPLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING HEALTH AND SAFETY COVID-19 PROTOCOLS FOR PATRONS

1.1  Patrons need to wear a face and nose covering at all times in the venue except when eating or drinking.

1.2  All patrons will have their temperatures taken on arrival at the venue.

1.3  All patrons will be required to complete documents relating to Travel and Covid-19 contacts.

1.4  All patrons will be required to complete an indemnity form.

1.5  All patrons will be required to complete an attendance register with all appropriate information including confirmation of co-habiting when couples attend.

1.6  All patrons will be hand sanitized on arrival and at interval.

1.7  All patrons will be requested to bring hand sanitizer with them to the venue.

1.8  Any patron who does not meet the required Health & Safety protocols and temperature check will be refused entry.

Follow Rhumbelow on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/RHUMBELOW-THEATRE-24998631016/ or Instagram - @therhumbelow or Twitter - @rhumbelow2001 – Keith Millar