IT’S ONLY ROCK ‘N ROLL: REVIEW

(Above: Evan Cullum, Ross Tapson, Grant Halliday (on drums), Aron Saunders & Neil Ford. Pic by Val Bottomley)

.. Kudos to the band for not trying for exact replicas but rather honouring the music and playing an excellent set which had the audience on their feet and shouting for more. (Review by Keith Millar)

There is little doubt the history will record that musically the 1960’s was the era of The Beatles. The band that produced so much brilliant music and had such an impact on popular culture.

But there was another group which was also proving to be massively popular at the time. There sound was more gritty, down and dirty rock n’ roll which came to be known as hard rock.

And they perhaps appealed more to the counterculture, the rebels, or wannabe rebels of the time.

Be that as it may, they churned out hit after hit and what is more, they are still going 60 years later - and with over 200 million album sales, they are one of the bestselling artists of all time.

They are, of course, the iconic Rolling Stones.

And now Durban tribute band In the Flesh who have previously brought us shows featuring the music of Pink Floyd, David Bowie and Southern Rock Classics are back at the Rhumbelow Theatre rocking out the music of The Stones with. It’s Only Rock ‘N Roll:  A Tribute To The Music Of The Rolling Stones.

The core of In the Flesh are three of Durban veteran rockers. Ross Tapson (guitar and vocals), Neil Ford (bass) and Grant Halliday (drums). They are joined for this gig by Aaron Saunders (guitar and vocals) and Evan Cullum (keyboards and vocals).

I am not sure that there is anyone who could accurately recreate the sound of the Rolling Stones. And certainly, Mick Jagger’s moves would be beyond most.

So, kudos to the band for not trying for exact replicas but rather honouring the music and playing an excellent set which had the audience on their feet and shouting for more.

Right from the first notes of Satisfaction, they churned out the hits and kept the party going with Get Off my Cloud, You Can’t Always Get What You Want, Mother’s Little Helper, Anybody Seen My Baby, Time on My Side and Dancing In The Street.

In the second half they added Paint It Black, Sympathy for The Devil, Angie, Wild Horses, Its Only Rock ‘n Roll, Gimmie Shelter, Honkey Tonk Woman, Brown Sugar, Start Me Up, and Jumping Jack Flash.

A very good tribute show which is well worth a visit. 

There is one show left. This takes place in Pietermaritzburg at the Allan Wilson Shellhole on March 27 at 19h00. Bring food picnic baskets or buy from Prego Rolls from the Moths. A full bar is available (no alcohol may be brought on to the premises). There is limited secure parking.

All seating will be at separate tables and the venue will obviously be seating co-habiting couples and/or family members together.

Booking is essential through Roland on email roland@stansell.za.net or Computicket. With the current Covid levels, capacity is limited to 50% max

Strict Covid protocols will be in place.

The Allan Wilson Shellhole is situated at 5 Durban Road in Pietermaritzburg. - Keith Millar