We are down to the top three, tomorrow there will be two. Who are your votes going to?
Last night our top three performed three songs each and I have to say, although I am very biased toward Mark, this competition is, in the history of SA Idols, the tightest yet.
Mark blew me away, but there has not been a week where he hasn’t done that. Journey is my all time favourite band, and in fact, if I had a soundtrack to my life, it would be Journey. When I saw that Mark was performing Open Arms I was concerned. To pull off Steve Perry takes enormous talent. But, just like he did with Freddie Mercury, he nailed it. Just writing this gives me goose bumps, and as far as I am concerned, Mark should be the winner by a mile.
Crushanda is very talented, there is no doubt, but we have had so many of her type of singer in this competition and after the finale these performers fall of planet earth into an abyss of has-beens.
Dave is for me, the wild card. I can never make a clear decision on how I feel about him. He is odd, intense and his vocals are not anywhere near phenomenal and after his first two songs last night I was convinced he would go home. And then…. He sang Vincent and I was speechless, along with the judges who gave him a standing ovation. He brought tears to my eyes and evoked emotion in me that he has only done in a few of his performances.
And that is why I think Mark should win this competition. In every performance of his I am moved. Whether he is standing still and singing Eleanor Rigby by the Beatles or he is belting out the top notes of Sting in Roxanne, that man makes every nerve ending tingle and breathes new life into a competition I was not even going to watch this year.
Vote wisely people.www.markhaze.com
Monday, September 26, 2011
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Idols 2011 Update
Dear Music Lovers,
This is just a brief note to say; MARK HAZE!!
If you did not watch Sunday's performance of Queen Somebody to Love, here's the link:- http://www.dstv.com/mnet/idolsSA/Video/Play.aspx?vid=8565
Be prepared for the goosebumps because this Idol has the voice of an angel.
Results are tonight and I have a feeling we will be saying goodbye to Erin and Kelly but we shall see.....
Have a great day
Yours in Music x
This is just a brief note to say; MARK HAZE!!
If you did not watch Sunday's performance of Queen Somebody to Love, here's the link:- http://www.dstv.com/mnet/idolsSA/Video/Play.aspx?vid=8565
Be prepared for the goosebumps because this Idol has the voice of an angel.
Results are tonight and I have a feeling we will be saying goodbye to Erin and Kelly but we shall see.....
Have a great day
Yours in Music x
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Idols vs Pop Tartlets
I know a vast number of people who will not watch reality shows such as Idols or X Factor, and this article is my reasoning as to why I think those people should give these shows a fair chance.
In a day and age where the technical capabilities of a recording studio are far beyond what anyone in the 60’s, 70’s or even the 80’s could imagine, there are an abundant amount of so-called artists selling thousands of albums; have thousands of fans who, excuse the pun, sing their praises and believe that they are truly phenomenal.
Then you hear your favourite artist is touring; you buy tickets for the show and you cannot contain your excitement. Time drags, your pocket is stretched from the price of that ticket but finally, the moment arrives, you’re screaming and jumping and then the singing starts and you wonder where the “cat being murdered” noise is coming from? Yes, that is how they sound before the technology wizards have altered their vocal chords.
This is where a show like Idols deserves credit; these are what I consider true artists. These talented singers, not the warbling monsters who get voted in for the Wooden Mic, stand in front of some of the most judgemental people, and I am not talking about the Judges either, I am talking about the viewers. The harshest critics who think they are musical gods and goddesses and in a way they are; they are the important factor, they are the ones relied upon to spend their money keeping the real talent in the competition.
Many people refuse to watch Idols for many reasons - they don’t like reality TV, they believe the show is fixed, and they don’t like pop music.
While I can’t assist you in the first two, but the last excuse has long since been banished. Voices of rock angels include Chris Daughtry, Adam Lambert, Jason Hartman and in this season of SA Idols, Mark Haze. All rock singers, all belting out massive notes and giving the usual pop drivellers a run for their money. Rock is glamorous, it’s rebellious and it ROCKS!
I have also heard the lame excuse that the singers who enter Idols are washed out performers who couldn’t cut it in the real music world. To be honest, I sort of agree, but the reason they couldn’t cut it is because we live in the digital age where download supersedes buying an album, where illegally downloading supersedes purchasing the song, and where self proclaimed lovers of music choose to support these annoying pop tartlets who wouldn’t know a real song if it hit them in their disfunctioning vocal chords.
Idols is an opportunity for artists to make a name for themselves; yes a lot of them disappear after their 5 minutes of fame are up, but the genuine artists who are there for the love and passion of music are given the chance to do great things after the show ends and the hype around the new season starts.
In many cases it is never the winner who claims the fame; it is the runner up or one of the contestants that made the top ten that goes on to achieve super stardom. I believe, although I have no proof, that this is a clever tactic by the producers or the record label; they do everything in their power to make the audience dislike the extremely talented one, bad backup music / singers, bad lighting, bad wardrobe, then they offer that contestant a record deal on the side once he / she has been voted off, one of the more mediocre contestants goes on to win and viola – you have two money making machines on your label.
In any event, for whatever reason you choose not watch Idols, give it a chance, just once, but watch the whole thing (even the parts where you cringing in your socks because it is so cheesy) and then if you still hate it, I will always feel like I played a small part in getting you to do something you didn’t want to for an hour.
Yours in Music x
In a day and age where the technical capabilities of a recording studio are far beyond what anyone in the 60’s, 70’s or even the 80’s could imagine, there are an abundant amount of so-called artists selling thousands of albums; have thousands of fans who, excuse the pun, sing their praises and believe that they are truly phenomenal.
Then you hear your favourite artist is touring; you buy tickets for the show and you cannot contain your excitement. Time drags, your pocket is stretched from the price of that ticket but finally, the moment arrives, you’re screaming and jumping and then the singing starts and you wonder where the “cat being murdered” noise is coming from? Yes, that is how they sound before the technology wizards have altered their vocal chords.
This is where a show like Idols deserves credit; these are what I consider true artists. These talented singers, not the warbling monsters who get voted in for the Wooden Mic, stand in front of some of the most judgemental people, and I am not talking about the Judges either, I am talking about the viewers. The harshest critics who think they are musical gods and goddesses and in a way they are; they are the important factor, they are the ones relied upon to spend their money keeping the real talent in the competition.
Many people refuse to watch Idols for many reasons - they don’t like reality TV, they believe the show is fixed, and they don’t like pop music.
While I can’t assist you in the first two, but the last excuse has long since been banished. Voices of rock angels include Chris Daughtry, Adam Lambert, Jason Hartman and in this season of SA Idols, Mark Haze. All rock singers, all belting out massive notes and giving the usual pop drivellers a run for their money. Rock is glamorous, it’s rebellious and it ROCKS!
I have also heard the lame excuse that the singers who enter Idols are washed out performers who couldn’t cut it in the real music world. To be honest, I sort of agree, but the reason they couldn’t cut it is because we live in the digital age where download supersedes buying an album, where illegally downloading supersedes purchasing the song, and where self proclaimed lovers of music choose to support these annoying pop tartlets who wouldn’t know a real song if it hit them in their disfunctioning vocal chords.
Idols is an opportunity for artists to make a name for themselves; yes a lot of them disappear after their 5 minutes of fame are up, but the genuine artists who are there for the love and passion of music are given the chance to do great things after the show ends and the hype around the new season starts.
In many cases it is never the winner who claims the fame; it is the runner up or one of the contestants that made the top ten that goes on to achieve super stardom. I believe, although I have no proof, that this is a clever tactic by the producers or the record label; they do everything in their power to make the audience dislike the extremely talented one, bad backup music / singers, bad lighting, bad wardrobe, then they offer that contestant a record deal on the side once he / she has been voted off, one of the more mediocre contestants goes on to win and viola – you have two money making machines on your label.
In any event, for whatever reason you choose not watch Idols, give it a chance, just once, but watch the whole thing (even the parts where you cringing in your socks because it is so cheesy) and then if you still hate it, I will always feel like I played a small part in getting you to do something you didn’t want to for an hour.
Yours in Music x
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Ard Matthews
Unless you have been hiding under a rock you would have seen or heard about the National Anthem mishap last night.
Ard Matthews, founder and lead singer of Just Jinjer has been preparing for weeks for what he calls, “one of the greatest honours of my life”. Ard was requested to sing the National Anthem at the Springbok World Cup squad announcement.
He botched it up. He froze and he forgot the words and let’s be honest here, how many of us, including some of the rugby squad, mumble the parts where we can’t pronounce certain words or they are beyond our grasp of the language.
If you have watched it, you will know that it is not anywhere near the disaster that was Ras Dumisani. If you haven’t seen it and want to watch it you can view it here:- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fu6IG0Wx19w and you will realise that it was not anywhere near as tragic as the media and the nasty people, who jump at the chance to knock someone down, made it out to be.
I have been watching Just Jinjer perform since 1997 when they played their first concert in my hometown in KZN and I have been a devote fan since. Ard is a true performer who loves his music and his country.
John Smit, SA Springbok Captain and friend of Ard was interviewed by SuperSport and what he says is so true;
“People who know Ard know how passionate he is about South Africa; he even has a tattoo of Africa on his arm – he’s one of the most patriotic people I know. This was like a test debut for him. He was so excited to be doing this. Mistakes happen. Nothing I said could make him feel better.”
Ard; you made a mistake; I do not know one person who, in whatever work they do, has not made an error at some point or another.
So let the critics crit you and let the media trash you but never forget that those people make up a minority and all you have to do is check Twitter or your Facebook page to see just how much support you have.
Ard Matthews, founder and lead singer of Just Jinjer has been preparing for weeks for what he calls, “one of the greatest honours of my life”. Ard was requested to sing the National Anthem at the Springbok World Cup squad announcement.
He botched it up. He froze and he forgot the words and let’s be honest here, how many of us, including some of the rugby squad, mumble the parts where we can’t pronounce certain words or they are beyond our grasp of the language.
If you have watched it, you will know that it is not anywhere near the disaster that was Ras Dumisani. If you haven’t seen it and want to watch it you can view it here:- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fu6IG0Wx19w and you will realise that it was not anywhere near as tragic as the media and the nasty people, who jump at the chance to knock someone down, made it out to be.
I have been watching Just Jinjer perform since 1997 when they played their first concert in my hometown in KZN and I have been a devote fan since. Ard is a true performer who loves his music and his country.
John Smit, SA Springbok Captain and friend of Ard was interviewed by SuperSport and what he says is so true;
“People who know Ard know how passionate he is about South Africa; he even has a tattoo of Africa on his arm – he’s one of the most patriotic people I know. This was like a test debut for him. He was so excited to be doing this. Mistakes happen. Nothing I said could make him feel better.”
Ard; you made a mistake; I do not know one person who, in whatever work they do, has not made an error at some point or another.
So let the critics crit you and let the media trash you but never forget that those people make up a minority and all you have to do is check Twitter or your Facebook page to see just how much support you have.
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Durban: Music-Less?
I am a Durban girl; I have been since 1995 when I moved here at the age of 12 and for the most part I am proud to be a Durban girl, but for one rather LARGE disappointment.
Music! A few years ago began the Coke Fest; huge name bands with some relatively new SA bands rocking out on stage. What more could you ask for? Old time favourites, in a brilliant mix of yet to be discovered talents of South Africa.
So we rallied a group of 15 of us and bought our tickets, organised accommodation and set off for what was to be one of the greatest days of my life. I got to see, live and in action, bands such as Simple Plan, Seether, The Rasmus, Prime Circle, Parlotones, and Metallica - the rock legends. I was as excited as a kid on Christmas and I knew that it was going to take some huge earth stopping moment to top that day.
Sadly, many Durbanites never felt the same way we did and the ticket sales were low, the stadium sadly unpacked, so quiet, in fact, that we managed to move seats and had the prime viewing position of the Golden Circle at the cheaper priced tickets. Great for us, tragic for the Durban music scene.
That was the only year the Coke Fest came to Durban. We just didn’t have the numbers and it seems as if this has affected all the international concerts scheduled in SA.
Durban now has missed out on Roxette, U2, Coldplay, Kylie Minogue, Kings of Leon, Rammstein, and the list goes on. Every time I see an advert for the latest International sensation to hit South Africa’s shores my heart sinks because I know they will not be setting foot my home town and my finances do not permit me to travel to Johannesburg or Cape Town at every musical whim.
Recently I won tickets to the Big 5 concert at the Wave House in Gateway. The line up included Prime Circle, Just Jinger, AKing, Jax Panik, Flash Republic and the newly discovered December Streets. What an awesome night of mind blowing South African talent and yet, with tickets only costing R150.00, there was hardly what I would call a good crowd when you are watching talent of that calibre.
I just wish I could understand why? Not only are these some of the greatest artists of our time, the opportunity to discover and see live the new South African talent alone should make it worthwhile.
I wish someone would do a survey to see how we can fix the problem so I can stop getting depressed about all the phenomenal shows I am missing. Well, it’s that or I need to move to Johannesburg or Cape Town.
Music! A few years ago began the Coke Fest; huge name bands with some relatively new SA bands rocking out on stage. What more could you ask for? Old time favourites, in a brilliant mix of yet to be discovered talents of South Africa.
So we rallied a group of 15 of us and bought our tickets, organised accommodation and set off for what was to be one of the greatest days of my life. I got to see, live and in action, bands such as Simple Plan, Seether, The Rasmus, Prime Circle, Parlotones, and Metallica - the rock legends. I was as excited as a kid on Christmas and I knew that it was going to take some huge earth stopping moment to top that day.
Sadly, many Durbanites never felt the same way we did and the ticket sales were low, the stadium sadly unpacked, so quiet, in fact, that we managed to move seats and had the prime viewing position of the Golden Circle at the cheaper priced tickets. Great for us, tragic for the Durban music scene.
That was the only year the Coke Fest came to Durban. We just didn’t have the numbers and it seems as if this has affected all the international concerts scheduled in SA.
Durban now has missed out on Roxette, U2, Coldplay, Kylie Minogue, Kings of Leon, Rammstein, and the list goes on. Every time I see an advert for the latest International sensation to hit South Africa’s shores my heart sinks because I know they will not be setting foot my home town and my finances do not permit me to travel to Johannesburg or Cape Town at every musical whim.
Recently I won tickets to the Big 5 concert at the Wave House in Gateway. The line up included Prime Circle, Just Jinger, AKing, Jax Panik, Flash Republic and the newly discovered December Streets. What an awesome night of mind blowing South African talent and yet, with tickets only costing R150.00, there was hardly what I would call a good crowd when you are watching talent of that calibre.
I just wish I could understand why? Not only are these some of the greatest artists of our time, the opportunity to discover and see live the new South African talent alone should make it worthwhile.
I wish someone would do a survey to see how we can fix the problem so I can stop getting depressed about all the phenomenal shows I am missing. Well, it’s that or I need to move to Johannesburg or Cape Town.
Monday, August 22, 2011
Mark Haze and 12th Avenue
It is that time of the year when Idols SA is drawing to an end and excitement is mounting. We are down to the top 8 and soon we will crown our new South African Muso.
South Africa is so diverse in its talent and regrettably most of that talent never gets noticed or never makes the “big time” and that is why I love Idols. These are real singers, not studio perfected so-called artists who have the look or the x-factor to sell ridiculous amounts of albums. Put those people on a stage and you will, most of the time, be sadly disappointed.
From the audition phase of 2011 SA Idols I fell in love with Mark Haze. His voice put goose bumps on my skin and I always judge a good artist by the goose bump factor. I didn’t really pay close attention to anyone else after that - I had picked my winner.
Every week I wait for Mark to perform, and then I lose interest. Biased, I know, but he is sensational and a true performer. I now love him even more because through Mark Haze I have discovered 12th Avenue.
12th Avenue is a Cape Town born rock band and is made up of Mark Haze, lead singer and guitar player, Bjorn Faree on guitar and backing vocals, Gareth Haze on drums and backing vocals and Brian Lee on Bass guitar and backing vocals. Four exceptionally talented musicians who sure know how make a “blow you away” rock song!
They do a cover of Midnight Oil’s Beds are Burning, one of my all time favourite tracks, so I was not too sure how this was going to go down but with a voice like Mark’s, there can be no wrong done.
If you have not yet listened to their rocking tunes, go do it NOW! Get yourself onto YouTube and give 12th Avenue a listen.
I am just sorry I have only discovered them now. But it is never too late to appreciate fine rock music and that is exactly what you will get from this four piece rock band.
On Idols last night Mark performed Bruno Mars, Just the Way you are. Sceptical were many; how can a rocker do an R&B cover but he, once again, pulled out all the stops. Mark is a polished talent with confidence that oozes from every note and as far as I am concerned, he is my Idol.
Just go have a look at the Twitter news feed after a Mark Haze performance and you will see that, although the Judges seem dubious, Mark is truly loved in this competition and if he doesn’t win I will be gobsmacked but I know that he will not disappear from the earth, like many of the contestants do. Mark Haze is set for the stars and I will be following that bright star as far as his career may take him! The fact that he is also as humble as pie makes his character even more lovable. He is not vain, he is not arrogant; he is just confident and passionate about his love of music.
If you’re an Idols fan then I don’t have to tell you to vote. If you are not an Idols fan, become one, or give 12th Avenue a listen and prepared to be forever musically altered.
South Africa is so diverse in its talent and regrettably most of that talent never gets noticed or never makes the “big time” and that is why I love Idols. These are real singers, not studio perfected so-called artists who have the look or the x-factor to sell ridiculous amounts of albums. Put those people on a stage and you will, most of the time, be sadly disappointed.
From the audition phase of 2011 SA Idols I fell in love with Mark Haze. His voice put goose bumps on my skin and I always judge a good artist by the goose bump factor. I didn’t really pay close attention to anyone else after that - I had picked my winner.
Every week I wait for Mark to perform, and then I lose interest. Biased, I know, but he is sensational and a true performer. I now love him even more because through Mark Haze I have discovered 12th Avenue.
12th Avenue is a Cape Town born rock band and is made up of Mark Haze, lead singer and guitar player, Bjorn Faree on guitar and backing vocals, Gareth Haze on drums and backing vocals and Brian Lee on Bass guitar and backing vocals. Four exceptionally talented musicians who sure know how make a “blow you away” rock song!
They do a cover of Midnight Oil’s Beds are Burning, one of my all time favourite tracks, so I was not too sure how this was going to go down but with a voice like Mark’s, there can be no wrong done.
If you have not yet listened to their rocking tunes, go do it NOW! Get yourself onto YouTube and give 12th Avenue a listen.
I am just sorry I have only discovered them now. But it is never too late to appreciate fine rock music and that is exactly what you will get from this four piece rock band.
On Idols last night Mark performed Bruno Mars, Just the Way you are. Sceptical were many; how can a rocker do an R&B cover but he, once again, pulled out all the stops. Mark is a polished talent with confidence that oozes from every note and as far as I am concerned, he is my Idol.
Just go have a look at the Twitter news feed after a Mark Haze performance and you will see that, although the Judges seem dubious, Mark is truly loved in this competition and if he doesn’t win I will be gobsmacked but I know that he will not disappear from the earth, like many of the contestants do. Mark Haze is set for the stars and I will be following that bright star as far as his career may take him! The fact that he is also as humble as pie makes his character even more lovable. He is not vain, he is not arrogant; he is just confident and passionate about his love of music.
If you’re an Idols fan then I don’t have to tell you to vote. If you are not an Idols fan, become one, or give 12th Avenue a listen and prepared to be forever musically altered.
Thursday, July 14, 2011
The Man Behind The Cousin
I know I said this is a music blog, but thought you may want to read my article on Barry Hilton. I interviewed him on 8 July 2011. What an inspirational man.
“If everybody, everyday gave somebody something, everybody’s life would be just a little bit better.”
This is a quote from South Africa’s biggest selling comedian, Mr. Barry Hilton aka the Cousin. I met up with Barry on Friday the 8th of July 2011 when he was visiting the KwaZulu Natal South Coast and performing to a sold out crowd at the Mallards Ski Boat Festival. Down to earth, charming and of course, funny, there is much more to this man then meets the eye.
Barry Hilton has been performing as a professional comedian since 1983, and he says it should have been longer. Unfortunately his father did not back up his dream of initially being an Actor and then choosing Comedy, so Barry became an electrician, but that was never going to be good enough and thankfully, Barry Hilton the comedian was born!
From side splitting jokes, to the memorable Savanna adverts, Barry is one of a kind, and he always knew he would be. I asked him why he chose to become a comedian and his exact answer was, “Need; the absolute need to be somebody and something special. He would never settle for being average. And there is nothing average about Barry Hilton.
There is a serious side to the man we love to laugh at, and like most, he has suffered his fair share of heart break and heart ache. From losing his business and nearly everything he owned, to being lonely on the road, Barry has been through it all.
Two years ago he suffered the heartbreaking loss of his brother, Alan, who passed away from cancer. We all have our coping mechanisms and his is laughing. A week before the Alan passed away, he received a phone call from Alan saying that he better go see him at Hospice, he was going to die soon. Barry hung up the phone and was called onto stage 2 minutes later.
“How do you just switch off?” I asked him. He told me you just had to, it was a job and people wanted to laugh. At the end of his 75 minute gig, Barry told the audience, with tears in his eyes about Alan, he told the crowd how his advice to Alan, was that he should commit fraud, the Judge would give him 9 years. A joke he still uses today.
And that’s what he has done. He has a passion for people and making them laugh and he is the best at it, but like every human being, he suffers from self doubt. Barry Hilton has never won a Comedy Award! How that is possible I can’t tell you, but it eats him up, and I can understand that, we all want recognition. However one day when walking through a mall in Johannesburg, it took him an hour to get from the store to his car, with constant bombarding from people wanting his autograph and photographs, his wife and the love of his life (in his words), Sandy Hilton turned to him and said, “And you want an award?”
These people are his award, to stand in front of a crowd of 4800 people and have them all laugh at your jokes is an amazing feat and he knows that. Not in an arrogant way, but he knows he is good at what he does, but he is passionate about it. Every day he realises just how grateful he is to be loved by so many people, and how amazing it is to have your dream come true. “Hard work and learning to face rejection and criticism are paramount if you want to succeed.” Advice I think we could all do good to learn.
This man is compassionate to the bone, and when a sales lady approached our table selling flowers, Barry was quick to reassure her that if you persevere in life, no matter how hard the road gets, it will be worth it in the end.
The hardest part of his life is the loneliness, it is something you never get used to says Barry. A hotel room is great for the first few years but nothing compares to home. Although he was quick to reassure me that if that is the worst of his complaints then he has no complaints.
Barry is heading to New Zealand and Australia in August and London and Dubai in September. Although he has performed in Australia before, he has never performed in New Zealand and he is very excited for the new experience.
His new DVD, Serial Comic has just been released and he says this is his favourite performance so far. He walked on stage and nailed it from start to end. The DVD can be bought from any Look and Listen Store and should be available at Musica soon.
We also have a new Savanna advert to look forward to. He wouldn’t give away the punch line but we all know it’s going to be a good one, although the Monkey stole my Savanna is a hard one to beat.
Barry Hilton, it was an honour and pleasure interviewing you. You are truly South Africa’s greatest comedian, and truly one of South Africa’s greatest people.
Tickets for the Australia and New Zealand shows can be booked at the following websites;
http://www.ticketek.com.au/ (Perth)
http://www.eventix.com.au/ (All other OZ)
http://www.eventfinder.co.nz/ (All NZ)
Written by Angi Baleta
“If everybody, everyday gave somebody something, everybody’s life would be just a little bit better.”
This is a quote from South Africa’s biggest selling comedian, Mr. Barry Hilton aka the Cousin. I met up with Barry on Friday the 8th of July 2011 when he was visiting the KwaZulu Natal South Coast and performing to a sold out crowd at the Mallards Ski Boat Festival. Down to earth, charming and of course, funny, there is much more to this man then meets the eye.
Barry Hilton has been performing as a professional comedian since 1983, and he says it should have been longer. Unfortunately his father did not back up his dream of initially being an Actor and then choosing Comedy, so Barry became an electrician, but that was never going to be good enough and thankfully, Barry Hilton the comedian was born!
From side splitting jokes, to the memorable Savanna adverts, Barry is one of a kind, and he always knew he would be. I asked him why he chose to become a comedian and his exact answer was, “Need; the absolute need to be somebody and something special. He would never settle for being average. And there is nothing average about Barry Hilton.
There is a serious side to the man we love to laugh at, and like most, he has suffered his fair share of heart break and heart ache. From losing his business and nearly everything he owned, to being lonely on the road, Barry has been through it all.
Two years ago he suffered the heartbreaking loss of his brother, Alan, who passed away from cancer. We all have our coping mechanisms and his is laughing. A week before the Alan passed away, he received a phone call from Alan saying that he better go see him at Hospice, he was going to die soon. Barry hung up the phone and was called onto stage 2 minutes later.
“How do you just switch off?” I asked him. He told me you just had to, it was a job and people wanted to laugh. At the end of his 75 minute gig, Barry told the audience, with tears in his eyes about Alan, he told the crowd how his advice to Alan, was that he should commit fraud, the Judge would give him 9 years. A joke he still uses today.
And that’s what he has done. He has a passion for people and making them laugh and he is the best at it, but like every human being, he suffers from self doubt. Barry Hilton has never won a Comedy Award! How that is possible I can’t tell you, but it eats him up, and I can understand that, we all want recognition. However one day when walking through a mall in Johannesburg, it took him an hour to get from the store to his car, with constant bombarding from people wanting his autograph and photographs, his wife and the love of his life (in his words), Sandy Hilton turned to him and said, “And you want an award?”
These people are his award, to stand in front of a crowd of 4800 people and have them all laugh at your jokes is an amazing feat and he knows that. Not in an arrogant way, but he knows he is good at what he does, but he is passionate about it. Every day he realises just how grateful he is to be loved by so many people, and how amazing it is to have your dream come true. “Hard work and learning to face rejection and criticism are paramount if you want to succeed.” Advice I think we could all do good to learn.
This man is compassionate to the bone, and when a sales lady approached our table selling flowers, Barry was quick to reassure her that if you persevere in life, no matter how hard the road gets, it will be worth it in the end.
The hardest part of his life is the loneliness, it is something you never get used to says Barry. A hotel room is great for the first few years but nothing compares to home. Although he was quick to reassure me that if that is the worst of his complaints then he has no complaints.
Barry is heading to New Zealand and Australia in August and London and Dubai in September. Although he has performed in Australia before, he has never performed in New Zealand and he is very excited for the new experience.
His new DVD, Serial Comic has just been released and he says this is his favourite performance so far. He walked on stage and nailed it from start to end. The DVD can be bought from any Look and Listen Store and should be available at Musica soon.
We also have a new Savanna advert to look forward to. He wouldn’t give away the punch line but we all know it’s going to be a good one, although the Monkey stole my Savanna is a hard one to beat.
Barry Hilton, it was an honour and pleasure interviewing you. You are truly South Africa’s greatest comedian, and truly one of South Africa’s greatest people.
Tickets for the Australia and New Zealand shows can be booked at the following websites;
http://www.ticketek.com.au/ (Perth)
http://www.eventix.com.au/ (All other OZ)
http://www.eventfinder.co.nz/ (All NZ)
Written by Angi Baleta
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Prime Circle Interview
The chance to interview one of South Africa’s top rock bands of all time was a dream come true for this small town girl and it was with great anticipation that I arrived at Margate Main Beach to meet the five piece rock band known as Prime Circle.
The rain did not seem to dampen the mood as the guys performed their sound check in front of an already growing audience and as I sat backstage waiting to chat to Ross, Marco, Neil, Dale and Dirk my nerves seemed to disappear, largely due to the friendliness of all the crew. Ross Learmonth, the lead singer and guitarist, was the first one to come backstage to meet me and as he shook my hand his friendly and warm personality made me feel at ease. We sat down and were shortly joined by Marco Gomes, the very talented bass guitarist. I had a brief meeting with Neil, Dirk and Dale but my interview time was spent with Marco and Ross, two very down to earth and friendly guys, who honestly do not see just how famous they are.
When I questioned them about the moment they woke up and realised just how famous they were, Marco turned to me and said, “we are not famous, our music is”, and the sincerity was genuine and clear in both of them. They have been performing together for ten years and you can see the clear feeling of brotherhood between them.
I asked Marco and Ross if they found that life had changed much in terms of fame and they feel that they still live normal lives, they get approached by fans and when they do it is the ultimate compliment to them when people want to know more about their music. I loved what Ross said when he said how they feel extremely proud of their music and compared this to that of a parent being proud of their child for an achievement, their music is what they feel proud about not their fame and they have plenty to be proud of.
Prime Circle has recently been nominated for 6 SAMA’s (South African Music Awards), and this is no small deal. “It was completely unexpected”, said Ross and they are on top of this world. They were nominated in six categories, including;
Best Duo or Group,
Album of the Year (Jekyll and Hyde),
Record of the Year (for Breathing off of Jekyll and Hyde),
Best Rock Album in the English category (Jekyll and Hyde),
Best Producer (Theo Crous), and
Best Album Packaging (Jekyll and Hyde)
As you can see Prime Circle have really taken their music to another level and they will be leaving for a tour of Europe, which kicks off on the 20th of May 2011 and includes Germany, Netherlands and Norway. They will be returning home in June 2011 and I am sure the overseas reaction will be nothing short of phenomenal. The South African market has recently taken the Jekyll and Hyde album to Platinum status, which means sales of more than 40 000 albums and in a music market very much revolved around illegal downloads and copies this is an outstanding accomplishment for the five member band, who hail from a small town in Gauteng. They are clearly excited but they keep their down to earth demeanour and are only grateful for their millions of fans who appreciate what they love to do.
I asked them about their loyalty to South Africa if they crack the big time overseas and I used the band Seether (used to be Saron Gas) as an example of a SA band that since making it huge internationally seem to have forgotten their roots, but not these guys. Ross said that they realise if that happened they would have to be away from home for long periods of time but they are so deeply rooted in South Africa and proud to be so.
Prime Circle are genuine, salt of the earth people and as much as I gushed and professed my slightly obsessive fan status they just kept thanking me for loving their work.
They all complement each other and know their band mates strengths and weaknesses and this combination has proved to make this band one heck of a success and with more success soon to be coming their way, I can’t help but feeling extremely grateful to have had the chance to get a glimpse into the minds of these fantastic people.
Marco and Ross did not bat an eyelid when I asked for an autograph and Ross even hugged me and thanked me for a great interview. I was on top of the world and so were the thousands of people at Africa Bike Week who watched them perform their hits. To screams from fans they belted out all the tunes people love to love.
Prime Circle – you rock and I am sure many will join me in wishing you all the best for the upcoming international tour and we look forward to seeing you again on the South Coast.
The rain did not seem to dampen the mood as the guys performed their sound check in front of an already growing audience and as I sat backstage waiting to chat to Ross, Marco, Neil, Dale and Dirk my nerves seemed to disappear, largely due to the friendliness of all the crew. Ross Learmonth, the lead singer and guitarist, was the first one to come backstage to meet me and as he shook my hand his friendly and warm personality made me feel at ease. We sat down and were shortly joined by Marco Gomes, the very talented bass guitarist. I had a brief meeting with Neil, Dirk and Dale but my interview time was spent with Marco and Ross, two very down to earth and friendly guys, who honestly do not see just how famous they are.
When I questioned them about the moment they woke up and realised just how famous they were, Marco turned to me and said, “we are not famous, our music is”, and the sincerity was genuine and clear in both of them. They have been performing together for ten years and you can see the clear feeling of brotherhood between them.
I asked Marco and Ross if they found that life had changed much in terms of fame and they feel that they still live normal lives, they get approached by fans and when they do it is the ultimate compliment to them when people want to know more about their music. I loved what Ross said when he said how they feel extremely proud of their music and compared this to that of a parent being proud of their child for an achievement, their music is what they feel proud about not their fame and they have plenty to be proud of.
Prime Circle has recently been nominated for 6 SAMA’s (South African Music Awards), and this is no small deal. “It was completely unexpected”, said Ross and they are on top of this world. They were nominated in six categories, including;
Best Duo or Group,
Album of the Year (Jekyll and Hyde),
Record of the Year (for Breathing off of Jekyll and Hyde),
Best Rock Album in the English category (Jekyll and Hyde),
Best Producer (Theo Crous), and
Best Album Packaging (Jekyll and Hyde)
As you can see Prime Circle have really taken their music to another level and they will be leaving for a tour of Europe, which kicks off on the 20th of May 2011 and includes Germany, Netherlands and Norway. They will be returning home in June 2011 and I am sure the overseas reaction will be nothing short of phenomenal. The South African market has recently taken the Jekyll and Hyde album to Platinum status, which means sales of more than 40 000 albums and in a music market very much revolved around illegal downloads and copies this is an outstanding accomplishment for the five member band, who hail from a small town in Gauteng. They are clearly excited but they keep their down to earth demeanour and are only grateful for their millions of fans who appreciate what they love to do.
I asked them about their loyalty to South Africa if they crack the big time overseas and I used the band Seether (used to be Saron Gas) as an example of a SA band that since making it huge internationally seem to have forgotten their roots, but not these guys. Ross said that they realise if that happened they would have to be away from home for long periods of time but they are so deeply rooted in South Africa and proud to be so.
Prime Circle are genuine, salt of the earth people and as much as I gushed and professed my slightly obsessive fan status they just kept thanking me for loving their work.
They all complement each other and know their band mates strengths and weaknesses and this combination has proved to make this band one heck of a success and with more success soon to be coming their way, I can’t help but feeling extremely grateful to have had the chance to get a glimpse into the minds of these fantastic people.
Marco and Ross did not bat an eyelid when I asked for an autograph and Ross even hugged me and thanked me for a great interview. I was on top of the world and so were the thousands of people at Africa Bike Week who watched them perform their hits. To screams from fans they belted out all the tunes people love to love.
Prime Circle – you rock and I am sure many will join me in wishing you all the best for the upcoming international tour and we look forward to seeing you again on the South Coast.
New Blogs coming Soon!
I am waiting for the go ahead from Just Jinjer, a well established SA rock band, and The December Streets, a new funky band from Pretoria. So keep checking for these articles. They going to rock!
Share this with all music lovers.
My next post will be the article I wrote when I interviewed Prime Circle a few months back. Read it, share it, love SA Music!
Share this with all music lovers.
My next post will be the article I wrote when I interviewed Prime Circle a few months back. Read it, share it, love SA Music!
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
SA Music
Some call me a crazy fan but I like to think I just know great music and I do become a tad fanatical about it and I want everyone to like it as much as me.
I am massive fan of South African bands and those who know me well, will know Prime Circle and Just Jinjer are up there in the top. I don't think SA music gets enough exposure and this blog is for me to write about the music I love and in doing that, hopefully, expose more people to the abundance of awesomeness our music industry has to offer.
I had the honour of interviewing Prime Circle a while back and it was one of the greatest moments of my life, because these guys create music! Real, honest music. Not the studio created cr*p that so many artists call "music" these days.
If you are a band and think you have amazing music that I could write about send me a link, if you are like me and love REAL music, send me links to hear what you love and hopefully in doing that we can bring our South African artists more fame, the fame they deserve.
It doesn't have to be South African, although that is what my main focus is, but I just want to hear good real music, blood sweat and tears created music.
I know music taste is a personal choice and we all love different types of music, I know there are some songs I like that would make you cringe but I love hearing new music, and more often than not I find something that blows me away.
Music is what makes the world go around, so share it, let me know who you think deserves to be written about and let's make music!
I am massive fan of South African bands and those who know me well, will know Prime Circle and Just Jinjer are up there in the top. I don't think SA music gets enough exposure and this blog is for me to write about the music I love and in doing that, hopefully, expose more people to the abundance of awesomeness our music industry has to offer.
I had the honour of interviewing Prime Circle a while back and it was one of the greatest moments of my life, because these guys create music! Real, honest music. Not the studio created cr*p that so many artists call "music" these days.
If you are a band and think you have amazing music that I could write about send me a link, if you are like me and love REAL music, send me links to hear what you love and hopefully in doing that we can bring our South African artists more fame, the fame they deserve.
It doesn't have to be South African, although that is what my main focus is, but I just want to hear good real music, blood sweat and tears created music.
I know music taste is a personal choice and we all love different types of music, I know there are some songs I like that would make you cringe but I love hearing new music, and more often than not I find something that blows me away.
Music is what makes the world go around, so share it, let me know who you think deserves to be written about and let's make music!
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