The Staccatos: Pioneers of South African Rock
- Charlene Bekker
- 2 hours ago
- 4 min read
Formation and Early Rise to Fame The Staccatos, formed by Brian Le Gassick in 1961 while he was a student at Damelin College, quickly made a name for themselves in the South African music scene. In 1963, their victory in a competition earned them a recording contract with EMI and the title of the “Beatles of South Africa,” marking the beginning of a significant musical journey
Chart-Topping Success and National Acclaim The Staccatos achieved their first major success with the song “Come Back Silly Girl,” which entered the charts in December 1965 and peaked at number two on the Springbok Hit Parade. This track solidified their status in the South African music industry as a force to be reckoned with. Record-Breaking Hit: “Cry to Me” In 1968, The Staccatos recorded “Cry to Me,” a song that would become a monumental hit in South Africa. It spent an unprecedented 38 weeks on the charts in 1969, a record for both local and international hits on the Springbok Radio Hit Parade. The song's popularity soared after The Staccatos performed it live in the movie “Katarina,” and it went on to achieve phenomenal sales, earning a 4th Gold Disc for exceeding 400,000 units sold in South Africa. International Recognition and Impact
The band's influence extended beyond South Africa, with “Cry to Me” also entering hit parades in Germany and the UK. “Butchers and Bakers,” another major hit, was released internationally under the Fontana label. The song was covered by artists in England and America, showcasing the global appeal of The Staccatos' music.
Longevity and Recent Endeavors
The Staccatos, after disbanding in 1999, made a triumphant return to the music scene in 2019. They have since performed numerous sold-out concerts and returned to the studio after a long hiatus, recording new music to celebrate their significant comeback. Founder Brian Le Gassick and lead vocalist Steve Ashley continue to entertain audiences, demonstrating their enduring talent and passion for music.
Management and Revival
Ebeth Loots, the manager and project leader, played a pivotal role in The Staccatos’ comeback. Her decision to manage Steve Ashley in 2015 led to the band's reunion and subsequent resurgence. Under her management, the band has received accolades, including the “Best Artist Manager” award for Loots and a Life-Time Achievement award for the band.
Continuing Legacy and Future Prospects
The Staccatos have been officially recognized as the “longest-running band” in the South African music industry, with a history spanning over six decades. They continue to receive accolades, including another award at The Afri-Indie Awards, and look forward to further success in the years ahead.
The Staccatos' story is not just one of musical success but also of resilience, adaptation, and a lasting impact on the South African music landscape. As they move forward, their legacy continues to inspire and shape the industry, proving that true talent and dedication can stand the test of time.
Ebeth Loots: A Manager's Triumph
In the world of music management, few names resonate as profoundly as Ebeth Loots, whose work with The Staccatos has drawn high praise from industry veterans. Boet Pretorius, a multifaceted musician, music director, producer, and pioneer, extols Ebeth as one of the best artist managers he has encountered.
His commendation is not just a reflection of her professional acumen but also highlights the critical role of loyalty in the music industry. According to Pretorius, the success of any partnership, be it business or personal, hinges on loyalty. He lauds the partnership between Ebeth and The Staccatos, emphasizing how her dedication has ensured the artist's continual promotion and employment.
Similarly, Steve's commitment to delivering top-notch performances complements Ebeth's efforts. Pretorius expresses his admiration and congratulations to the team, including Brian Le Gassick, whose contribution he acknowledges with high regard. Similarly, Pamela Roering, a classical pianist with a rich experience of 46 years in the music industry, offers her perspective on Ebeth Loots.
Having discovered Loots on social media, Roering was immediately drawn to her outstanding dedication as The Staccatos' manager. She admires Ebeth's resolve, especially how she led the band to peak in 2019 and navigated the challenging times of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Roering's admiration extends beyond Ebeth's professional achievements; she finds her approachable, capable of maintaining high morale among The Staccatos, and endearing in personality. This sentiment from a seasoned professional like Roering, who has now retired and resides in Melbourne, Australia, adds a significant feather to Ebeth's cap.
Roering, daughter of Tommy Roering, who wrote the famous song ""Fanagalo"" and was a prolific songwriter and board member of SAMRO, understands the intricacies of the music world, making her praise all the more impactful.
The Staccatos - The Boys Are Back
Listen to the Staccatos music here YouTube : Click Here Spotify : Click Here Apple Music : Click Here Follow the Staccatos Social Media Pages Facebook : Click Here Fan Page : Click Here Promoter/Manager/PR Ebeth Loots Tel: 083 592 7442 Email: ebeth@thestaccatos.co.za
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