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Rory Blackwell: The Flash and Fortitude of Rock’s Ultimate Record-Breaker
The annals of rock and roll history are filled with flamboyant showmen, but few matched the sheer, kinetic eccentricity of Rory Blackwell. A British-born drummer, multi-instrumentalist, and relentless entertainer, Blackwell carved out a legacy that was as much about superhuman endurance and blinding speed as it was about musical rhythm. Image : Wikipedia During the 1960s, his musical journey took him to South Africa, a vibrant chapter of his career characterized by frantic st

Charlene Bekker
4 days ago2 min read


The Staccatos Kick Off Spectacular May Tour with Scenic Coastal Journeys and Heartfelt Performances
Legendary South African rock pioneers, The Staccatos, officially commenced their highly anticipated national tour this past month, running from the 7th of May to the 31st of May. Image(Facebook) : The Staccatos & Steve Ashley Renowned as the country's longest-running band with a legacy spanning over six decades , the group embarked on this journey with spirits high and timeless music ready to captivate audiences once again. Coastline Cruising: Scenic Views and Tour Vibratio

Charlene Bekker
5 days ago2 min read


Maak Gereed! Momentum Aardklop 2026 Is Om Die Draai (En Die Program Is Amptelik Bekend!)
Dit is daardie tyd van die jaar waar kunstenaars, musiekliefhebbers en feesgangers hul oë na die noorde wend. Die Momentum Aardklop Nasionale Kunstefees is terug, en vanjaar beloof om groter, meesleurender en meer toeganklik as ooit tevore te wees. Foto : Aardklop Nasional Kunstefees As jy nog gewonder het hoe om die komende skoolvakansie deur te bring, is die kort antwoord: Potchefstroom. Van 29 September tot 4 Oktober 2026 gaan die dorp weer omskep word in die grootste en m

Charlene Bekker
May 292 min read


Farewell to "Our Mimi": A Tribute to a Century of Song
The world of opera has dimmed its lights. On April 27, 2026, South Africa lost one of its most luminous stars, Mimi Coertse, who passed away peacefully at the age of 93. Known with deep affection across the globe as "The Queen of the Night" and at home as "Onse Mimi," her departure marks the end of an extraordinary era for classical music. Image (Google) A Voice That Conquered the World Mimi Coertse was more than just a soprano; she was a pioneer. In the 1950s, a young woman

Charlene Bekker
Apr 292 min read


The Maxime Follies 1971/2 (International Cast)
The Maxime Follies was the young ‘Jet Set Artists’ of the early 1970s and we were performing at the Ambassadors Hotel in Johannesburg in 1972. This was owned by a Greek gentleman called Johnny Gonatis. The band had Alan Goldstein on [vocals guitar] Chico on [vocals bass], Vivian Leppens [vocals & Drums] and Vivian’s mother, Elsabie Raats on [Keyboard/piano]. She was the Musical Director of the show. The performers were Don Stanton, [vocalist, recording artist,] Danny Joseph,[

Charlene Bekker
Apr 221 min read


The Staccatos: Pioneers of South African Rock
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 Image (Facebook) : The Staccatos & Steve Ashley Chart-Topping Success and National Acclaim The Stacc

Charlene Bekker
Mar 254 min read
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