Only the coolest of hipsters will be aware of THE THUNDERBIRDS. People like Passion from The Dirty Skirts – he will know most of these names. And if you aren’t aware of these guys, then please ask anyone over 45 who spent time in Cape Town in the 70s and 80s. Your parents probably made you in the car park after watching these cats, before. More fun, you simply cannot have!

These guys were the forerunners to the band Late Final and the band consists mostly of the original members.The Thunderbirds are an institution with a MASSIVE sound, and they have reformed after 20-odd years. If YOU know someone over 50, it is your duty to tell them about this. Don’t tell them after the event, they will throttle you, I swear.

Read these names to them and enjoy the reaction as they flip their lid:

Rupert Mellor – ex First Aquaintance, Hedge Hoppers, McCully Workshop, Late Final and his murderous solo career.

Graham Merrill – trombone and lead vocals ex Navy Band, Late Final.

Richard Black – lead guitar and vocals ex McCully Workshop, Late Final.

Dave Evans – drummer extraordinaire ex Peanut Butter Conspiracy.

And then, back with the band after an absence of 25 years , their “sailor home from the sea”:

Stewie Goodwin – saxophones ex Navy Band

and last but not least, the new man on bass guitar:

Robair Stemmet – currently with Boulevard Blues Band and hopefully able to wear both hats for some time to come!

GIG DETAILS

Friday 27th January

Die Boer – Restaurant & Theatre , 6 Chenoweth St Durbanville

Doors open 6.30 pm /Show starts 8.30 pm.

Full menu and bar available.

All main meals should be served prior to the show starting.

R90 per person.

Call 021 9791911

And just for a bit of nostalgia and trivia, some of the older 2oceansvibe readers will remember these guys playing at Basin Street and the Garden Village. Prepare for the likes of Big Joe Turner, Louis Jordan, Blues Brothers, Supercharge, and lotsa good time R’R! Richard wrote the horn parts back then, but when they stopped playing, they lost the bone parts. Graham rediscovered them (20 years later) whilst moving house – so the motivation to play again was unavoidable!