British super group Smokie are coming to South Africa in celebration of their 45th Anniversary World Tour, this month.
Presented by Lefra Productions, the five-piece band are set to showcase all their rocking music at the Grand Arena on September 18 and then jet off to Pretoria on September 20, Gqberha on the 21st and end off on the East Rand on September 22.
Fans will be treated to a rock-star performance of hits such as “Mexican Girl”, “Needles and Pins”, “Don’t Play Your Rock and Roll To Me”, “I’ll Meet You At Midnight”, “Have You Ever Seen The Rain?” and more.
Frans Swart, managing director of Lefra Productions, said he is very excited that Smokie decided to include South Africa for their fifth visit as part of their Anniversary World Tour.
“Over the years, we became good friends and in the process actually became family. It is so nice to welcome them back to SA. I am sure there will be a few surprises in the show. I can, however, guarantee a Smokie party.”
“To be rock and roll survivors is an achievement. To be Europe’s top live band, 45 years after its inception, is truly fantastic; but to still be enthusiastic, fresh, totally committed and in love with the music is a positive miracle.
“Perhaps one can compare Smokie to Brazil’s national football team, in the sense that Brazil, despite the changes to the team, still plays the best football in the world.”
Similarly, Smokie have undergone a series of changes over the years without losing the essence of the band.
The band consists of members Pete Lincoln as the lead singer and guitarist; Luke Bullard on backing vocals and bass guitar; Mick McConnell on backing vocals and lead guitar; Martin Bullard on keyboards; and Steve Pinnell on the drums and percussion.
Lincoln said he is hyped and ready to give fans a show of note.
“I'm looking forward to it, I can't wait. It’s always a blast to be there, we’re going to have a great time. The shows are going to be great fun.
“Smokie is not a lone star, we are a group. Smokie is a sound and is not dependent on one person as is often the case in pop music. Our strength lies in teamwork, and I say it without hesitation that our current team is our best ever. Smokie has simply never been as good as it is now.”
Popular South African group West will be the opening act at all the shows. The band’s Hugo Hewitt said: “We all grew up with the music of Smokie. Every single they recorded became a hit, and that is why Smokie is so popular after all these years. We are very humble to do the opening act for Smokie.”
Tickets for any of the Smokie concerts can be purchased at www.LTickets.co.za and costs vary from R350.
For discounted group bookings of more than 10, call Monica Booysen at 011 815 3000 or email to [email protected].