I was excited for the time leading up to the Prime Circle gig in Nelspruit. They have not been here for nearly 2 years. I was as excited as
kid around Christmas. It was such an eventful weekend that by the time Sunday
evening came I was glad when it was time for sleep!
On Sunday morning of the gig Eddie came round to pick me up and off
we went to the Gardens. It was a bit over cast but by the time we hit the
gates it was a sunny morning. After greetings at the gate and the short brisk
walk to the stage area we saw the set up was a bit different than last time. A
second bar with the food stall and Joe Blikzem clothing range was up at the top
side, the merchant stall was next to the stage and the stage looked awesome.
Excited to see Marco Gomes of Prime Circle hanging around and the guitarist of
Elvis Blue (who I met and ‘kuiered’ with at Avontoer, and Up The Creek and still
don't remember his name) came in for a hug and chat.
Our shirts were on, the guys did a sound
check which was all systems up, ready to go. People started to arrive bit by
bit and we were waiting like soldiers in the camp for the bar to be swarmed...it
didn't. We had a couple of people that returned for the picnic as they attended
the previous one, it’s nice to see loyal faces as well that I'm sure will
forgive us eventually.
Anyway Frankie Fire was first up and they
have played Nelsprata before, their smooth jazz/rock sound had people sitting
around eating away on their picnic goodies and sipping on their drinks. The sun
was a bit too hectic at the golden circle to chill out but their set was a great,
smooth kick off. As Ross of Prime Circle said, watch out for them, they are
going to be big in time.
Next up was Elvis Blue, in the last 4
months I've seen him 3 times now, he is pretty good musician, his song writing has meaning and is deep, I wouldn't have guessed he was on Idols if I didn't know
it (plus he is not too bad on the eye). Most people felt that he was a great
opening act for Prime Circle and I know of a few gigs they have been doing
together over the last year or so. A Nelspartan connection was at Kirstenbosch
Gardens New Years it was No One's Arc with Elvis Blue and Prime Circle...5 000
people later on. Elvis did a great cover of "Hallelujah" which has a
new meaning for a mate of mine and his new tattoo.
After Elvis set was done of course it was
time of Prime Circle, they looked ready and I know they were eager to get on
stage. I know as a fan I missed them on stage and hearing their awesome tunes. I
have found speaking to a huge number of people around here it’s either Team
Parlotones or Team Prime Circle, I’m on Team South African Music but I do favor
Prime more when it comes to big national bands. They started the show and
everything kicked off as it should, the fans were there, the media was there. All
ran like it should. But into their 3rd song the sound went out on the big ass main
speakers, in the front we could hear the monitors but the big rock ass sound was
missing. So the boys walked off to give time for their sound engineer Gareth to
see what the problem was working in hand with the guys of Sound Systems. We made
sure the customers at bar were happy and their drinks are cold and prayed inside
that this was just a once off thing. After many minutes (that felt like hours to
me) passed the boss Anthony announced that there were some technical problems
and the band will come back on.
Excellent, so the sound seemed to be
working and the boys did came back on, ag, their song was almost done but
the sound cut out again and I heard some people swearing in the crowd, again an
upset Prime Circle walked off stage and went into the VIP tent. Again the sound
guys were working their asses off to fix the problem with every available staff
member doing their jobs as appointed by the bosses. Ross then decided to try a
full on acoustic set and when he tried the sound was a failure again and that’s
when the decision was made - to rather pack up and not go on again. Of course
this not only upset the fans and us but the band as well.
I've heard so many rumors between Sunday
and here about how things went down but let me tell you, Prime Circle is
still one of the most professional bands I've ever came across from. They really
were looking forward to playing in Nelsparta again (if you don't believe me
check out @SA_Rockdoll tweet feeds of about 3 weeks ago) and was appreciated
for all the work, the fans and the people that came out. The boys then took the
time they had now to sign arms, shirts, CD's, shake hands and smile for photos.
Even this bar tender grabbed Simi to go meet the guys again and it was of cool
for them to recognize this bar tender (and fan) by name. When the guys left (after a well
deserve cigarette and ice cold drink) it was sad to wave good bye but I
know they will be back.
To every fan, young and old who was there
on Sunday you guys were awesome - thanks for the support. To those who hate our
guts: shit happens - really it does. The fault was somewhere and trust me I know
it was being investigated like CSI: Miami team on a crime scene. The energy was
a bit dull I will confess and I ask all the music fans to continue supporting
the great SA music that we have. Blame is easy to place on other shoulders and
never easy to take responsibility but I can tell you Team Blue Moon worked hard
to try and solve the problem back stage. Next time we will blast your socks
off, Prime Circle will be back rocking our bodies. They are
busy recording a new album which I can't wait for and watch this Monday (30
April) the South African Music Awards aka SAMA to see if Prime Circle will win
"Record of the year".
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| Simi and Marley with Prime Circle - Nelspruit Botanical Gardens |
Soon I will be back in your face with an
update on what's been happening, when it's happening. Till then you can follow
us at Marley or Small Town Music blog on Twitter to get some updates of gigs in and
around Nelsparta or like us on Facebook
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