Forty years ago, 17-year-old “Oupa Elvis” Wolmarans, a local legend in Germiston, met singer Albert Hammond.
The meeting took place in Port Elizabeth, in 1974, after one of Hammond’s shows while he was touring the country.
The legendary singer/songwriter returned to South African shores recently to perform at a number of venues, including Carnival City, and Wolmarans knew that he must meet him again.
“Luckily I knew the promoter and organised with him that after Hammond’s show I could go backstage and have a word with him,” said Wolmarans.
“I didn’t think he would remember me, but after the show, when I went backstage, he said he remembered my face and, with a little jogging of his memory as to where we had first met, he remembered and we chatted for quite a while.”
Wolmarans was thrilled to meet one of his music idols and he told the GCN that Hammond is extremely humble and down-to-earth.
“When I was young I was not allowed to listen to the popular music of the day, like Albert Hammond, and I bought myself a small radio and would listen at night, hiding the radio under my pillow,” Wolmarans said.
“I collected all Hammond’s albums took them with me to the show.”
Hammond autographed all the albums and then told Wolmarans he wanted to give him a small present.
“He gave me a CD entitled “Albert Hammond – Songbook 2013, Live in Wilhelmshaven” which is not available in South Africa, and wrote a special message in it for me,” said a thrilled Wolmarans.
“He also gave me an autographed bottle of the special water he drinks on stage, the plectrum he used in the show and a bar of chocolate.
“The way he spoke to me for so long and gave me all the presents made me feel very special.”
Wolmarans is well-known in Germiston as an Elvis impersonator and sings at charity events.
He was also an avid athlete until three years ago, when he fell and hurt his shoulder.
“I am hoping to get back into running again soon,” he said.
He has a great love for music and believes that people should not listen only to the hits of the day.
“When you get a CD you should listen to all the songs, as you will probably find one that isn’t a hit, but it will hold more meaning for you,” he said.
Wolmarans was extremely pleased that he got to meet Hammond again.
“When you attend a live performance I think everyone always hopes they will be able to go backstage and meet the artist,” he said.
“I was lucky as I never thought I would get to meet him again.”
Charities are welcome to contact Wolmarans on 011 392-2122 or 073 795 3433 if they would like him to perform as Elvis at charity events.
