WIN BIG! Meet the new guitarist from Hey Now

Hey Now, Hey Now Now is a cutting edge ’80s rock show that celebrates and pays tribute to the best alternative rock bands of the decade.

The show includes music from The Cure, Sisters of Mercy, The Cult, U2, The Pixies, Depeche Mode, Violent Femmes, The Clash, Talking Heads, Lloyd Cole, Joy Division, New Order, Simple Minds, Bauhaus, The Jam, The Police, Echo and The Bunnymen, The Smiths and Duran Duran.

Getting to know Drawbridge, a Benoni resident, the Advertiser learned that he has loved music from as far back as he can remember.

“My mom, Sue, was always playing records when I was growing up so my fascination and love for music and bands started from an early age,” he said.

His dad, Keith, also plays the guitar and gave his son his first lessons. The first song he taught him was As tears go by, from The Rolling Stones.

Drawbridge is fortunate enough to play in three bands: Holly and the Woods, Seven Side Story and the Hey Now, Hey Now Now Band.

Asked him whether he is a vocalist too, Drawbridge replied: “I’m an awesome shower singer. That’s about the extent of my vocal career.”

Being a part of the show is a dream come true for Drawbridge.

“The band is made up of some hugely talented musos and it’s a privilege to share the stage with them and the legend that is Danny de Wet.”

According to Drawbridge, there have been a few remarkable memories since the start of his music career.

One of them was playing in front of 25 000 people at a Woodstock concert.

“All the Hey Now shows are also huge highlights, as they are always sold out and the energy is insane,” he said.

“At the last Hey Now show I got to play alongside my local guitar hero, Martin Rocka, from Wonderboom.”

In 2010, Drawbridge also started his own music school – For those about to Rock.

“I opened my school, because I really enjoy teaching guitar and to see students grow from strength to strength with their playing, confidence and outlook on life,” he said.

“Life’s too short; you’ve got to do what you love.”

Drawbridge usually travels to student’s houses, as lessons are given on an individual basis, but he is also based at Martin School, Boksburg, where he teaches the students.

* One lucky reader will win a party for 10 at the Barnyard Theatre, Emperors Palace, to see Hey Now, Hey Now Now, performed on Sunday, August 9, at 8pm.

To stand a chance of winning, SMS your name and the word “Darren”, followed by the area in which you live, to 35718.

The competition closes on August 7, at noon.

SMSes are charged at R1.50.

* Anyone who signs up for guitar lessons with Drawbridge over the next week has their first 30-minute lesson free and four tickets to the show. Drawbridge can be contacted on 083 660 4648.