The Parlotones rock the gardens

Pretorians were in for a treat when The Parlotones and Naming James rocked the Pretoria Botanical Gardens on Sunday. This was The Parlotones’ first live show since lead singer Kahn Morbee’s vocal cord surgery in August, and once again, the band proved that they have what it takes to entertain any crowd.

The day started at 11:00 when fans young and old streamed into one of the best live music venues in the city. Early birds managed to get wonderful picnic spots under the beautiful trees around the stage.

For most, the day wasn’t just about the music. It was a chance to escape the daily rush, and enjoy the arrival of spring. Around the gardens, trees were bursting with bright, new green leaves. Flowers were in bloom, turned the botanical garden into an explosion of colour and made the day only that more special.

At 13:00 the opening act Naming James set the scene for what was to come later in the day. Their music, an upbeat, eclectic mix of acoustic, rock and Balkan won over many new fans.

The highlight of the day was when The Parlotones took the stage. Before the start of their first song, fans rushed to the stage, in hope of getting a better view of one of South Africa’s most loved bands.

Lead Singer Kahn Morbee said that they initially thought that because of the relaxed atmosphere of the venue, the fans would be equally relaxed, but it turned out to be completely different. Seeing their favourite band for the first time after a lengthy tour of the United States and Morbee’s recent surgery, fans were clearly starved for their music as hundreds quickly found a spot right in front of the stage, dancing and singing along to every song.

The band played a mix of their most loved songs, as well as some new ones, including their newest hit Sleep Walker, which is the result of a collaboration with Hip-Hop artist Khuli Chana. Chana, who raps in Sleep Walker unfortunately couldn’t perform at the event, so his vocal duties were taken over by young Connor Croucher, nephew of Kahn Morbee. He rapped along to every beat and the delight of the crowd. The band also played Lisa se Klavier, a cover version so good, it has become a regular in their live set-list.

The band capped off a wonderful return to performing live, by spending over an hour after their show to talk to fans, sign autographs and pose for photos with anybody who wanted them to do so.

Speaking to the band after the show, and seeing their utter dedication to their fans, you realise that this is a band that deserves every bit of success they have achieved, simply because they have worked for it.

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