Loved by South Africans for generations, English rock band Smokie is currently concluding their SA tour after playing successful shows at Aardklop and Carnival City over the last two weeks. They took time out of their busy schedule to visit the Marshall Music Store at Allensnek Retail Corner on 3 October, where they were interviewed by Morning Live and RSG (Radio Sonder Grense), as well as other members of the press. Fans young and old flocked to the music store to see their rock icons in the flesh.
When asked how it feels to be a rock star, band members had some strange answers. “I don’t know, to be honest,” said Terry Uttley, bassist for the band.
“Yeah, what do you throw out of your hotel windows nowadays? Your iPad?” chuckled vocalist Mike Croft. “I threw the TV remote out the window the other day when my team lost the footie, does that count? It was the only thing I could pick up,” he continued comically. “Mind you, it was a silly idea because I had to go down stairs to fetch the bloody thing.”
“Being a rock star is hard work. Very hard work indeed,” said Uttley on a more serious note. The band can be on tour for eight to ten months of the year, and are constantly on the go in between recording, rehearsals and shows. “Work hard in school,” they agreed unanimously. “For every band that makes it to the top, a thousand other bands fail. It’s of utmost importance to have a good education to fall back on,” concluded Uttley.
