Topless drummers take to stage
RIVONIA – It's the festive season and South Africa's own topless percussionists, 1st Project, are in high demand.
Justin Badenhorst, Shannon Ellinas, Herman Rosslee and Spac Lingwood make up 1st Project; an all-male band that was formed over 10 years ago at a music school in Joburg and they’re making waves not only nationally, but internationally.
Amidst a fast approaching performance at Sun City and an endless number of gigs and corporate functions, 1st Project will be giving back to their sponsors by appearing as one of the performing bands at the launch event for the newly opened TOMS music store in Rivonia on 1 November.
Not just pretty faces and defined abs, front-man Shannon Ellinas explained the work that goes into being 1st Project – from their performances to their fitness routine. TOMS is one of 1st Projects’ sponsors and Shannon expressed his appreciation of the company for what they’ve done for the band and all the equipment supplied to them over the years. “Playing for a sponsor – it helps us feel like we’re giving back.”
He also hinted as to what kind of set they’d be doing at the TOMS Rivonia store opening event, “We’re going to do some technical stuff: just to inspire the younger fans.”
However, the most important part of their performance, to their female fans, would probably be their lack of clothing. When asked why they perform topless, Shannon explained that it started as something they thought would be funny, and later realised it helped their performances to be unhindered by shirts, and despite their strenuous performances they still work out.”We have to go to gym considering we’re half-naked drummers.”
Don’t miss their performance on 1 November at TOMS Rivonia Crossing, on the corner of Witkoppen Road and Rivonia Road. The event starts at 9am and entrance is free. For more information on 1st Project, visit their website at www.1stproject.com or on Twitter using the handle @1stprojectdrums.
