They will be playing at the Grand Arena at GrandWest in Cape Town on September 18, Moreleta Campus in Pretoria on September 20 at 20:00, Madibaz Indoor Centre in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) on September 21 and at the Big Top Arena, Carnival City on September 22 at 15:00.
Frans Swart, Managing Director of Lefra Productions, who already brought Smokie to South Africa for five tours, says he is very excited that Smokie decided to include South Africa as part of their World Tour. “Over the years we became good friends. It is so nice to welcome them back to SA. I am sure there will be a few surprises in the show. I can, however, guarantee a party!”
“To be rock ‘n’ roll survivors is an achievement. To be Europe’s top live band, 45 years after its inception is truly fantastic; but to still be enthusiastic, fresh, totally committed and in love with the music is a positive miracle.”
“Perhaps one can compare Smokie to Brazil’s national football team, in the sense that Brazil, despite the changes to the team, still plays the best football in the world,” says Frans. Smokie has undergone a series of changes over the years without losing the essence of the band, and the youngest group seems to be the strongest ever: Pete Lincoln (lead singer, guitar), Luke Bullard (backing vocals, bass guitar), Mick McConnell (backing vocals, lead guitarist), Martin Bullard (keyboards) and Steve Pinnell (drums and percussion).
“Smokie is a sound and is not dependent on one person as is often the case in pop music. Our strength lies in teamwork, and I say without hesitation that our current team is our best ever. Smokie has simply never been as good as it is now,” says lead singer, Pete Lincoln. “Smokie loves South Africa and we are looking forward to our tour to South Africa – especially to your warm summer and wonderful sunshine. Keep your braais and red wine ready!”
The very popular South African group, Wes, will be guest artists for the Smokie tour.
Wes consists out of Ernie Bates (Overtone/ Invictus), Mac Young and Hugo Hewitt.
“We all grew up with the music of Smokie. I must say, every single that they recorded, became a hit and that is why Smokie is so popular after all these years. We are very humble to do the opening act for Smokie,” says Hewitt.
Tickets for any of the Smokie concerts can be purchased at www.LTickets.co.za or at www.smokie.co.za For more information, please visit www.smokie.co.za
