Rock band Radio Rats celebrated their 40th anniversary with the release of their new album, The Concise Rock and Roll Primer.
On Friday, they held a meet-and-greet at the Springs Mall and played a few of their songs to their fans.
The proudly Springs band was formed in 1977 when they launched their first album, Into the Night we Slide.
The N3 Tour was a rare opportunity to see the band, when they launched their 13th album, 40 years after they
first got together.
Traveling from Pietermaritzburg to Springs regularly, Jonathan Handley named the tour the N3 Tour, from Durban to Springs.
Handley – songwriter, lead guitarist and background vocalist – says it is a privilege still to be able to sing and perform.
“We are still going strong and it was wonderful to see old friends and fans,” he says.
He was surprised to see some of the younger generation moving to the music during their performance.
Handley believes they brought rock to Springs.
“We have been asked by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry to play at a gig they planned next year,” he says.
David Parkin, the bass guitarist, was renamed Herbie by lead vocalist Dave Davies.
“They didn’t want a band with two Daves,” says Dave’s wife Michelle.
According to her the band have a get-together once a year because it is not possible to see each other on a regular basis.
“Gil Gilchrest the guitarist lives in London, and Herbie bass guitarist, lives in Sweden,” she says.
Michelle says drummer Riaan Esterhuizen is famous for touring with late Tolla van der Merwe, as well as Ollie Viljoen.
Rhoda Meadon (78), one of their many fans present on Friday, says it is incredible that they lasted so long.
Young fans Alicia Bezuidenhout (8) and her sister Skyla (4) loved the music from band’s new album.
“We grew up with old music and we loved every song they were singing,” says Alicia.
Another fan, Barbara Nieuhoff, says she remembers them from way back.
She is proud of the Springs band, which is still going strong after 40 years.
The band is already planning their N2 Tour, which will take place next year.
