Lefra Productions just announced that the British super group, SMOKIE, will be coming to South Africa from 18-22 September as part of their 45th Anniversary World Tour. They will be playing the Grand Arena at GrandWest in Cape Town on 18 September 20:00
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 45th Year Anniversary World Tour. “Over the years we became good friends and in the process actually became family. 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 SMOKIE party!”
To be rock n roll survivors is an achievement. To be Europe’s top live band, forty five 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. Similarly, 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 not a lone star,” says Lincoln. “We are a group. Smokie is a sound, and is not dependent on one person as is often the case in pop music. Our strength lies in teamwork, our current team is our best ever. Smokie has simply never been as good as it is now. “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 WEST will be guest artists for the SMOKIE tour. WEST consists of Ernie Bates (Overtone/Invictus), Mac Young and Hugo Hewitt. Hewitt says they are very excited about performing with SMOKIE.
“We all grew up with the music of SMOKIE. I must say, every single they recorded, became a hit and that is why SMOKIE is so popular. We are very humble to do the opening act for SMOKIE!”
Tickets for any of the SMOKIE concerts can be purchased at www.LTickets.co.za 011 815 3000 or at www.smokie.co.za. Groups of more than 10 are at discounted prices. Contact Monica Booysen on 011 815 3000 or email info@lefra.com. For more information, visit www.smokie.co.za
