by Louw Mulder

A live concert with a well-known act is an experience very seldom to be forgotten. But a concert where the artist has the ability to take you through a mosaic of memories, is customarily more memorable, mainly because of nostalgic value, making the experience priceless. This was once again done by Big Concerts bringing Bryan Ferry to South African Stages. Not only once, but twice in one night, as both the supporting act and Ferry himself, transported the whole Sun Arena in Pretoria, back to youth.

Former Springbok Nude Girls’ lead singer, dating back to the late 1990’s, Arno Carstens, was the perfect choice to open for Ferry. Featuring a two-piece band, his set list comprised hits from then, like Blue Eyes, as well as his solo hit, Another Universe. What was remarkable, was the inclusion of an Afrikaans track too. Carstens was accompanied by his session drummer Werner von Walt and David Watkyns on the keyboard, also doubled-up on the trumpet, once again giving that hint of the Nude Girls’ sound.

When Bryan Ferry entered the stage, the roar of a packed Sun Arena, was evident to the impact, yet massive popularity this artist has sustained with his South African audience, over the years. After taking to the world music scene as part of the band Roxy Music in 1970 with their first hit, Virginia Plain, this now 73 year old singer- songwriter, established a unique repertoire during his solo career, which was the basis of his programme during the show in Pretoria.

His voice has been described as an elegant, seductive croon. With a distinctive, sartorial style, Ferry has influenced a whole generation of artists, through his refined music, and live appearances. Now, after a lengthy 19 year hiatus from South African stages, this time-honoured, English-born lead vocalist was back on an SA Stage. For his age, Ferry’s presentation of his enduring classics, sounded remarkably close to what was recorded on vinyl all those decades ago. Because of this, I do think that together with his overwhelming and sophisticated glam-rock style, Ferry delivered a magical, and memorable concert, everyone holds dear.

With unforgettable classics such as Slave to Love, Oh Yeah and More Than This, to name but a few, deeply entrenched in the gathering audience’s psyche, together with the sheer anticipation of this long awaited live performance, created a tangible atmosphere with each familiar lyric.

I thought the production was minimalistic, with no special effects with LED screens or other stage- and set designs. Together with his live band, the scene for each song was set by only his legendary voice, the acquaintance with each song, and very clever lighting design, which varies for each track. I would say that this approach seemed to be very effective, taking nothing away from the music itself, which was in essence the main attraction this legendary artist catered for.

Together with the flash-backs linked to each song, a different reminiscing tale to each member of the audience, Ferry’s production added to the enchanted recreation of the Good old Days, with a variety of instruments and musicians, even getting behind the piano himself. From saxophonists, oboists, even to a very clever solo of the bassist during his programme, each recollection was coloured in, in true Ferry- style, just like that memory was intended so many years ago.

But More than This, we know that It was Fun for a While, and while we as Ferry’s fans will continue listening to this Band, playing on the Radio, with the Rhythm of Rhyming Guitars, Drowning the Sound of my Tears, we can now see him saying through his music: “Even Though your world is changing, I will be the same…”

Big Concerts delivered Another, well presented Big Concert Experience, which brought the magic of music home, proving that music is timeless…

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With Compliments of Big Concerts, we are giving away one Double Ticket to the Bryan Ferry Concert, at the SunArena in Pretoria, for 16 February 2019.

Ferry began his solo career in 1973. His solo hits included A Hard Rain’s a-Gonna Fall, Let’s Stick Together and This Is Tomorrow.  Ferry’s best-selling album Avalon, released in 1982, saw further release of singles such as Slave to Love and Don’t Stop the Dance, followed by the UK no. 1 album Boys and Girls in 1985. When his sales as a solo artist and as a member of Roxy Music are combined, Ferry has sold over 30 million albums worldwide.

Arno Carstens has released 12 albums; five as lead singer of Springbok Nude Girls, one as part of electronica project Bhelltower and six as a solo artist.  He’s had over 20 top-ten singles and won 5 SAMA Awards, including Best Rock Album in 2004 for Another Universe and Best Adult Contemporary Album in 2006 for The Hello Goodbye Boys. In 2016 he won Song of the Year for Ontwaak, taken off his debut Afrikaans album, Die Aandblom 13, which won a Ghoema for Alternative Album of the Year in 2017.

Bryan Ferry Competition is now closed.

Please Note:

1. This competition Closes on Wednesday, 13 February 2019.
2. Tickets are only valid for the specified dates and performance times.
3. Seat allocations are up to the discretion of the promoters.
4. Tickets may not be upgraded, or exchanged for cash, or for alternate performances.
5. Each Prize comprises of two tickets per winner
6. No-Shows will not receive replacement tickets.
7. By entering this competition, the participant agrees to the terms and conditions.
8. Prizes does not include accommodation and / or travel to and from the event.
9. Winners will be notified by mail.
10. One Entry per Email Address will be entered into the draw.

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Big Concerts announced that award winning, singer-songwriter Arno Carstens is confirmed as the support act for Bryan Ferry.

Arno Carstens has released 12 albums; five as lead singer of Springbok Nude Girls, one as part of electronica project Bhelltower and six as a solo artist.  He’s had over 20 top-ten singles and won 5 SAMA Awards, including Best Rock Album in 2004 for Another Universe and Best Adult Contemporary Album in 2006 for The Hello Goodbye Boys. In 2016 he won Song of the Year for Ontwaak, taken off his debut Afrikaans album, Die Aandblom 13, which won a Ghoema for Alternative Album of the Year in 2017.

During his career, Carstens has performed with U2, The Rolling Stones and REM, among many others, headlined every major South African music festival and performed at some of the most legendary and exclusive international music festivals, including Isle of Wight, Glastonbury, V Festival and Hard Rock Calling.

Now, it is Carstens’ chance, to open for Bryan Ferry, when he will be touring South Africa in February 2019.

Ferry began his solo career in 1973. His solo hits included A Hard Rain’s a-Gonna Fall, Let’s Stick Together and This Is Tomorrow.  Ferry’s best-selling album Avalon, released in 1982, saw further release of singles such as Slave to Love and Don’t Stop the Dance, followed by the UK no. 1 album Boys and Girls in 1985. When his sales as a solo artist and as a member of Roxy Music are combined, Ferry has sold over 30 million albums worldwide.

As an artist and musician, Bryan Ferry possesses the rare distinction of being regarded as both classic and timelessly contemporary – an accomplishment achieved by both his recordings with Roxy Music and the range and intensity of his solo albums.

This may be the last chance for South African fans to watch Bryan Ferry live performing all his hits live.

Tour Information:

Cape Town

14 February 2019

Grand Arena, GrandWest

Ticket Price: From R460

Tickets available from  and Computicket

Pretoria

16^th February 2019

Sun Arena, Time Square

Ticket Price: From R460

Tickets available from Computicket

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