Formed in Alexandra in 1967. The original line-up included Sophie Thapedi (vocals), Oupa Hlongwane (guitar), Sankie Cluenyane (organ), Norman Cluenyane (bass), Archie Mohlala (drums), Lula Nasekela (alto sax), Thomas Phale (tenor sax). Early on Maxwell Kubheka replaced Norman Cluenyane on bass.
They launched their career with the release of the singles “Apple Tart” (1969) and “Movers Underground”.
They released their first solo album Crying Guitar in 1970. They experienced several line-up changes over the next decade and by 1981 their line-up had changed to: Ben Rhikoto (guitar), Jabu Sibumbe (bass and percussion), Lloyd Lelosa (keyboards and vocals), Mafa Pholo (drums), Thomas Phale (tenor sax), Eaglett Ditsi (vocals) and Joy White (vocals).
They released singles and albums on a regular basis throughout the 1970s and until their last album, Space, released in 1981.
Formed in 1985, developed out of Neill Solomon’s band Bazar with Neill Solomon (guitar, vocals), Greg Georgiades (bass), George Spencer (percussion) and George Voros (drums).
Later versions of the band included Chris Bekker (bass), Stuart Woods (keyboards), George Spencer (drums), Dan Chiorboli (percussion), Thathi Pule (bass), Karriem Daries (drums) and Anthony Stevens (guitar).
The Passengers released the singles “Hold on” in 1987, “Got to get Away” in 1988 and “Honeytown” and “What?” in 1989.
All four were included on their only album Rule Of The Swallow released in 1989.
The band broke up in the early 1990s and Neil Solomon continued with studio, theatre, film and solo work.
Springs-based band with Radio Rat Jonathan Handey (guitar vocals), Safari Suit Steve Moni (guitar) and Chauffer Graham Handley (bass). Also Larry Friedburg and Julian Platt (drums).
Released the single “Home Address … The Burning Road/Keep It A Secret” in late 1980. The song “Shock Time For Rock” was included on the international compilation World Class Punk (1984).
In 1999 an unofficial album, The Complete Pop Guns 1980/1981 was compiled, including fourteen songs that were part of the original recording session.
Cape Town band who formed in 1968 and are still performing. The original line-up morphed out of The Fantastics and included George Carelse (lead guitar), Robbie Jansen (guitar, sax, flute), John Barron (drums, lead vocals), Claude Brown (bass, sax) and Bones Delight (vocals).
They started their career releasing the singles “Itchy Fingers” (1968), “Argie” (1968) and “In orbit”/“Enchantment” (1969). In 1969 they won the South African Battle of the Bands competition. They went to England in late 1969 and appeared on Top of the Pops and supported John Lennon’s Plastic Ono Band at the Marquee and Credence Clearwater Revival on their European tour.
On their return to South Africa George Carelse and Robbie Jansen were replaced by Gerry Watt (guitar) and Cliffie Valentine (keyboards).
They released their first album Loving You in 1975, followed by A Place in the Sun (1980), Thank You Thank You (1984), Check it Out! (1988), We Are All African People (1989), Tomorrow (1990) and Please Don’t Go (1992). They were the support act for various overseas artists when they toured South Africa in the early 1980s: Tavares, Champion Jack Dupree, The O’Jays and Curtis Mayfield. In 1982 they were Leo Sayer’s backing band when he performed at Sun City.
They have had numerous line-up changes over the years including Ronnie Joyce joining on vocals in 1984. Ricardo later joined as vocalist.
Formed in Johannesburg in the early 1980s. A vocal quartet featuring Jervis Pervington, Roy Bramwell, Tommy Maree and Darren Magnussen and backed by session musicians.
They rose to prominence in 1983 when they won the SABC’s “Follow that Star” competition, and received a recording contract as part of the prize. Their first album The Soft Shoes and single “Elvis Astaire” were rushed out to capitalise on their nationwide coverage and both went on to do very well in the charts in 1983.
They released subsequent albums in 1984 (including I’m Dreaming of a Soft Shoes Christmas in time for Christmas 1984) before breaking up.
Springs-based group formed in 1984: Mark Bennet (guitar, vocals, cash register), Jannie van Tonder (trombone), Leon van der Merwe (saxophone), Tracy Bennet (keyboards) and Andre van Niekerk (drums).
Released the single “Mission to Ciro” in 1984 and the cassette An Evening With the Softies in 1985 followed by 4 of those songs on the EP The Softies also in 1985.
Formed in Johannesburg in 1984, morphing out of What Colours? Gary Rathbone (guitar, vocals), Tara Robb (vocals, joined in 1985), Alan Lusk (bass) and Richard Frost (drums).
Released the singles “Teddy Bear” in 1988 and “Be-Bop Pop” in 1989.
Both were included their debut (and only) album Be-Bop Pop released in 1989.
Durban-based group formed in 1980 with Richard Ellis (Songwriter, lead vocalist, percussion), Graham Ellis (drums, bass, vocals), Joe Bozza (bass), Jimmy Cordier (percussion), Richard Pullon (keyboards), Paul Ellis (drums on ‘Rules And Regulations’).
Released the single “Rules And Regulations” in 1981 and the album Law Of The Jungle in 1982.
They broke up in 1983.
Tighthead Fourie was Roger Lucey under another (country) guise.
Formed in Johannesburg in 1984: Tighthead Fourie/Roger Lucey (guitar, vocals), Ray Stadig/Johnny Blundell (guitar), Gene Parkering/Brian Rath (drums), Lorenzo Marks/Dave Marks (bass), Ben Zeen/Warrick Sony (bass), Sakkie de Kock/Lloyd Ross (bass), Tennessee Ferreira/Will Von Will (vocals) and Slim Gedagte/Peter Davidson (vocals). (Different bass players were used on various songs).
Released the single “Whiskey Strait Up”/”No Easy Walk to Freedom in 1984”. Other songs were recorded but not released.
Short-lived band formed in 1985 as an off-shoot of the Radio Rats: Jonathan Handley (guitar, vocals), Dave Davies (vocals), David Allen (bass), Peter Peyerl (Drums).
Released the single “Padded Rooms” and other songs including “Agony”.
