“I wonder, but sometimes… I don’t wanna know.” – Sixto Rodriguez
Sugar Man, a household name, a legend in his own right… a talented musician who at long last returned to South Africa – where it all began.
The Rodriguez phenomenon was before “my time” but in my teens I was introduced to Sugar Man (the song) by one of my favorite South African musicians Ard Matthews of (then) Just Jinger. This followed years later by the movie which sets out to find out what happened to the American musician Rodriguez (as it was rumored he had passed away). It only grazes the surface of Rodriguez’s life story but I was inspired, his music took me on a journey.
Naturally, when we heard he was touring South Africa in 2016 AND coming to the ICC in Durbz (thank you Big Concerts!!) we knew we just HAD.TO.GO!
If you were looking for a rock star performance and fireworks, this was not the concert for you. With his funky style (even at 73!) and multiple hats, he proved to be quite the entertainer in his own right. He didn’t need to do anything other than be himself and any fan would appreciate that. He cracked a few jokes, gave us advice and he even blessed me when I sneezed during a small intermission (we were lucky enough to get 2nd row seats!)… it was the highlight of my night!
Apart from the longer than expected pauses between songs and the seemingly unrehearsed act, I just can’t fault him on this. I could NEVER do what he does at his age (even now!) and even though he needed some assistance walking along the stage, it really made for quite an emotional welcoming. The crowd got to their feet, cheered and applauded in awe and respect as he greeted everyone from one side to the other! Definitely a concert never to be forgotten!
Opening for Rodriguez was the unassuming Alice Phoebe Lou, with a powerful voice and message behind her songs! She was the perfect accompaniment. We hope to hear and see more of her around Durbz and South Africa when she is not jamming in the streets of Berlin!
Check out more events being brought to SA by visiting the Big Concerts website: www.bigconcerts.co.za
Photos: Julian Carelsen Photography
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