Bridget Hilton-Barber
Jollers of yore! Unfasten your seat belts and drag your bodies into the upright position. This, as they say, will be an evening to remember. If you’re old enought to remember Jamesons and rich enough to pay for a babysitter, head for Melville’s Bassline from 8pm on Sunday November 30 for The Aeroplanes, live in concert.
The darlings of the South African Eighties pop scene will be gracing the stage for one night only for the launch of their Greatest Hits CD.
It has been a good 10 years since The Aeroplanes rallied the crowds to gigs at places like Jamesons and the Dawsons Hotel around the slogan “no normal music in an abnormal society”. Known for their fresh pop sounds, witty lyrics and anti- establishment attitudes, The Aeroplanes attained cult status among alternative Eighties jollers -the same ones, they hope, who will show up on Sunday, even if they do arrive sporting kidney belts, liver tablets, warm cardigans and suburban baggage.
“Having brought down the government,” says band member Carl Becker, “we decided it was time to flex our muscles again”. The Aeroplanes will be playing somgs from their CD, which includes previously unreleased material like Living in Yeoville and South African Male, as well as tracks like Hat Check Girl and National Madness.
Even though age has withered them a little, the original line-up is back: Becker (who also plays for the band Tepid Toppies), Michael Rudolph, James Whyle and Robert Muirhead. The exception is Gary Rathbone, who “has no time for these silly things” and will be at home with his wife and newborn baby.
“We’re ready for our public now” says Muirhead, the only band member who still has as much hair as 10 years ago. Rudolph is particularly excited at the prospect of an evening of real nostalgic Jo’burg jolling. “If the Sex Pistols can do it,” he said, “so can The Aeroplanes.”