U2
Since Pink Floyd climbed ‘The Wall‘ and Talking Heads ‘stopped making sense’, it’s been the size of the multi-media spectacle — not necessarily musical innovation — that punters want from a live performance.
U2’s 360º Tour is no exception. Despite the Irish rock gods’ latest album, No Line on the Horizon topping the charts in 30 countries, the absence of a hit single resulted in their worst CD sales in two decades. No such problems for 360º though, which is on course to become the biggest grossing concert tour in history.
What’s so special about this live show? Well, a cylindrical video system of interlocking LED panels and an astonishing steel ‘Claw’ structure rising 150 feet from the floor over a massive stage with rotating bridges promise concertgoers an unobstructed 360º view from which to watch Bono (vox), The Edge (guitar), Adam (bass) and Larry (drums) romp through some of their greatest hits. Our own rock gods the Springbok Nude Girls share the support slot with Malian Afro-pop favourites Amadou & Mariam from 7pm. Arrive early. Cape Town Stadium, Green Point, February 18, 8pm. Entrance is R161 to R2568. Book at Computicket.
Designer Party
Award-winning Mzansi house producer Black Coffee and ghetto-tech rap star Spoek Mathambo spearhead an impressive line-up of musical creatives performing at the 2011 Design Indaba Party.
Musical creatives? Sure. This is the Design Indaba after all. ‘A Better World through Creativity” is the mantra of the annual design conference and expo that champions ‘creativity that enhances every aspect of the world around us” — from graphic design, advertising, film and fashion design to industrial design, architecture, craft, visual art, new media, publishing, broadcasting, the performing arts and music.
No longer just an exclusive bash for delegates, speakers and VIPs, for the first time this year’s party is open to the public. Party animals can enjoy some genre surfing sound ‘designs’ on indoor and outdoor stages courtesy of digital dub duo 7ft Sound System, soul siren Lindiwe Suttle, live electro producer Card On Spokes, and cartoon hop turntablist DJ Yoda, as well as an array of minimal techno, electro, punk funk, deep house flavas from Unsound System, DJs Honey B and Monique Pascal, and more.
Added attractions include a colab between Black Coffee and a mystery guest, as well as an impromptu performance art intervention that dares patrons to take their party experience low-tech. Trinity Superclub, 15 Bennett Street, Green Point. February 24, 9pm. Entrance is R100. Book at Computicket.
Compiled by Miles Keylock. Listings for inclusion in this guide can be mailed to [email protected] one week before publication. Fax: 086 6841187. Gigs marked with a star are recommended.