For a couple of years I did not play so many gigs, I only played a few gig in a year. In my twenty’s I actively played again every weekend. I started to play bass guitar as my second instrument and keyboards.  So there after I even leaned to play lead guitar.  Why I wanted to play so many different instruments I honestly don’t know, however there after I realize that this has help me to understand the different parts, how each one would form a part of a rhythm section when played correctly. I started to play with various top artist and musicians where I pickup loads of experience.  At this point I started to do backup vocals, my first time singing since the time I sang at the age of five. I played with a well known group called Dad’s Army, The leader and bass player/Vocalist,  we happen to work together in the 80’s at a music store called Broadway Music in Johannesburg.We got close…. like father buddy figure I learned allot from him as he is a brilliant musician/vocalist. I must admit I owe all to him, if it were not for him, I would not be the music/vocalist I am today.

I played in gig bands for years, and in various groups. I professionally started in the 90’s; I worked with a band called “NO WHERE OUT” I was recruited by the band and “OFF THE WALL MANAGEMENT” to be the lead vocalist for the band.  I learned allot from the band, the way they work, how they got their gigs and most importantly there repertoire, and what really made the band, and how they got the gigs and how they got there following.  I played various gigs and like many other bands out there, struggled with the fact that as an ambushes musician/vocalist I could not really perform with a good repertoire and generally play good music.  As the norm would be to play very simple music for the local market.  As an ambushes musician I needed to perform and play internationally acclaimed music to further develop me as a musician and vocalist.  I came to a crossroads and a split in the road so to speak, where I had to decide which path to take, the left or right lane in the fork I should go for,  I had to make a decision.  The one would be to make lots of money and to be famous and play simple music in South Africa and to play for the sake of money and fame.  The other option would be to NOT make so much money and NOT to be famous, however to play internationally acclaimed music which I would need to pick up lots of experience and various styles which would improve me as a ambushes musician/vocalist.  So I those the last option to be a better musician & vocalist and enjoy the music I play.  I soon realize that “No Where Out” had successfully crossed this barrier with a magic recipe. They played good songs and still have big crowds of people that listen to the band. I soon got frustrated with the band and the fact that I need to push the boundaries even more, as I’m a very ambitious, at this point I realized that “NO WHERE OUT” where holding me back. I decided to leave, however waited for the right moment.  The band felt I no longer fit in, they came up with an excuse that I’m suddenly too expensive and they could no longer afford to pay my salary, this excuse fitted me like a glove as I don’t have to be the one to tell them I will be leaving, so I excepted.  This part was a bit strange to me as they offered me X amount in the first place; I did not quote or demanded a particle amount from them. I remember saying to them that they must make me an offer, as they asked me at what salary I would join and work for the band, after I went for an audition at “Froggos” in Kempton park, where the band played. So I left the band with no hard feelings.  The drummer that recruited me, Leon  plays for  “Mean Mr Mustered” now,  we still speak now and then.  With all the things I have learned from “NO WAY OUT” the band, I soon became a where that the band had lots of potential. Un explored potential, whether this fact was none to them I honestly don’t know.  I have tried to point them in the in the right direction, however any advice I gave or offered, got seen as a threat or simply trying to control the band.  I would honestly say that I think this was the main reason why I been told by the band I don’t fit in anymore.  This fact has made up my mind; there is no future in the band for me.  When I finally said yes I would leave,  I knew the band would not last very long, based on my observations.  I have seen the good and the bad and the mistakes the band made. I have acquired a wealth of knowledge, learned and knew how to even make a better band and product.  I then decided to start my own group.  The first person I phoned was Johnny Brunette, a drummer I played with in a band called “St Duke” which I left for “NO WAY OUT”.  I remember Johnny where very up set with me, when I left the band, however when  I asked him to join my group, to be part of my new band he said yes,  in an instant.  Me a Johnny auditioned loads of guitarist and got Dewald Swanepoel as our guitarist.  I spend loads of hours with Dewald to get him ready for gigs.  He had NO! Gig experience, I made him the guitarist he is today, as Johnny can vouch for this.   The Band VIRTUE was born.

I have been actively involved in the music and recording industry For more then 30 years, more so as a musician.

The Band VIRTUE: