Johannesburg - They’ve turned down the chance to perform on stage with the likes of Lady Gaga and other famous musicians.
But when the Red Hot Chili Peppers came knocking on their door, for Die Antwoord, it was an offer that the local rap-rave-hip-hop group just could not resist.
In fact, Die Antwoord were personally asked by a member of the US rock group to open for them when they perform in South Africa next year.
Michael “Flea” Balzary, bassist for the Red Hot Chili Peppers, had bumped into Die Antwoord in Belgium at a concert where the groups performed recently.
Said Ninja: “All the bands were watching a soccer game in the backstage area when Flea came to sit next to Yo-landi while he practised his bass playing.”
“He wasn’t wearing a shirt. Yo-landi turned to me and said: ‘Ninja! tell this weirdo to go away, because she didn’t turn to look at him so she didn’t click who it was.”
“So, I told her, that’s Flea a****le! I then introduced myself and Flea told me that he was coming to South Africa soon and I told him we should open for you guys, and he thought it was a great idea.”
The US rock band is heading to South Africa as part of their world tour.
Big Concerts confirmed this week that the tour is scheduled for February 2 at the Soccer City Complex, FNB Stadium, Joburg and then February 5 at the Cape Town Stadium.
Founding members Anthony Kiedis and “Flea”, plus long-time drummer Smith and new guitarist Josh Klinghoffer will be supported by the zef rave group.
Ninja, who’s real name is Watkin Tudor Jones, said that the Red Hot Chili Peppers had even wanted Die Antwoord to join them on their world tour.
“Prior to chatting with Flea in Belgium, the Chili Peppers had asked us via our management to tour with them for their entire world tour, but we were not able to commit due to our own world touring schedule which was already booked.”
Ninja admitted that his hip- hop group are huge fans of the Chili Peppers and they could not wait to open for them in South Africa.
“We dig the Chili Peppers a lot, they’re funky as hell, real classic s**t. Also real original. We grew up on them,” said Ninja.
Die Antwoord also have a number of favourite Chili Peppers songs which include Give it away, Under the bridge, and Californication.
“Their Blood, Sugar, Sex, Magik album is crazy cool,” said Ninja.
Asked why Die Antwoord had turned down the chance to perform with Lady Gaga earlier this year, Ninja said: “Gaga is a bad Madonna rehash. Not our cup of tea.”
The band said that they were also looking forward to performing at the FNB Stadium as they had never performed there before.
Die Antwoord are working on the new music video Fatty Boom Boom, which will be released in October before they head to Mexico as part of their world tour. - Saturday Star