Fataar celebrates 70 in musical style

INLSA

MILESTONE: Steve Fataar with fellow musicians who celebrated his 70th birthday with him at Zacks, Winderemere. Pictures: Marilyn Bernard

When you first meet Steve Fataar, you immediately take a liking to him. This extraordinary musician is not only immensely talented, but is also warm and humble.

Regarded as one of South Africa’s living treasures, Fataar celebrated a milestone when he turned 70 a few days ago. And in honour of such a great South African, Tonight pays homage to him.

Performing his first gig as a 70-year-old at Zack’s in Windermere Road last Friday, Fataar was joined by his family and friends as well as those who appreciate his music.

“Hello Dear. I’m so glad you could make it,” he smiled warmly and hugged me as I meet him at a packed Zack’s. I mingled with his family as we shared a table. They are extremely proud and happy that they were able to celebrate this special time with the musician. He has a large family – it was touching that his daughter came all the way from Australia to spend time with her father.

The highlight of the evening had to be when Fataar took to the stage, joined by his fellow musicians/close friends who are all equally as talented. I looked around and saw the familiar faces united for the appreciation of great South African music. The minute Durban’s guitar legend struck a chord, everyone was mesmerised.

He plays the guitar beautifully and his voice is incredibly smooth. Fataar and the stage go hand-in-hand and he has the ability to capture the audience’s attention and keep it throughout his performance. Awesome audience synergy!

Because of his carefree and modest personality, he jokes and laughs between each song and we all merrily sang happy birthday to him. There’s no doubt that Fataar was born for the stage and is extremely comfortable as he plays his guitar, doing what he does best.

I was immediately captured by his talent and was honoured to be sharing such a proud South African moment with him and the rest of the gang. He sang some of his most loved tunes including, Your Precious Love.

Having been in the band The Flames, toured with the Beach Boys, hung out with the Rolling Stones and toured around The States, Fataar’s career has been amazing and he says he does it for the love of music. It’s apparent that he’s not driven by money or fame and music truly is his passion. I fondly remember him once telling me that it’s important you enjoy what you do and all he is concerned with is playing as much music as he can and sharing it.

I also had the opportunity to meet and watch some local musicians play such as Winston Owen, Darryl Smith and Leigh Hondy. Sneaking Smith away from the fun for a few minutes, he tells me what Fataar means to him: “Every time I jam with Steve, it’s been an absolute privilege. He’s been around since the 1950s when my parents loved The Flames and would go watch them. It’s kind of spiritual when I jam with him because he is such a legendary artist.”

As the night progresses, the atmosphere is electric as everyone gathers for the love and appreciation of Fataar’s music. The emotion in the room is on overdrive. Everyone is so touched and it’s evident how much support he has from his family and friends.

A few tequilas later and we’re all having a merry time as we celebrate Fataar’s seventieth with him. We sing Happy Birthday and stuff our faces with birthday cake. All-in-all, an amazing night of South African music. Wishing Fataar many more years to come and all the success in the world. He truly is an inspiration.