Returning to South Africa for the third time, the Kia 80s Rewind Festival will get Capetonians grooving with the likes of R&B sensation Billy Ocean and English rock band Cutting Crew.
The music festival is the world’s biggest 80s festival with three massive festivals held in the UK, Thailand and the United Arab Emirates. First held in August 2009 in England, its following has grown over the past five years and it is considered a highlight on the festival circuit.
For one-night only on February 5, at the GrandWest Casino & Entertainment World, Billy Ocean and the Cutting Crew will be joined by the likes of Go West, Nik Kershaw, Heather Small from the dance group M People, Wang Chung and Hazell Dean.
It’s been 30 years since Cutting Crew’s Nick van Eede was last in South Africa and he says he can’t wait to perform some of their hit songs, including the all time favourite I just died in your arms tonight.
The English pop rock band recorded the song in 1986, and recalling that time, Van Eede says they recorded three versions of the song, before they were happy with it.
“We didn’t expect it to take off like a rocket… we were not prepared for what came next. The song is still well played even now, which is amazing,” he says.
“We are privileged the song has been recorded in about nine different versions.
“We still enjoy performing at festivals as music is a big part of our lives. I am enjoying some family time more these days, travelling the world and having a good time.”
Van Eede says the band are working on their new album that is due to be released early next year. “It will be different than what we’ve done before.”
* Tickets from www.computicket.com. Visit: www.rewindfestival.co.za/ www.facebook.com/80sRewindFestival/twitter.com/sarewind.
Win Win Win
Stand the chance to win a trip for 2 to The UK 80s Rewind to see 24 of the top 80s acts over two days. Upload a picture of you in your 80s inspired outfit and you could be grooving to your favourite 80s artist LIVE in the UK in 2015, plus some 80s Rewind spot prizes. Visit the event’s Facebook page to enter. For more details, contact Noelene Botha on 021 461 4669.