The name Sammy Webber is synonymous with Cape Town music, particularly Cape jazz.
His wizardry on the bass guitar has won him many fans and his stint with Virtual Jazz Reality made him a household name.
Seven years ago disaster struck in the form of multiple sclerosis, which affected his health. His eyesight is severely affected and he gets around with the aid of a walking stick. The gigs dried up while the medical bills stacked up.
Now several role-players in the Cape Town music industry have come together to stage a tribute show for Webber. Songs for Sammy - A tribute to Sammy Webber will take place on Thursday, October 19 at 8pm at the Artscape Theatre.
Alistair Izobell is the executive producer, with Camillo Lombard the music director.
Performing include Richard Ceasar, Lorendo Brown, Karin Kortjé, Donveno Prins, Jonathan Rubain, Elwira Standili, Carmen Xclusive, Robin Pieters, Ian Smith, Glenn Robertson, Angelo Syster, Frank Paco among others.
Izobell says it is imperative we support those who have paved the way before his generation, like Webber and those who have passed on. “Those who have contributed to the South African discography that we enjoy so much now, particularly Capetonian artists.
“We are failing at our humanity if we didn’t hold up the banner for those who made it easy for us while they struggled and fought for the great entertainment that we have today. To celebrate him as a person, friend and musician and to validate his incredible musicianship,” he said.
Webber is grateful to his brothers and sisters in the music industry for their generous support. And that living with the dreaded disease is not a walk in the park.
“I gave up a lot of gigs, but kept the necessary ones to keep me going - I was thinking if I got better I could pick up those again.
“Now I am struggling to get gigs. Most of the clubs and venues I played in closed down,” says Webber.
He says these days he scrapes to get by and the guys he used to play with found new players to fill his spot. He does not blame them though.
“They have to carry on doing what they are doing.
“I used to do a lot of corporate gigs and I miss the income. It is hard.”
* Tickets for Songs for Sammy - A Tribute to Sammy Webber are available at Computicket, Shoprite, Checkers and Artscape’s box office at R250 each.
The show is brought to you by Artscape, Heart FM and Grand Slots.