Experience Tom Bailey's unforgettable hits live at the ‘Let’s Rock’ festival in Joburg and Durban
For almost three decades, fans of the cherished band Thompson Twins have been yearning for their powerful melodies to resurface live.
This February, that wish will come true as Tom Bailey, the iconic frontman of the Thompson Twins, sets out to enchant South African audiences at the highly anticipated “Let’s Rock” festival.
Dubbed one of the most iconic 80s bands, the Thompson Twins are responsible for classics such as “Hold Me Now”, “Doctor! Doctor!” and “You Take Me Up”, all of which are set to create unforgettable memories for attendees in Johannesburg and Durban.
The music and videos of the Thompson Twins became a fixture on hit radio and music television throughout the world in the eighties.
The festival - a beloved retro festival in the UK - will make its dazzling debut in SA on the weekend of 15-16 February, featuring a stellar line-up that celebrates the very essence of the 80s.
Held at Marks Park Sports Club in Johannesburg on February 15 and at the Durban Botanic Gardens on the following day, the festival promises a family-friendly atmosphere filled with nostalgic hits.
Headlining both shows Bailey is set to bring the true essence of the retro experience straight from the UK to Mzansi’s stages!
In a recent interview with “Independent Media Lifestyle”, Bailey expressed his excitement for performing in SA, a personal milestone for the artist.
“I want to meet the fans, I want to play to the audiences. It’s going to be my first time in South Africa. It's been something that's taken a long time to get around to doing, so I'm, I'm pleased and everyone in my band and the management are overjoyed.
“They're looking forward to it. And if there’s one thing I ever want to take away, that’s to feel some kind of human connection and warmth with an audience.”
Taking us back in time to how his love for music started, Bailey said: “People tell me I was reaching up to the piano when I was a toddler, like two or three years old. And I was lucky to have music around me in my family. So I heard a lot and my father played a lot. So I guess it was just normal to get involved”.
Joining him on this musical journey are renowned artists Midge Ure, known for his work with Ultravox and Band-Aid, and a remarkable roster of local legends, including PJ Powers, Just Jinjer, and Cindy Alter from Clout.
Their diverse talents promise to make this retro celebration a vibrant reminiscence of the era.
Bailey will be accompanied by an all-female band featuring Angie Pollock, Amanda Kramer and Emily Dolan Davies.
“Most of my band weren't born when the hits that we're going to play were written, so there's a kind of young blood in evidence, and they're very enthusiastic. They don't see it as nostalgic.
“They see it as music that has to be performed to its utmost, and they're very talented musicians.
“They're all female, which is another interesting thing as well. I kind of got tired of the assumption that bands had to be just guys strumming guitars. Working with them was a great idea,” he said.
Asked what’s the secret to staying relevant, Bailey said: “The songs that we write do the work for us because even when you're not there playing at a show, that song might be on the radio or someone might be singing along or even doing a version of it in their own studio. It’s those things which keep you relevant.”
“If there’s one thing I want to take away from the SA tour concert, it’s to feel some kind of human connection and warmth with the audience,” noted Bailey.
As for the tour itself, Bailey shared his enthusiasm to explore the South African countryside, expressing a desire to see the nation’s wildlife, calling it “a major treat”.
The festival aims to deliver not just incredible music, but also a sense of community, fostering a welcoming environment for attendees of all ages.
Notably, children under five can attend the Durban event for free, ensuring that families can make precious memories together while enjoying the magic of the 80s.
As excitement grows for the “Let’s Rock” festival, fans are urged to secure their tickets early. General admission tickets for Johannesburg start at R695 and are available through Howler, whereas tickets for the Durban event start at R395, accessible through Webtickets.
After finishing his SA tour, Bailey is set to perform at another festival in Dubai before heading back to New Zealand for a series of shows across three major cities.
“So that’s my start to the year. A quick triangle around the world,” he noted.
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