Alive and Well

My dream came true 2 weeks ago when Rise Against finally played on South African shores. I was not as excited as I thought I would have been in the weeks following up, then again, I tend to play things down nowadays. I played all their albums on repeat for two weeks before to get psyched and re-acquainted with my old faves (not that I needed much playtime - I know those songs backwards, just saying). The Saturday of Ramfest arrived and it was raining. Of course it was. One cannot experience pure delight without a little rain in your eyeball. I had some family missions to complete before I headed off to Ramfest to join my friends in the drinking arena. Now I was excited. The bands and acts before Rise Against were a blur. Bring Me The Horizon, which I was as excited to see, were shit, as far as I was concerned. A few songs and they were off. 
Now the anticipation began as Rise Against's crew set up. Then Tim came on, I cried. This was actually happening. My dream was being fulfilled. My friend Ali stared at me as if I was mental. I like them okay? I sang along until my lungs and throat gave out. All I had ever wanted was to hear "Alive and Well" live. I was under the impression that they no longer sang songs from their older albums, well I was wrong. I don't think I have ever screamed or sang a song so loud in my life. I truly felt "Alive and Well". The band represents everything that a punk band should be; positive, fast, confident, humble and political. I have grown up with their music and it has defined my teenage years. Whenever something went wrong or I needed and explanation, I sought solace in the words and chords of Tim McIlrath and co. 


To this day I still can't believe that I saw them. What gives me great comfort is that the band does not take what it does for granted and they understand the impact they have on people's lives through music. I will forever hold them and this experience in my heart. 

HORSE The Band

It has been over a week since I have seen HORSE The Band on their SA tour and I have been uber slack in posting the pics I took on the nights. So I have finally come around to posting them. 


Anyways. HORSE The Band are easily the most incredible live act I have ever seen, and that is saying a lot. Over the years I have seen amazing international acts, each one outdoing the next. UnderOath, Haste The Day, From Autumn to Ashes, Metallica... you get the point. I was overjoyed when I heard Horse were touring as I thought I was the only lady to actually love them. I went alone to the Pretoria gig on the Thursday night (okay I met a colleague there). Facing The Gallows, Sesling and Straatligkinders played in support. I heart Facing The Gallows and Straatligkinders. 

NIGHT ONE

Facing The Gallows

Sesling

Straatligkinders

HORSE The Band

I then made my second solo mission on the Friday night to see them again. I had no intention of going, but owing to their awesomeness, a second round was needed. I knew a lot of people going so I knew I would not be completely A-lone. Plus I got a message from Niel telling me he was going, what a relief. I do not like going places alone you may have gathered. Anyways, back to the point, the band, HORSE that is. Facing The Gallows and Sesling supported again, with The Dead Will Tell and Their Death Becomes Her also playing in support that night. I had a fun fun night. Socialising, singing and being happy! 

The Dead Will Tell

 

Facing The Gallows

HORSE The Band

One Spontaneous Hot Summer Night in Pretoria with Johnny Foreigner...

Sissy and I made a spontaneous decision on Friday night to go to the Pretoria Johnny Foreigner show at Hotbox. I had planned to go to the Saturday night show, but knew that that would not pan out so well, and she was well... let down. So we got ourselves all dolled up and made the Northward mission to the dorpie. It was well worth it. We did feel a little like Jozi kids but knew a few (few) friendly faces.

I did take my old Agfa baby gal with me. Ran out of film just before the Johnny kids came on, but fear not! Technology is among us and I snapped some pics with my advanced cellular telephonic device. Please not that the pictures will not be of a high quality or well composed.

Wrestlerish

Love You Sissy

Isochronous

Film Pics end here...

Cell pics start here with Johnny Foreigner