Just Jinjer tear up the Grand Arena
11 Sep 2009
The Heineken AMP Productions concert with aKING, Flat Stanley and Just Jinjer at the Grand Arena aimed to promote SA bands and produce a concert on an international level. Instigated by classic SA rockers Flat Stanley and, supported by the recently returned from the States and veteran SA muso's, Just Jinjer and, the relatively newer kids on the block, aKING, Saturday's concert for the most part achieved this.
Flat Stanley kicked off proceedings. To be honest Flat Stanley has never been my favourite drink of choice, being more rock shandy than Jägerbomb; they're nice but not that exciting. But one thing is for sure and that is they certainly know what they are doing and know how to do it well. Andy Mac is a talented and accomplished singer and gives Flat Stanley their soul and substance. He is not too bad an entertainer either and chatted amicably to the crowd in between songs.
Headliner of the night Just Jinjer took the stage next and seemed truly grateful to be back on home soil after seeking fame and fortune in the states. Ard mentioned a few times how great it was to be performing in SA again and even said he was close to tearing up (Aah bless). Seems the band is back in SA for good and judging by the crowd at Grand West on Saturday they have been sorely missed and happily accepted back. Playing a few of their old time favourites like “Father and Father” and the more recent songs like “What he means” they reminded us all what a great band they truly are and why they still hold the title of “Most successful rock band in South Africa.”
The concert at the Grand Arena at the Grand West Casino gathered a fair crowd which included quite a few family types but as the venue is so “grand” it seemed a little empty at times especially after Just Jinjer had performed and most seemed to call it a night. Those that stayed didn't miss that much. aKING was the last band to perform and I was a little disappointed by their show. As an aKING fan their performance was one that I was looking forward to the most but after Just Jinjer's phenomenal and professional performance theirs seemed to come up a little short. Perhaps they had taken a little too much advantage of the free beer at the VIP party beforehand which would explain their disorganisation to start off and Laudo's slightly odd quips from stage.
On the whole the concert achieved what it set out to do; present SA bands on a bigger and better level with professional sound and lighting and give our SA rockers the platform they deserve to perform on.
