My good old mate Neek brought this to my attention yesterday and I’m very grateful he did cos I think it rocks! They eventually found Rodriguez alive and well living and working as a construction worker in Detroit completely unaware of his fame and success in South Africa and are going to give him the respect he is due.
Now if you have to ask who Rodriguez is then you are either 25 or younger, not South African, or need to be shot. Only kidding but you are missing out! Click here to find out more: Just going through a couple of articles about his rediscovery they talk about how his music got many young South Africans serving time in the SA Defense Force through many long hours and trying times while stationed far away or at war in Angola.
I of course was just too young for any military service at the time but even the serving boys will remember it fondly. To me his music, while I was growing up, was synonymous with a great group of friends, a case or two of beer or a couple of bottles of brandy, the smell of cooking meat on the braai (BBQ) and long hot summer nights spent outside at a dam or swimming pool. Picture that while you listen to this and let the old memories return.
Sugarman – Smell that boerewors, taste that beer!
Hmmmmm. Incredible isn’t it?
When he was found he was quoted saying :”I was told that they released it in South Africa, and I said I wish I could go there, but they said the music didn’t happen until much later. But I don’t know about all these things.” Little did he know that he was a massive hit and an icon in our youth and due to serious financial constraints and lack of international marketing, his label went under and so did he along with it. He did however tour South Africa in the late 90′s and those lucky enough to be a part of the 5000 audience per show will remember it well.
But the man is back, or at least his album is. Cold Fact has been re-released in the UK and hopefully will finally get the credit it deserves! And according to The Independent he will be touring to honour this momentous occasion.
Cold Fact is now finally available on CD or downloadable at most legitimate sites! 8)
