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Curbing Our Enthusiasm

It's been a rocky time for live music fans, especially in South Africa.

Every exciting revelation that a massive international act is headed to our shores is too soon followed by some worrying news that could put their SA tour into jeopardy.

Rihanna just cancelled three US tour dates due to illness, Bon Jovi is without lead guitarist Richie Sambora for the forseeable future after he abruptly left the band mid-tour – and let's not forget that dear Justin Bieber just can't seem to do anything right at the moment.

It's more than my concert-loving heart can take!

So we at Channel24 have done a thorough audit of just where our heads are at as we take a look at the major live concerts due for SA this year.

Chevelle: 6/10
The US rockers have cancelled on us before (boo!) but have at least fulfilled their promise to reschedule – and with tickets priced from just R350-R450 it's well worth checking out. Chevelle will rock Cape Town's Grand Arena on 31 May, Joburg's Big Top Arena, Carnival City on 2 June.


Justin Bieber: 10/10
His recent bad-boy behaviour (lashing out at photographers), facepalm-worthy gaffes (he hopes Anne Frank would have been a Belieber had she, like, survived the Holocaust) and cancellations on the European leg of his Believe World Tour have done nothing to dampen our spirit. His poor pet monkey might still be under German quarantine but we know how to make him feel better! Justin's been to SA before so OBVIOUSLY he can't wait to return. Is it 8 May yet?


Metallica: 9/10
The last-minute venue change for Cape Town from the stadium to the Bellville Velodrome was a bit jarring. But since it also means the godfathers of rock will now be playing 2 nights in Cape Town (24 and 25 April) is reason enough to headbang. Joburg will have the same pleasure on 27 April at FNB Stadium. We'll have Metallica The Black Album on repeat 'til then.


Rihanna: 5/10
She's gorgeous, dynamic, and sings the kind of pop songs that truly resonate – but as a live artist? Can't say it's her strong suit. She's only due to perform in SA in October, but her latest string of concert cancellations in the US is not exactly encouraging.


Bon Jovi: 7/10
The band may not carry his name but Richie Sambora just deserting Bon Jovi mid-tour has left SA fans with very little assurance he will rejoin the band in time for their shows on 7 May in Cape Town and 11 May in Jozi. Can he and Jon kiss and make up already?


King of Chaos: 8/10
More ROCK! And they've added an additional Cape Town show for 7 June. Now just imagine if Axl decided to join them....


The Kooks - 5 Gum Experience: 1/10
Sorry... who? Would be cooler if 5 Gum SA had scored a band who've at least had a proper hit in the last 5 years. The UK indie band play Joburg and Cape Town on 19 and 20 April respectively. The venues remain a secret...

See you in the moshpit.

How would you rate YOUR enthusiasm for these (and other) acts headed to SA soon? Tell us EXACTLY how you feel... Just a pop a mail to Music@Channel24.co.za - and get published!


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