| October 25, 2008 |
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 Queen tribute rocks A PORT Elizabeth Opera House filled with music lovers keen to catch a glimpse of four lads from Down Under putting on their world-renowned tribute to rock group Queen, is testament to the fact that the band‘s music has spanned the generation gap. And while many tribute shows have come and gone, what makes the music of Queen: It‘s a Kinda Magic different is the direction of the characters playing band vocalist Freddie Mercury (Craig Pesco), guitarist Brian May (Travis Hair), bass player John Deacon (Brett Millican) and drummer Roger Taylor (Mitch Cairn).Peter Freestone, Mercury‘s personal assistant for 12 years – till the singer died in 1991 – directed the foursome to an electrifying performance. The stage props were tops, with raised drum kit and large speakers all around. Above the drums, a screen showed clips from Queen‘s live shows. The lighting was spot-on, but unfortunately shone into the audience frequently, blinding viewers. The foursome managed a seemingly effortless show, with a remarkable likeness to the stars. Pesco donned Mercury‘s trademark tight trousers and carried a cut-off microphone stand around stage. Hair‘s hairstyle was fantastically similar to the curly black locks May was known for. Opening to thunderous applause – which managed to rise above the heavy base from the massive speakers – the four strutted onto the stage to the theme song, It‘s a Kinda Magic. The show is centred on Pesco‘s performance and he steps up to the challenge. From the moment he sets foot on stage, there is no doubt he represents the renowned British vocalist. He even brings Mercury‘s flamboyance, outrageousness, power and a sense of humour to life and dons housewife attire – miniskirt, tight shirt and feather duster – for I Want to Break Free. With the audience happily dancing to the well-known songs, which included We Will Rock You, the band sampled more of Queen‘s lesser known tracks in the second half, only to be called back at the end of the show for their best performance of the evening – Bohemian Rhapsody. Queen: It‘s a Kinda Magic continues tonight and tomorrow at the Opera House. Tickets at Computicket. – Brian Hayward
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ANC must act to stop the threats THE prospects of next year’s general election being as peaceful as those that have preceded post-1994 are becoming increasingly less likely as tensions continue to mount within the warring factions of the ANC. This should be a cause for grave concern within the ruling party yet there has been no sign that meaningful action will be taken to rebuke supporters who threaten violence or worse on political foes. This week at a meeting in Gauteng called by ANC rebel and former cabinet minister Mosiuoa Lekota, rival supporters of Jacob Zuma carried inflammatory placards and chanted “kill Lekota” while those who had come to hear what he had to say were assaulted by thugs carrying pro-Zuma placards.... 
Six-month extortion nightmare cost East Cape couple a fortune Brian Hayward WEEKEND POST REPORTER haywardb@avusa.co.za AN Eastern Cape businessman‘s life was thrown into turmoil after a rendezvous with a prostitute turned into a nightmare in which he became entangled in a sordid gay sex extortion racket.... 
World-class eatery fit for a king Brian Hayward ONE would expect a good restaurant or two when visiting the picturesque wine-making town of Paarl, but finding a world-class eatery overlooking the beautiful Western Cape mountains was as much a surprise as it was a journey of culinary opulence.... 
Final favours home side in tough battle at Shark tank Wim van der Berg in DURBAN THE Sharks are the favourites to win the Currie Cup final against the Blue Bulls in Durban on Saturday. There‘s no disputing that.... 
Make lemonade, advises Ford boss Bob Kernohan BUSINESS EDITOR PUTTING a positive spin on the critically stalled domestic and international motor industry is no easy task, but Ford South Africa president and chief executive Hal Feder came close this week.... |
