Old school rockin’ and rollin’

Born out of fun and based on the rocking musical vibes of the 70s and 80s, Rockhaven is a band like no other that will set fire to any party and is guaranteed to get even the oldest toes tapping again.

The average age of the six musicians who make up Rockhaven is about 50 going on 20 and their mission is to give people music the way it used to be.

“Everything is so electronic today and there is so little live music, so we decided to bring the “real” rock songs that shaped the 70s, 80s and 90s back to life, live,” said Dolphin Coast local, Emil Unger, whose nimble fingers slide easily over keyboards as well as his rather interesting headless Hohner bass guitar.

Joining him on the keyboards is Ballito’s Nicki Bowles.

“I was so nervous when I first joined. Emil has never had a piano lesson in his life and played better than me,” said Bowles, who has a masters degree in music.

“Nicki and Keith Isaacs (guitarist) are the eye candy in the band. The rest of us ugly buggers are in the back,” said Unger.

The band performs all over KZN and has a gig list packed with classics by Santana, The Commitments, Gary Moore, David Bowie, The Beatles, The Troggs, The Stones, Eric Clapton, John Mayor, Joe Cocker, One Direction and Van Morrisson to mention a few.

“We play whatever people want to hear. Hey Jude is always encored. We just love good music and enjoy a party, although we are getting old now. I actually have to wear a wristband, otherwise I start cracking after half an hour or so,” said Unger with a chuckle and a twinkle in his eye.

Besides their common love for music, the band is glued together by a good dose of humour thanks to all the interesting characters that make up Rockhaven.

“We are all completely bonkers and we all come from such different musical influences, which makes Rockhaven a wonderful, musical melting pot,” said Isaacs, who sports a 12-string Ovation guitar.

Completing the band is lead guitarist on an American fat Strat and vocals Roy Wolfson, award-winning pro drummer who plays for The Reals, Mali Sewell as well as Denise Ostler on percussion, while sound engineer, Warren Krummeck makes sure everything runs smoothly and sounds sexy.

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