SA guitar legends play up a storm

Since inception, a mystery guest performer has contributed to the line-up, with Nathan Smith having been the first mystery performer/sixth guitarist. In every show the sixth mystery guest is recruited from guitarists who play in popular rock bands, session musicians and solo artists. Previous mystery performers include the like of Terence Reis (Dire Straits front man), Jan Blohm, Dozi, Francois van Coke, Akkedis and Gerald Clark.

Riders from the Storm is an initiative undertaken by South African rock guitarist, Mel Botes, wearing his producer's cap. He is renowned for his craftsmanship on the electric guitar, his interpretations of legendary classics, his original compositions and, more recently, his classical repertoire. Botes himself is an accomplished guitarist. Popular shows featuring his talents have included: Crazy Diamond - A tribute to Pink Floyd; Sultans of Swing - A tribute to Dire Straits; and his own original masterpiece, David's Confession - About Time, Chapter II. The show is directed by Richard H Nosworthy, who has collaborated with Mel Botes on numerous other productions. The performers are supported by a band, made up of top SA drummer Ghapi, Johan Kelber and Charles Geer.

More original compositions added

Although the initial structure of the show was for each performer play one of their own original compositions and two covers, the show has been updated to add more original compositions, more collaborations and more instruments; in short, offering the audience much more. The launch of the new version of Riders from the Storm will be performed for the first time on 25 June at the newly refurbished Theatre of Marcellus, Emperors Palace.

The line-up for the newest show includes: Mel Botes, Piet Botha, Albert Frost, Robin Auld, Nathan Smith and Mauritz Lotz as guest artist. Piet Botha is acknowledged as one of the pioneers of South African rock and has become a legend in his own time as front man of the everlasting rock outfit, Jack Hammer, as well as recording a host of solo Afrikaans and English rock works. Albert Frost is one of the most versatile and talented guitarists in South Africa. Seeing him wield his myriad axes is a lesson in what is possible with a guitar. Slide guitar, harmonica, African blues guitar and soul vocals all feature in the fresh and vibrant sound of Robin Auld. An award-winning artist with an international CV spanning many albums, he's performed and recorded in New York, London, Glasgow, Nashville, California and played events like Womad, the SA National Arts Festival, Belladrum Tartan Hearts, Gold Coast Oceanfest and Cambridge Folk Festival. Nathan Smith is undoubtedly also one of South Africa's finest guitarists. Guest artist and SAMA award winner, Mauritz Lotz, has earned himself nationwide recognition for his diverse and excellent musicianship.

Theatre of Marcellus, Emperors Palace: 25 June, 8pm. Tickets available from Computicket from R120.