BILLY SUTER presents an occasional column in which he chats to popular musicians about their musical likes and dislikes. The spotlight is on Durban singer-guitarist SHAUN DRAGT, who is to again appear as a guest of The Reals band in their hit tribute to Dire Straits. Catch it at 7.30pm this Friday (February 2) and 2pm on Sunday (February 4) at Umbilo’s Rhumbelow Theatre in Cunningham Road. Tickets cost R200 each. Take a picnic basket, if you wish, for seating at tables – but note that all beverages must be bought at the theatre pub. Book for the show at Computicket or mail Roland Stansell at roland@stansell.co.za
HOW many Reals shows have you appeared in and what has been your favourite?
I played my first show back in 2009, when the band’s guitarist, Barry Thomson, took a big chance and gave me a part in the Woodstock tribute at the old Heritage Theatre. It was deer-in-the-headlights stuff, but I couldn’t have been more stoked.
Briefly, what was your musical performance history before your first show with The Reals – and when and what was that show or band?
I had never really performed before nor had I been in any bands. I played a bit in church, but that was about it. My best audience was my mirror… and my worst critic was myself.
How long have you been playing guitar and what other instruments can you play?
I started playing guitar around 1997 and haven’t really had the time or the talent to learn anything else. I did buy a drum kit and can play some simple stuff but I’ll never be a Mali Sewell.
You once told me The Reals’ Barry Thomson inspired you to play guitar. Please elaborate.
I think it was in 2000 that I saw the Guitar that Rocked the World show in Durban, and it blew my mind! It was like I was in the presence of real rock stars. That core band eventually became The Reals.
My guitar-playing hadn’t really progressed by that point. I’d had a couple of pointers from my uncle but that was about it. I then pestered Barry until a gap arose in his teaching schedule… and the rest is history.
What is your favourite song right now?
I don’t listen to the radio so I don’t know any new tracks that are out, but my favourite song right now is Last Night by Morgan Wallen.
The last album you downloaded or bought?
Quick story, I have a massive CD collection which I was hoping someday my son would get stuck into. Turns out, it’s quite hard to find CD players nowadays.
So I downloaded my favourite album of all time, Live’s Throwing Copper, so I can get him listening to some good stuff.
Two of your favourite songs of all time?
Sweet Child of Mine by Guns N’ Roses and Thunderstruck by AC/DC.
Three of the finest albums ever – and why?
Nirvana’s Nevermind, Live’s Thowing Copper and Pearl Jam’s Ten. It was an era of change and a big FU to the establishment. It was a rally cry to the outcasts, the misfits and the loners who would sit in their rooms practising guitar and dreaming of being something more.
Man, I look back on those days and realise how lucky we were. My son will probably never experience the excitement of buying an album from Musica; going home and sitting on the lounge floor being mesmerised by the songs as well as the sacred stuff in the CD sleeve.
Song you hate the most right now?
Anything on the radio. What a load of hot garbage. People seriously need to start listening to streaming stations.
Worst song in history?
Friday by Rebecca Black.
Song you most associate with your teens?
Blink 182’s What’s My Age Again? What a time it was to be young…
Song you most associate with your early childhood years?
Ferry Cross the Mersey by Gerry and the Pacemakers. It was played a lot at my house and at family braais. I never really understood it, but always get quite emotional when I hear it as it reminds me of more innocent times.
The size of your music collection and the artists represented most there?
This is a topic my wife is outwardly accepting of, but I know that inside she would toss all my CDs away if she could. I have boxes and boxes of CDs; some still in their wrapping,as I thought my son would dig it.
It didn’t quite work out the way I planned. Now the boxes take up valuable cupboard space. I’d have to say, conservatively, I have around 300 to 400 CDs, DVDs and Blu-Rays. They’re probably worth nothing but they mean the world to me.
Favourite radio station and DJ?
None! Whoever makes up the playlists should be drawn and quartered. Streaming sites are my go-to and my favourite is RA Rock. I also really enjoy the Joe Rogan podcasts.
The local artists you most admire?
Barry Thomson, John Ellis and Dan Patlansky.
Artists from abroad that you most admire?
At the moment it’s got to be Dave Grohl. The dude is everywhere and always seems to have awesome guests appear at his gigs. I mean, he brought on Jimmy Page and John-Paul Jones and did Ramble On at Wembley Stadium. Top that!
Most over-rated people in the recording business?
Current rappers, hip-hop artists and self-proclaimed producers. Their talent is not defined by their work but by their public persona, fancy cars and comically large jewellery. This is how music is consumed nowadays, unfortunately. I’m really starting to sound old…
Pet hate/s about the music scene in South Africa?
Not enough venues where we can go to watch live music, or where new young bands can have a jol and cut their teeth.
The one music act you would give the world to see perform live?
I’ve had the privilege of seeing quite a few of my favourite bands here, in South Africa – but if I could, I’d love to see the original line-up of AC/DC. RIP Malcolm Young and Bon Scott.
Ever asked a music personality for an autograph?
Yeah, Barry Thomson. I actually got him to sign the back of the headstock on my guitar. I’ve also had John Ellis sign some of my Tree albums.
Music acts you have seen live and loved?
Been very lucky here. Foo Fighters, Linkin Park, Guns N’ Roses, Eagles, Live, Metallica, Bruce Springsteen, Bon Jovi, Collective Soul… too many to mention.
Best singing star ever?
It’s got to be Freddie Mercury.
The greatest musician of all time?
This is quite a difficult one but I’m going to have to say Paul McCartney. If you think of his contribution to the birth of modern rock music as we know it… it really is difficult to argue.
Best band in history?
The Beatles.
The styles of music you most enjoy – and least enjoy?
I mostly enjoy ’90s rock. I hate rap and hip-hop.
The most embarrassing artist represented in your music collection – and why is it there?
I bought a Vengaboys album a long time ago, as the girl I was dating at the time liked them. The things you’ll do as a young lad.
The one song that will always be guaranteed to get you on to a dancefloor?
Eric Prydz’s Every Day.
The musical teaming you would most like to see?
Ooh, good question! I’d really dig to see what John Meyer and Billy Gibbons (ZZ Top) would cook up together. Both blues-based players, but very different styles.
Your choice of karaoke song?
None. I cannot stand it when songs are sung out of tune or are just generally ‘kak’. Makes me cringe.
The first song you ever performed for an audience?
Matthews Southern Comfort’s Woodstock.
Guilty pleasure: a song you really feel you shouldn’t enjoy, but secretly do?
Robert Palmer’s Addicted to Love.
Worst decade for music?
Right now. How tragic for my son’s generation.
Hottest-looking music celebs?
Meh, don’t really know any of the current hotties. But turn back the clock a bit and I reckon Lita Ford, Stevie Nicks and Sheryl Crow were easy on the eyes. B
The song you’d like to be played at your funeral?
Dream on by Aerosmith.
The song you find the saddest?
Forever Young by Rod Stewart.
Two dead music icons you’d most like to invite to dinner?
Chester Bennington from Linkin Park and Chris Cornell from Sound Garden and Audioslave. Both took their own lives. Would be interesting to know how you can have everything and nothing at the same time.
.....SoSuterBill..... 