BILLY SUTER presents an occasional column in which he chats to musicians about their musical likes and dislikes. The spotlight is on Durban bass guitarist ROBZ MILLAR, a relatively new member of the seasoned The Reals tribute band which is touring a new show, Get Back… Again. After recent performances in Westville, you can catch the show at Umbilo’s Rhumbelow Theatre at 7.30pm on Saturday, November 8, and 2pm on Sunday, November 9. The final performance will be on the Rhumbelow stage at Northlands Bowling Club, Durban North, at 7.30pm on Saturday, November 15. For either venue, take a picnic basket , if you wish, for seating at tables – but note that all beverages must be bought at the theatre pub. Book at Webtickets or mail Roland Stansell at roland@stansell.co.za
YOU have done a few shows now as a member of The Reals. What has been a favourite?
My favourite show so far would have to be my first show, Brothers In Arms, our tribute to Dire Straits.
It’s my favourite for a few reasons. It marked my first time getting back up on stage after a long break from the music scene, and I was able to share the stage with some of Durban’s most talented musicians.
It is also my favourite because of the level of music – it pushed me to new heights. It was unlike anything I had ever played before and I feel I instantly became a better musician because of it.
What was your musical performance history before your first show with The Reals?
I was in a number of groups, bands and small theatre productions across the Durban pub, restaurant and theatre scene.My first experience on stage was in 2015 with Spotlight Productions at Tina’s Hotel in Kloof.
I played in many bands, such as The Carmen Rodrigues Band, PandaLore and Livewire, between 2016 and 2024.
My first show with The Reals was during the second weekend of Brothers In Arms, at the Rhumbelow Theatre, Umbilo, in April 2025.
When did you first get bitten by the music bug – and when did you start to play/study bass guitar?
I have loved music from as early as I can remember. My parents always played music around the house, so it was something completely natural to me.
When I was in Grade 6, I was drawn towards the drums in all the music I listened to. I started begging my parents for a drum kit, but it was just too expensive. A year later, my brother unfortunately passed away after his battle with cancer, and he lovingly left me money with the intention of buying my first drum kit. I got my drum kit in 2008 and have never looked back from music since then, even though my instrument of choice has changed a few times.
I started to dabble with bass in 2018 after helping a few bands who needed a bass player. I didn’t know how to play bass at the time, but I fell in love with the instrument and decided to really dedicate myself towards it. I am also a singer and have sung professionally since the beginning of my music career.
How long have you been playing bass guitar professionally?
I have been playing bass professionally, on and off, since 2019, and as my main instrument since 2022.
I hear you were long inspired by, and a fan of, The Reals. Please elaborate – and how happy were you to perform with the group?
I have so many memories of my parents taking me to watch The Reals at The Heritage Theatre in Hillcrest. I was blown away (and still am) by their skill, dedication and absolute love for everything and anything they play.
Being asked to join them was like a dream come true. From my first rehearsal with them, to walking on stage together for the first time, it still doesn’t feel real. I am so grateful and happy to have this opportunity to play with Durban’s Greatest.
Musical director and keyboard-player Dawn Seby is the most amazing mentor. It is almost impossible to feel nervous going on stage when we have such a fearless leader guiding us.
Your husband is Jason Kylen, resident lead guitarist at Durban’s Barnyard Theatre at Suncoast Casino – have you two ever performed together, or do you plan to?
Yes! My incredibly talented husband and I were in an acoustic duo called PandaLore, under the late Pedro Carlo’s management. We mainly played covers from all genres and sometimes threw in an original or two. We also loved highlighting South African music.
We started off at Soul Sunday Sessions, continued to play pubs and restaurants in the Durban and Ballito music scene, and made our mark at the White Mountain Music Festival in 2018. It was truly an amazing time in our lives. As for the future, we have hopes of performing together again, but only time will tell.
What is your favourite song right now?
I’ve had Led Zeppelin’s Good Times, Bad Times on repeat while at the gym recently, so I would have to go with that.
The last album you downloaded?
I recently downloaded the new Linkin Park album with their new singer, and I absolutely love it!
Two of your favourite songs of all time?
Aerosmith’s Amazing and Fleetwood Mac’s Rhiannon.
Three of the finest albums ever?
Fleetwood Mac’s Rumours, Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon and The Beatles’s Abbey Road All are truly no-skip albums.
Song you hate the most right now?
Blurred Lines by Robin Thicke and Pharrell Williams.
Worst song in history?
Billy Ray Cyrus’s Achy Breaky Heart.
Song you most associate with your teens?
Green Day’s American Idiot.
Song you most associate with your early childhood years?
Summer Holiday by Cliff Richard and The Shadows.
The size of your music collection and the artists represented most there?
I love collecting CDs. As for the size of my collection, I wouldn’t even know where to start counting. I have a lot of Aerosmith, Fleetwood Mac, Led Zeppelin, Motley Crue, Queen, Elton John, The Beatles and System of a Down… to name a few.
Favourite radio station and DJ?
I don’t really listen to the radio, but DJ-wise, I have been quite enjoying Das Kapital from 5FM, and the behind-scenes, live videos he’s been doing recently.
The local artists you most admire?
I could list tons of names here, but I would have to go with Jill Murraybrown as my Number One. Seeing her on stage, playing her bass, really cemented my love for music and bass guitar.
Artists from abroad that you most admire?
Stevie Nicks, Suzi Quatro, Carol Kaye and Joan Jett.
Most over-rated people in the recording business?
I don’t think anyone in the recording business is over-rated. I think everyone has a role to play and all are equally important.
Pet hate/s about the music scene in South Africa?
Nothing really comes to mind. Specifically, the Durban music scene is a really loving group of people that stand behind each other with support and appreciation.
The one music act you would give the world to see perform live?
100% Aerosmith.
Ever asked a music personality for an autograph?
I asked Dan Patlansky for his autograph after his performance at Splashy Fen in, I think, 2015. He signed it nice and big across my forearm.
Music acts you have seen live and loved?
I saw Green Day and The Offspring in January this year and that was one of the most amazing concerts I’ve ever been to. Incubus was also a huge standout.
My Number One would have to go to Guns ‘N Rose, which I saw in 2018. Even though Axl Rose’s voice isn’t what it used to be, it was one of the best nights of my life, listening to some of my favourite songs live.
Best singing star ever?
It’s impossible to just pick one, but let’s go for Steven Tyler from Aerosmith, Stevie Nicks from Fleetwood Mac and Janis Joplin.
The greatest musician of all time?
This is a really tough one! I’d say John Lennon and Paul McCartney.
Best band in history?
You might be sensing a theme here. I’d say Aerosmith.
The styles of music you most enjoy – and least enjoy?
My favourite is rock… by a landslide. Classic Rock, Hair Metal, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal – I love it all! My least favourite genre would probably be rap. I do enjoy some rap, but it’s most likely the lowest on my list.
The most embarrassing artist represented in your music collection – and why is it there?
As I’ve got older, I’m no longer embarrassed by it, but I used to get teased for how much I love Abba. It’s just such fun, feel-good music and ‘s executed so well!.
The one song that will always be guaranteed to get you on to a dancefloor?
Abba’s Dancing Queen.
The musical teaming you would most like to see?
Stevie Nicks and Steven Tyler on vocals, Duff McKagan on bass, Joe Perry and Slash on guitar, and Dave Grohl on drums.
Your choice of karaoke song?
Pat Benatar’s Hit Me With Your Best Shot.
The first song you ever performed for an audience?
Amy Winehouse’s Valerie.
Guilty pleasure: a song you really feel you shouldn’t enjoy, but secretly do?
Metallica’s St Anger. I’ve learnt not to tell Metallica fans that I enjoy this song.
Worst decade for music?
The 2010s was the weakest for my favourite genre of music.
Hottest-looking music celebs?
I’d be crazy not to say the guitarist from Barnyard, Jason Kylen.But I have always had a huge crush on Steven Tyler, despite him being my father’s age. You also can’t help but have a good stare at young Axl Rose, Lindsay Buckingham, Stevie Nicks, a young Keith Richards and Jim Morrison… but I could be here for hours listing the good looking musicians.
The song you’d like to be played at your funeral?
Pink Floyd’s The Great Gig in the Sky.
The song you find the saddest?
I could put a couple of Pearl Jam songs here, but I’ll go with Johnny Cash’s Hurt, Eric Clapton’s Tears In Heaven or Fleetwood Mac’s Landslide.
Two dead music icons you’d most like to invite to dinner?
Janis Joplin and Freddie Mercury.
.....SoSuterBill..... 