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The eScape Route eScape Events Past Events MAGNA CARTA TOUR : Back on South African soil
The eScape Route eScape Events Past Events MAGNA CARTA TOUR : Back on South African soil
| MAGNA CARTA TOUR : Back on South African soil |
 A show you dare not miss! If you are old enough to remember their tours to South Africa in the early and mid seventies and have not yet seen one of their South African tour shows, you have no excuse for missing this one … and if you are too young to remember them you have no excuse not to educate your ears to a brand of music that you will listen to one day in your wheelchair in the old-age home.Magna Carta returns to South African shores for the 4th year in succession on 14 October 2010 at Eagles Ridge at 19h00. R70-00 per ticket, cash bar available and you can bring your own picnic basket. Often described as Britain’s answer to Simon and Garfunkel in the early years, Magna Carta was founded by North Yorkshireman Chris Simpson in 1969. They have toured 78 countries, recorded 30 albums and sold over 8 000 000 albums world-wide. It was the albums Seasons’ and the magnificent classic ‘Lord of the Ages’, (regarded by many in South Africa as up there with ‘Dark Side of the Moon’ and ‘Sergeant Pepper’) and the evergreen single ‘Airport Song’ that put them on the world map. Another absolute classic, reminiscent of Simon and Garfunkel’s Scarborough Fair, is their evergreen “ The Bridge at Knaresborough Town” … but as Chris points out with a wry grin … Paul Simon did not write Scarborough Fair. Chris penned almost all of the Magna Carta songs you will hear. On tour they have crossed the borders of more than 78 countries and played to diplomats and nomads. From London’s Royal Albert Hall with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra to the Montreux Festival and Lisbon Opera House and the Canterbury Festival in Ontario, Canada, to the ancient souk in Damascus, Syria, their timeless music has woven its magic across every kind of audience and nationality, culminating in a sell-out concert at the famous Royal Theatre Carre in Amsterdam to celebrate 40 years on the road. Last year's SA concerts were completely sold out! For this year’s tour Chris Simpson is joined on stage by Nick Hall. Nick Hall is best known as one-half of the well-loved acoustic duo The Hall Brothers. With this band he has toured the UK, Ireland and Holland and released several acclaimed albums through indie label Confidential Records. Between Hall Brothers commitments, Nick operates as a solo artist, having released the album ‘The Golden Time’ and the EP ‘Undertow’ which was produced by Dave Reilly (‘China Crisis’) and Chris O’Neill (‘George Harrison’ in the hit film ‘Backbeat’). ‘Undertow’ sold particularly well and received reviews that concentrated on his ‘emotive voice’ and unique song-writing style. Nick is currently also working with Michelle Plum (ex-Chumbawamba) in an exciting duo who are getting booked at major UK festivals and are about to release their debut album. Nick’s association with Magna Carta began many years ago when The Hall Brothers supported the band in a theatre in the UK. A friendship was instantly struck and The Hall Brothers (and Nick solo) have supported Magna Carta many times over the years. Nick has also worked with several ex-Magna musicians. When Chris Simpson was asked to do a solo set for a UK festival a few years ago, Nick was the first person Chris asked to provide guitars and vocals. This worked so well that the new duo also played a local arts centre to rave reviews. It felt natural, then, for Nick to join the band! On this South African tour Chris Simpson and Nick Hall will take the audience on a musical journey beyond compare. To see Magna Carta live is never to forget them as they will emblazon themselves in your memory as one of the finest sounds ever to cross your ears. Their music will never age and you will never forget the privilege of having seen MAGNA CARTA LIVE! |