By Marley
It’s summertime in Nelsparta, which means the holiday feeling has kicked in. The mosquitoes are buzzing, and it rains, and then some more. But this could not have stopped the packed seats of The Blue Gate for Francois van Coke‘s show, who played acoustically.
The Blue Gate is situated in a very old suburban area of Nelspruit, where most of the houses have been converted into businesses now. The restaurant, which is a beauty and hair salon as well, has giant blue gates in front of it – hence the name. When you walk in, you are met with a beautiful indoor garden with a water fountain, and you are at ease, even if you are there for a rock show, a toned-down rock show. The friendly staff is busy but will assist you before you even ask. Their outdoor space has big old trees, fake grass and a big veranda. During the day, this spot is busy with moms meeting with friends while the kids play. Business lunches, baby showers or just an afternoon cocktail to unwind. With the rain, a giant stretch tent top was added, but it has been raining buckets.
Nevertheless, we are here for the music; the rain is just a natural occurrence this time of year. We just missed local musician, Neels van Jaarsveld (who is also a DJ on Radio Laeveld), but it seemed the people enjoyed it. Die Gevaar (Francios se band) se kitaar man – Richard Onreat travelled with Francios for the show.
Almost immediately, they opened the show with Fokofpolisiekar’s “Dit hemel op die platteland”, which was, of course, sung like a national anthem. We are, after all, on the “platteland”, and it is heaven. It was followed by “Dit raak beter as jy ouer raak” which is one of Francois’ hits off his first solo album “Hierdie is die lewe”. Francois’s fan interaction is always interesting to me because some fans you expect by just looking at their t-shirt. Others look like they never even heard of this man before. Then you get others that are hardcore fans, tattoos and all, who will tell you stories of the past where somehow Francois and the Bende were involved.
I’m always on the other side of his shows, in the media pit where the dust is thick, and the people singing back at the stage warms you. I enjoyed this as I could just watch the show. Our waiter, Veli, was a champ with topping up our drinks and bringing our food (I can recommend their nachos). “Die skip” was one of just a handful of times I have heard the song being played live. Of course, there was no Laudo Liebenberg to sing his part, but I think the crowd did a pretty amazing job. Just before the band’s break, my favourite (and life motto) song was performed, “Ek lewe ek belowe”. I had the song title tattooed on me as it was stuck in my head for months. And I mean months. But it also became a motto – I’m alive, I promise.
Back from their break, he pretty much sang every single song we all know and love if you follow his career – “Wereld”, “Aande”, “Hartseer”, “Skyn Heilig”, “Komma”. If you are a big fan of a band or artist, there are certain songs they simply can not perform and leave the stage. In this case, it was “Toe vind ek jou” and “Dagdrome in suburbia” which I’m sure the public could hear, through the old trees and wet roads. I know my voice is a big husky due to all the sing-alongs.
And graciously, as he always is, Francios stood with fans signing his book “Dis hoe ek dit onthou”, swapping stories, giving hugs, smiling for photos and more. With an early morning flight to catch, Van Coke ninja-ed out of there after every fan had created a memory and bought a t-shirt, of course.
It was a wonderful evening spent out with fellow fans of music and followers of rock. We are getting older, but at least it’s getting better. To Natasha and her entire Blue Gate team – thank you for the evening. You guys and girls took the rain and orders like it was a breeze. Your smiles and thoughts were genuine and appreciated. To Francios and Richard, thank you for coming all the way to our corner of the country. For singing our favourite songs. For making a memory that will last for a long time.
Till next time, ek lewe ek belowe.
