By Marley
The Black Cat Bones (BCB) are as awesome as actual black cats – they purr, they play, they rock the house. One of SA’s top and a must-see band in South Africa.
Of course, since the passing of Kobus de Kock Jnr, the Black Cat Bones have moved onward and forward. Never forgetting but keeping their spirit alive with (new) vocalist – Gareth Wilson. You might know him from the band Southern Gypsey Queen. Another new cat to pack is Faan “Vingers” Smith on keys. Together with Andre Kriel (guitar), Garth Bunge (drums), and Chris Thudervolt (bass), the Cats are getting ready to rock Misty Waters 2026.
I have not seen them in a year, and honestly can’t wait to see them perform again. Misty always feels like a reunion to me (as well), and seeing festival family like BCB is always exciting. We had a chat with Grys Kat, aka Andre, about singles, oddest places they gigged at, and so much more BCB.
STM: The last time we chatted to you was back in 2021. A lot has changed. How are the Black Cat Bones doing?
BCB: We’re doing great, thanks for asking. Father time is knocking but we’re not answering. I think we might have ‘grown up’ just a little bit, but the Rock and Roll is still strong, although Gareth now calls us a ‘Dad-Rock’ band. We still write great music and play killer gigs, so there’s that.
STM: The last time I saw you guys, you just released the single “Something that you said”. Is there a new album in the works?
BCB: We’re always pushing new singles, albeit not as consistent as we would like to but the river is flowing. These will then ultimately make it onto a full album, so yes, there’s always a new album in the works. We never stop writing.
STM: Misty Waters is around the corner. What is your favourite part of performing at this festival?
BCB: The fans, without a doubt. Misty has always been good to us and we also have a great relationship with the organisers and their family members. Every year, it’s like a home-coming of sorts. I think we’re actually the band who’s played at Misty the most… and then a close second must be the 5-star accommodation and the buffet. Mmmm, that buffet.
STM: I have to ask: have you ever swum in the lake at Misty (by choice or by accident)?
BCB: By accident. Those little Hyacinth buggers can be very deceiving, especially late at night. How did you come to hear of this?
STM: Secunda is the oddest town for me to hold a festival. What is the oddest town/city you have played at? You looked around and thought, “Darn, WTF am I?”
BCB: Kokstad! That’s all we have to say about this… (pls don’t Google ‘Bones in Kokstad’)
STM: Your music will always be in my road trip playlist – what can we expect on your playlist on the road?
BCB: Marcus King, Black Pumas, Van Morrison and Apple Gule.
STM: What keeps you young?
BCB: Nothing really. It’s impossible to stay young, didn’t you know? Mortality is what gives your life meaning. But we do a lot of ‘young’ things, as well as stupid things… wait, stupid things keep us young. Yup, we’ll go with that.
STM: With all the hectic things this world can throw at us as humans, what is your advice for taking a chill? (Besides drinking beer)
BCB: Bare feet walking, breathing in through your nose, friendships, family, music festivals, and beer!
STM: Will the Black Cat Bones ever do a co-lab(s), and with you will it be?
BCB: Say WHAT now?! We are most probably THE biggest colab sluts in the entire country. We’ve played and recorded with everyone from Zolani Mahola to Toni van der Walt. In fact, we’ve just (as in just last week) finished an off-the-wall colab with none other than The Dark Prince of SA Blues, Albert Frost, to be released soon. It’s going to blow you away.
STM: I know what I can expect from your set at Misty, but what should a first-timer know about watching the Black Cat Bones at Misty Waters?
BCB: Practice your crying while dancing. It’s a very particular skill set required to get the most out of a Bones festival show. You’ll feel like a million bucks afterwards, trust me.
Catch The Black Cat Bones live at Misty Waters 2026 along with other fantastic bands like Fokofpolisiekar, Zaan Sonnekus, Apple Gule, Court Gibson and a whole lot more. Tickets are still available and book your accommodation or just read what we suggest in our Be Misty-fied.
