WONDERboom are back! The band’s 2018 tour coincides with the release of their new single, Praying Mantis. After 22 years, nine albums, multiple awards and a lifetime of experiences behind them, they are still going strong as one of South Africa’s rock bands.
Best-known for their fundamental rock sound, the band has surprised listeners over the years by experimenting with different genres, ranging from funk through to punk and even Afro-dance. Now, fans can look forward to a surprise hat-trick from the band – a new single, music video and South African tour!
Wonderboom Rising Sun
The recent release of their ninth album, Rising Sun, after a lengthy hiatus – it’s been seven years since the release of their last album – signalled the start of something very special, and WONDERboom now unleashes Praying Mantis. Penned by band members Cito and Martin Schofield, the song is about the consequences of falling for a femme fatale. “We wanted to capture the tragedy of falling for a femme fatale, while also depicting her sadness. It’s about the realisation that your demise is inevitable and, although she must do it, she feels devastated about taking you out,” explains Cito.
The music video for the track will be released on 30 July 2018. “The concept for this crazy fantasy tale about being heartbroken was initiated by Roger Williams, our resident artistic genius,” explains Schofield. “We wanted to do something dark but light-hearted, to show that you should never take yourself too seriously, even in dark times.”
WONDERboom was formed in 1996 and consists of Cito (main vocals/guitar), Martin Schofield (guitar/vocals) and Wade Williams (bass), founding members who have been writing songs and performing together for over 22 years, and Jonathan Bell (drums), who joined them after the death of their friend and drummer, Garth McLeod, in 2013. The band took their name from a road sign pointing to a small town outside Kroonstad.
WONDERboom: The Best Side Story Tour
As one of South Africa’s longest-standing rock bands, WONDERboom boasts an impressive resumé – they have headlined many major South African festivals and have been nominated for five Best Rock Album SAMAs. They also won the South African leg of the 2004 Global Battle of the Bands and came second worldwide at the finals in the London Astoria. Asked about a career highlight, the band’s answer is unanimous – in December 2017, they travelled to Chengdu, China to represent South Africa at the Silk Road Indie Music Festival in a music performance competition and won gold! Other highlights include sharing the stage with Muse, Korn, Chris Cornell, Kaizer Chiefs, 30 Seconds To Mars, Good Charlotte and some amazing local bands at Cokefest in 2008.
Explaining the reason behind their The Best Side Story Tour, the band says: “Our usual performances are balls-to-the-wall rock production shows, where we make sure the crowd is exhilarated and stomping. This is an unplugged, storytelling type of show that will let our fans in on our most intimate experiences. Sometimes the stories behind certain songs are not what people expect and to have the opportunity to share these stories is rare. With The Best Side Story Tour we hope that audiences will get to know us better; individually and as a band.”
What: WONDERboom: The Best Side Story Tour 2018
Where and when:
- 31 Aug – Rustique Boutique, Middelburg
- 06 Sept – Barnyard Silverstar, Krugersdorp
- 15 Sept – Casalinga, Muldersdrift
- 21 Sept – Barnyard Plett
- 22 Sept – Vinyl, Cape Town
- 23 Sept – Café Roux Noordhoek, Kaapstad
- 27 Sept – Barnyard Emperors, East Rand
- 28 Sept – Barnyard Rivonia, Johannesburg
- 13 Okt – Barnyard Casterbridge, Witrivier
- 25 Okt – Musiekskuur (Rockwood Theatre), Pretoria
- 26 Okt – Caversham Mill, KwaZulu-Natal
- 03 Nov – Die Ou Pastorie, Brits
- 10 Nov – Radium Beer Hall
Visit: WONDERboom
Single: WONDERboom Praying Mantis
WS
