Direct from London – the legendary eVOID are back for a double-city support tour for synth pioneers Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark (OMD) Greatest Hits South Africa Tour this April in Cape Town and Joburg. 

The ‘Taximan’, ‘Shadows’ and ‘I Am a Fadget‘ hitmakers formed in 1977 on the East Rand of South Africa. The group consisted of Lucien Windrich (guitar and vocals), Erik Windrich (keyboards and lead vocals), Danny de Wet (drums) and Terry Andalis (bass). 

The first single “Shadows” peaked at number 3 on the national charts and remains a staple of South African rock and pop oriented radio stations. In Feb 1984 they released the catchy “Taximan” which got to number 6 on the charts. Later that year, the self-deprecating “I am a Fadget” became the band’s third single, consolidating their white African punk inspired sound and striking New Romantic ‘boy band’ image. 

By September 1984 the first album was riding high at the top of the charts, followed by the release of a 12 inch maxi single, “Kwela Walk” that received rave reviews. On Saturday 12 January 1985, eVOID performed before an estimated 100,000 people at the Concert in the Park in support of ‘Operation Hunger’ along with many other top South African bands.

Get ready to junk jive with  eVOID who are  back this April.

I chatted to Erik Windrich keyboards and lead vocals ahead of the tour.

What is your purpose?

 To be more than minimal!

What does music mean to you?

 Life, love and long nights!

My music is about.

 The joy, the pain and the passion of living.

What is your motto?

Sort it out at source – it can’t be fixed in the mix!

Fame is about?

Non-essentials!

Retirement will happen when.

My voice and knees collapse!

I don’t do

Drugs.

I would love to co-write with.

 Stevie Wonder

Where do you go for inspiration to create?

 Almost anywhere!

What is the most enjoyable aspect of your work?

Finishing!

The song you must do during every show?

Shadows!

Any funny moments on stage?

 PE, 1982 – my plastic orange jug (usually water) was passed around the audience and filled with whatever they were drinking, and I was challenged to down it! I did, then wretched everywhere!

My heroes are.

Bob Marley; Joni Mitchell; Bheki Mseleku; Salif Keita

My style icon is.

 David Bowie

Which living person do you admire most and why?

 My wife – super intelligent, sassy, hard-working and inspirational!

What is your most treasured possession?

 My bicycle.

It’s your round; what are you drinking?

Guinness

Dream gig to do?

 Glastonbury

What makes you stand out?

I’m still standing!

Any nicknames?

 Ei-ei (dutch for egg). There is a pic of me as a baby with a distinctly egg-shaped head!

If you were not a musician, what would you do?

 Be an adventurer/explorer.

Pick five words to describe yourself?

Curious; passionate; health-conscious; musical; irritating

Five must have songs on your Spotify playlist please

As (Stevie Wonder); Redemption Songs (Bob Marley); Amore (Salif Keita); Into the Mystic (Van Morrison); Angola (Bheki Mseleku)

Greatest Movie Ever Made?

Casablanca

What book are you reading?

Black and British – A Forgotten History  David Olusoga

What song changed your life?

 ‘Ferry across the Mersey’ – Gerry and the Pacemakers (I think I was about 4 yrs old in ORIK – Oos Rand Imigrasie Kamp).

Who do you love?

 My wife and family

What is your favorite Word?

 No

Top of your bucket list?

 To live simply and fruitfully

Your greatest achievement?

 Managing my expectations!

What do you complain about most often?

Failing eyesight.

What is your biggest fear?

 Not being loved.

Happiness is.

 A beautiful melody.

On stage, I tend to.

Give as much as I get.

The best life lesson you have learned?

 Slowly, slowly catchy monkey!

What has been your favorite journey so far?

 Life.

Do you do charity work, and if you do – what do you do?

I donate to 4 charities every month.

Wishes and dreams?

 Be thankful for what I have and those I love – spread joy and happiness!

Follow eVOID online at:

Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/windrichbrothers/about

Twitter: eVOID Official (@eVoidMusic) / Twitter

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@evoidofficial/