Music
PIXIES ANNOUNCE WORLD TOUR
Pixies announce that their sophomore “post-reunion” album, Head Carrier, will be released on September 30 (Pixiesmusic/Play It Again Sam) The 12-track collection of the band’s unique aural mix of surrealism, psychedelia, dissonance and surf rock was produced by Tom Dalgety (Killing Joke, Royal Blood) and recorded at London’s Rak Studios from mid-February through to mid-March this year. Fans can get a taste of the new music by going to http://found.ee/umchaggasoundcloud and checking out the first single, “Um Chagga Lagga.” Featuring original artwork by the band’s longtime art director, the legendary Vaughan Oliver, the album will be available in various formats and can be pre-ordered now; go to their website for details and purchasing.
A special limited edition deluxe box set of Head Carrier will be available exclusively through Pixiesmusic.com, and will include the CD, the album on heavy-weight/180 grams black vinyl, and a 24-page, oversized booklet with the song’s lyrics and Oliver’s evocative, original artwork. Also available only through the band’s website is a special bundle that includes the deluxe box set, special t-shirt, and a special screen printed 12 “x 12” record sleeve-sized poster of Oliver’s album artwork.
To support Head Carrier, Pixies will launch the first leg of their 2016 – 2017 global tour with a European run that begins November 15 in Vienna. Tickets go on sale Friday, July 8. Confirmed dates are below; go to their website for ticketing info.
For the first time since their very early days, the Pixies spent a total of six weeks in pre-production, writing, arranging and rehearsing a plethora of songs. Between the band’s late-80s/early 90s touring schedule and delivering an album once a year, there simply wasn’t time for more than a day or so of fleshing out their music before recording started.
“This was a wonderful luxury, for us to have the time to be able to really work these new songs out,” said Pixies drummer David Lovering. “By the time we started recording, we all knew the songs backwards and forwards, so it took half as long for us to make this album as it did to make ‘Indie Cindy.’ And it was great working with Tom…he started with us in pre-production and played a big part in keeping us focused on making the best music we could.”
In addition, the band – Lovering, rhythm guitarist/vocalist Black Francis and guitarist Joey Santiago – officially welcome bassist Paz Lenchantin to the Pixies’ permanent line-up. Lenchantin has been the band’s touring bassist since January 2014, and played an integral part in the recording of Head Carrier. Her cool and dreamy soprano can be heard singing lead on the track “All I Think About Now.”
“I was very nervous in the beginning when I went to that first rehearsal,” said Lenchantin.
“There were these shoes I felt I had to fill and I tried to do the best I could for the fans, to make the live performances sound true to the originals. I spent three years learning to understand what being a Pixie meant, and now, my heart, spirit, and love for their music is embedded in me and I feel like I have become a Pixie. We had been more about the history of the Pixies, but now, we are about going forward.”
“Paz is a joy to be around,” added Lovering. “She’s very funny, and we’re having more fun than we’ve ever had as a band, we all have a blast together, on and off stage.”
All songs were written by the Pixies apart from “All I Think About Now,” which was written by Francis and Lenchantin. The track listing for Head Carrier is as follows:
Head Carrier
Classic Masher
Baal’s Back
Might As Well Be Gone
Oona
Talent
Tenement Song
Bel Esprit
All I Think About Now
Um Chagga Lagga
Plaster Of Paris
All The Saints
The album will be available in South Africa from Gallo Record Company. #PixiesAreBack
Confirmed dates for Pixies European dates in November are:
15 Stadthalle, Vienna, Austria
16 HWS Arena, Poznan, Poland
17 Forum Karlin Hall, Prague, Czech Republic
18 Auditorium Stravinski, Montreux, Switzerland
20 Sant Jordi Club, Barcelona, Spain
21 Coliseum, Porto, Portugal
23 Zenith, Paris, France
25 Lotto, Antwerp, Belgium
27 HMH, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Our only question is, when are they going to tour SOUTH AFRICA and pop into the friendliest city around (Durban of course)…?
And check out their Facebook page for more info.
Author: Durbanite
Experience Champagne Classics: A Weekend of Sublime Music in the Drakensberg
Event Details
Dates: Thursday 26 February – Sunday 1 March 2026
Venue: Champagne Sports Resort, Central Drakensberg
Check-in: Thursday afternoon (26 February)
Check-out: Sunday morning (1 March)
Costs: To be confirmed – you will be notified once full cost details are available.
Register your interest by contacting Kim at kim@montybrett.com or on 082 824 9378.
Escape to the heart of the Drakensberg for Champagne Classics, a three-night weekend celebrating timeless music, exquisite cuisine, and breathtaking scenery.
Set against the magnificent backdrop of the Champagne Sports Resort in the Central Drakensberg, this annual event brings together classical music lovers for an unforgettable experience of culture and relaxation.
What’s Included
~ Three nights’ accommodation in twin or double rooms
~ All buffet meals at the resort restaurant
~ Morning and afternoon teas with sweet and savoury treats
~ Three evening concerts and two midday recitals
~ A pre-concert talk with Dr Richard Cock
~ A fun, ice-breaker quiz
~ Gratuities for the hotel staff
What’s Not Included
~ Transport to and from Champagne Sports Resort
~ Drinks and bar purchases
~ Personal items, such as laundry or room service
A Symphony of Talent
During the midday and evening concerts, the Johannesburg Festival Orchestra performs under the baton of Dr Richard Cock. Audiences can enjoy works by legendary composers such as Mozart, Haydn, Schubert, and JC Bach.
Dr Cock’s lively conducting style and musical insight bring these masterpieces to life. Each concert promises to move, inspire, and delight audiences of all ages.
Champagne Sports Resort
A Setting Like No Other
Late February is one of the best times to visit the Drakensberg. The mountains are green, the air is crisp, and the views are breathtaking. Guests will enjoy elegant accommodation and a wide range of leisure options.
You can play a round on the championship golf course, unwind at the spa, or simply relax with a drink while soaking in the mountain scenery. Between concerts, explore the surrounding trails or enjoy quiet moments on the resort’s terraces.
Exceptional Dining
Every meal is served in the resort’s famous buffet restaurant. The menu features an impressive selection of dishes, including options for vegan, vegetarian, and special diets. Morning and afternoon teas come with the chef’s homemade treats, ensuring every meal feels like an occasion.
Book Your Place
Spaces for Champagne Classics 2026 are limited, so early registration is encouraged.
Final pricing will be confirmed soon. In the meantime, you can register your interest by contacting Kim at kim@montybrett.com or on 082 824 9378.
Author: mrjoelmagic
Experience Gregory Porter Durban Live: A Night of World-Class Jazz at the ICC
Date: Saturday, 15 November 2025
Time: 20h00 (doors open 19h00)
Place: Durban ICC
Tickets: R700, R800, R900, R1000, R1250, R1500
Ticket link: Click to Buy Ticket Now
Eight-time nominee and two-time GRAMMY® Award-winning jazz vocalist Gregory Porter will perform live at the Durban International Convention Centre (ICC) on Saturday, 15 November 2025. The concert forms part of his three-city Love Is King South African tour, which also includes Cape Town and Johannesburg. Book your tickets here.
Showtime Management and GRIZA Enterprises confirmed the new weekend date after fans requested it. Thanks to updated venue availability, the change became possible.
Existing tickets remain valid for the new date, so no further action is needed. For enquiries or refunds, please contact support@ticketmaster.co.za.
Love Is King – South African Tour
As part of his Love Is King tour, Gregory Porter Durban marks the singer’s long-awaited debut in the city. He has often spoken about his excitement to perform in Durban – a destination he has dreamed of visiting for years. The city’s rhythm, ocean energy, and welcoming people continue to inspire him.
Audiences can expect one of the world’s most soulful voices in jazz and a setlist that spans his award-winning albums Liquid Spirit, Take Me to the Alley, and All Rise. Moreover, fans can look forward to a night filled with emotion, storytelling, and world-class musicianship.
In addition, this tour offers South African audiences a rare opportunity to experience Porter’s intimate stage presence and uplifting message of love and unity.
Don’t miss Gregory Porter live in South Africa this November for five unforgettable concerts:
Cape Town: GrandWest
Wednesday, 12 November 2025
Durban: Durban ICC
Saturday, 15 November 2025
Johannesburg: Teatro at Montecasino
Thursday, 20 November 2025
Friday, 21 November 2025
Saturday, 22 November 2025
All shows start at 20h00; doors open at 19h00. Secure your seat early.
Book tickets now at showtime.co.za or ticketmaster.co.za. Tickets purchased via unauthorised websites will not be honoured, and the right of admission is reserved.
Ticket Prices
Cape Town: R800, R900, R1000, R1250, R1500
Durban: R700, R800, R900, R1000, R1250, R1500
Johannesburg: R800, R1000, R1250, R1500, R1750, R2000
Book your tickets here.
About Gregory Porter
Singer-songwriter Gregory Porter grew up in Bakersfield, California, surrounded by gospel harmonies and his mother’s Nat King Cole records – influences that shaped his signature sound.
While studying on a football scholarship at San Diego State University, he began performing in local jazz clubs. Later, he moved to New York City to pursue music full-time.
His first two albums, Water (2010) and Be Good (2012), earned GRAMMY nominations. Then came Liquid Spirit (2013), a Blue Note Records release that became a global hit, sold over a million copies, and won his first GRAMMY Award.
In 2016, Take Me to the Alley brought him a second GRAMMY and established him as one of the most soulful jazz artists of his generation. Subsequent albums include the heartfelt Nat King Cole & Me (2017), the uplifting All Rise (2020), the compilation Still Rising (2021), and his first holiday album Christmas Wish (2023).
Beyond the stage, Porter hosts The Hang, a podcast featuring candid talks with friends and fellow musicians, and The PorterHouse, a cooking show that celebrates food, culture, and community.
Author: mrjoelmagic
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