The Idiots


Idiots, 2003

Winners of 2003 Cape Town Battle Of The Bands
... and also in1967


THE CAPE TOWN BATTLE OF THE BANDS

Seventeen Cape Town bands participated in the Cape Town 'Battle Of The Bands' competition over the past weeks. The competition was presented as a "revival" of the famous Battles of the Bands of the '60's, with most bands dating back to that era. A capacity crowd of 2 500 packed the main arena at Dockside in Century City on Sunday night (August 31), to witness the finals and applaud the players, with Derek Gordon in the middle of things as compére and fill-in comedian.

The winners of the 2003 Cape Town 'Battle of the Bands' were The Idiots, who took home the R10 000 first prize. The second place went to Metallic Sunn, with Nu Trend third. The other placings were Jam Rockers fourth, Gayan fifth and Shelac Proof sixth.

Some "Best musicianship" awards were also presented to: Lead guitar - Patrick Canovi (Metallic Sunn); bass guitar - Reggie Edwards (The Idiots); keyboards - Henry Barenblatt (The Idiots); drums - Denver Furness (Jam Rockers), and vocals - Dave Ornellas (The Idiots).

Dave Ornellas is better known as the singer from Hawk, the legendary '70's SA Afro-rock band. The judges for the competition were Mynie Grové, Stavro Michel, Al Etto, Derek Marks and Jerry Barnard. The Panel was assisted by Barry Cutler.
[SA ROCK DIGEST ISSUE #216]

Discography:

  • Long expired one and twenty [B Miller - K Lentin]/
    Hi ho silver lining, Parlophone SPD 457, 1968

  • Toyland/ Magic dragon [B Miller - K Lentin],
    Parlophone SPD 465, 1968

  • In the park/ Mrs Rappleby, Nitty Gritty Records
    NG 106, 1971

  • All night long [J de Coito]/ I have a feeling [J de Coito], Nitty Gritty Records NG 110, 1972

    The Idiots:

  • Jimmy Retief - vocals
  • Reggie Edwards- bass guitar
  • Peter Hunt - organ
  • Brian Gouch - organ
  • Jock de Coito - lead guitar
  • Mike Amann - drums
  • Dave Ornellas - vocals



    Imaginary "Battle Of The Bands" Compilation CD
    Vagabond Music, TL001, 2003
    compiled by Tertius Louw

    cover design by Tertius Louw

    Tracks:

  • I know you: featuring Keith Lentin and Anton Fig
  • Anytime: featuring Derek Marks
  • The boy and the bee: featuring Derek Gordon
  • Hi ho silver lining: The Idiots
  • Knock on my door: The Trends
  • I tried: The Sisters Five
  • I'm a very sad man: First Acquaintance
  • Love and tenderness: featuring Richard Black
  • Paradise road: Mynie Grove
  • Loving a girl like you: Elridge Etto
  • Cha la la la I need you: Shelac Proof
  • Danger zone: The Hippies
  • Here I come: The Triangle
  • All my loving: featuring Barry Cutler
  • Hang on sloopy: featuring Jerry Barnard
  • The family: Dave Ornellas

    Tertius Louw, September 2003

    South Africa's Rock Legends

    South Africa's Rock Classics