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‘Maroon 5 has never been on the African continent,’ James replies to my question as to why they didn’t change their plans with the postponement of SA’s inaugural Virgin Festival till next year (2009). ‘We’re going to spend a little time and go on safari.’
Part of the Festival’s original line-up Maroon 5 and One Republic are not prepared to let the fans down and they will perform according to their original schedule.
Having joined the band - Kara’s Flowers, two weeks before it metamorphosed into Maroon 5, James has been part of the meteoric rise up the charts since 2000. Although the band has only recorded two albums over the years they have received Grammy recognition as well as reaching double-platinum status with respect to sales.
There is great camaraderie amongst the members despite some ups and downs, but through it all they ‘remain close friends … and that’s the secret’.
As is my wont I asked James to describe the personalities of each of the band members, including himself:
Matt Flynn – the drummer who replaced the injured Ryan Dusick in 2006: ‘Hilarious and confrontational.’
Adam Levine – lead guitarist and vocalist: ‘The archetypal lead singer who is also very funny and combatative. As a team, he and Matt are a force to be reckoned with – they are so alike.’
Mickey Madden – bassist: ‘He’s the intellectual – well read and most prodigious.’
Jesse Carmichael – keyboards: ‘Our spiritual guru and leader.’
And as for himself … ‘I’m the ideal – perfect in every way – the one to whom everyone aspires!’
With respect to the concerts, what can you expect? ‘Come an see us live, it’s much more interesting, a little more visual and more of a rock show than you would expect.’
And the future … The South African leg is at the end of their tour and Maroon 5 will be returning to the recording studios to work on their third album … ‘and we’ll just have to see what comes out of that!’
Itinerary
Saturday 13 December – Coca-Cola Dome, Johannesburg
Sunday 14 December – ICC Arena, Durban
Wednesday 17 December – Grand Arena (Grandwest), Cape Town
They will be joined by The Parlotones and Goldfish at these three exclusive concerts which have been brought to your by Big Concerts, Virgin Mobile and 5fm.
Tickets are available through Computicket on www.computicket.com |
