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About Neill
Solomon - To be confirmed...
Neill
Solomon is without doubt one of the finest singer/
songwriters in South Africa today. From his early days
fronting the Uptown Rhythm Dogs, through the Passenger
years to his solo work, he has consistently produced
songs of depth, character and beauty that will stand the
test of time.
Neill formed the Uptown Rhythm Dogs in 1980 along with
percussionist Dan Chiorboli and multi-instrumentalist
Tony "Lizard" Hunter. After recording two singles the
group teamed up with producer Chris Galakis to cut 'The
Occupant' album. Fueled by the success of 'Roxy Lady'
and 'Junk Foods...' the group secured the opening spot
on the Janis Ian tour. Unfortunately on the eve of the
tour Tony Hunter was tragically killed and although
Neill and Dan completed the shows with additional
players, the Dogs broke up a few weeks later. After a
short hiatus Neill formed Neill Solomon's Bazaar in 1983
and toured coast to coast for nearly two years.
In 1985 he joined the Loft Theatre Company and performed
in numerous plays including the award winning Kwamanzi.
Later that year Neill formed The Passengers along with
ace players Chris Bekker, Stuart "Woody" Woods (ex-Bay
City Rollers) and George Spencer. This hot line-up
recorded three singles before disbanding in 1988.
Retaining Stuart Woods, Neill forged ahead with a new
line-up and recorded the album 'Rule of the Swallow'
which produced the No.1 single 'What'.
Throughout this period Neill continued his interest in
theatre and after joining playwright Nicholas Ellenbogen
he went on to score the music for the plays The Trophy
Hunters and Gone by the Wind. He also appeared in the
film The Angel, the Bicycle and the Chinaman's Finger
which won Neill an award for the music score. In 1992
Neill gathered together some of the country's finest
musicians to record his third album 'The Gathering of
the Beasts' which featured the chart singles 'In The
Year 2000' and 'I Don't Want To See You'.
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