Legends in their own right and two of South Africa’s finest and most innovative guitarists, Tony Cox and Steve Newman head for Durban in May. Local audiences will be able to enjoy the magic produced by these two masters of the acoustic guitar when they perform their show Guitar at the Royal Hotel’s Backstage from May 1 to 25.

It’s 21 years since the two first began playing together – years during which they have pursued their individual and highly successful performance and recording careers. Steve Newman and his band Tananas now operate on a worldwide performing circuit. Tony Cox has presented some highly entertaining one-man shows and won the “best instrumental” album at the 2001 South African music awards.

Each guitarist has a string of album credits to his name but besides the now legendary 101 Ways To Use The Acoustic Guitar made by Mountain Records in 1983 and which put both guitar players on the map, there have only been a series of tapes made and sold at shows. Much to the confusion of the Cox/Newman fans and largely because at the time there was no record company in the least bit interested, a second album was never made. Until now that is.

Cox and Newman’s appearance at Backstage for a four-week season will promote their new album titled About Time and recorded live in the Cape Town Planetarium by record label Instinct Africaine. Celebrating the duo’s 21 years of performing together, Guitar and About Time revisit the tunes that helped them win guitar notoriety back in the early 80’s.

Two strange coincidences linking the two guitarists further are that they have the same second name as well as back-to-back birthdays!

Bookings through Royal Reservations on 031 333-6000.