Kris Kristofferson South Africa – The Tour
Kris Kristofferson South Africa – I finally happened in 2014. He says he really enjoyed it. Many fans hope he’ll be back. It’s a long trek, but never say never.
Kris was 77 that year. It was a tough period for him health wise. He did speak of his (pre lyme diagnosis) memory struggles in candid interviews, but his performance on stage exceeded expectations. I wonder if Kris ever realised how many dedicated fans he has in ZA?
Kris Kristofferson South Africa – On Stage
William Welfare commented on Kris’ work ethic is an article from the time. Kris followed two full sets in the packed out GrandWest Arena covering five decades of songwriting with an encore of FOUR songs.
The concert was solo. Kelly joined her Dad on stage for some songs during the second set.
Kris Kristofferson South Africa – The Talk
In a short interview Kris said (non-verbatim)
Personal
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- What it means for me is doing what I was supposed to do – Expressing what I feel in my soul – whether it’s in accordance with what other people believe or not. I’ve been doing it since I was 10 or 11 years old. I think it’s what I was supposed to do.
- I think being as old as I am … having dirt thrown on me is in the immediate future
People
- Merle Haggard and Willie are people I have been so blessed to know .. as artists I am not even in the same league as them – But I’m a good songwriter
- Eagle and the Bear – I was kind of alone in my respect for Nelson Mandela but I had met him and I think it was of the blessings in my life and I got to sing it for him. It was like singing for Abraham Lincoln
- I have no idea why, but for some reason i remember all my songs, but I can’t remember all of my friends even. Names are very hard for me to remember but for some blessed reason, the songs are still there … I think that’s the only thing I do that’s worthwhile
- Highwaymen – Every night that we performed I felt as if I were in a dream because every one of these guys was my hero before I ever met them … they were probably better human beings than I ever imagined – Every one of them.
- I’m sorry that John and Waylon are gone – I’m grateful that we got to work together and to be so close and that I’m still a friend of Willie and he’s one of the funniest human beings on the planet.
- I wish Willie would come over here. People would love him and I’m gonna tell him that …. but he does only what he wants to do.
South Africa
- The ppl over here (In SA) – it reminds me of how I felt when I first time I went to Nashville. I’ve a feeling that everyone feels like I do about human rights – that what’s the worthwhile thing to do – What’s artistically acceptable
- I’d give a better interview if I was younger – and sober.
Kris Kristofferson South Africa – the History
Kris Kristofferson has been part of South African culture for many years. It is unlikely that he knew anything about this at the time.
This article by Kin Bentley adds insight into how many South Africans came to know and enjoy Kris Kristofferson’s music. I intended writing about this phenomenon until I came across this work by Kin Bentley and realised that everything I wanted to say had already been said – A lot better than I could have said it.
Enjoy this awesome read when you have some time and a brew in your hands … (Just click the graphic)
South African singer, Steve Hofmeyr sings Sunday Morning Coming Down
Released March, 2009
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