FROM ROCK 'N 'ROLL TO HARD CORE PUNK - UKZN ...

Thus, my twenty year period spans an era of oppression and
4
resistance. It begins in a time of entrenched apartheid and ends
with the rumblings of its dissolution, and therefore it spans a
significant period in the history of South Africa. Furthermore,
this twenty year period was a difficult one for local music:
sanctions imposed on South Africa were wide-ranging, and embraced
the music industry, preventing the usual exchange of music and
bands to a large extent. Thus South African musicians were
isolated from the world stage and prevented from the
opportunities of experiencing first-hand the rock revolution as
it developed.
Methodology
Since no substantial research has previously been done on the
specific topic at hand, it was necessary to obtain most of the
data through primary source material such as interviews and
recordings. I also made extensive use of newspaper reports from
local papers and magazines from 1963-1985 3, both on microfilm
and those available from the scrapbooks of interviewees. Books,
and journal articles which deal with rock music in general were
also invaluable in this research project. 4
Except for those who had moved abroad, most rock musicians were
fairly easy to trace. In fact, each person I interviewed was most
helpful in supplying names and in most cases telephone numbers
of further helpful contacts. Thus, my list of possible research
contacts expanded with each interview. Furthermore, interviewees
proved most enthusiastic and cooperative once I had explained my
reasons for, and the scope of my research. Most felt flattered
that I was taking their music seriously and were very open to
discussion. I found it most helpful to record interviews, as
3 See Sources Consulted for a c::omprehensive list of newspapers and
magazines consulted. 'rhe Daily News carried a weekly supplement entitled Trend
from 1970 to 1972 which focused on local and international rock bands. This
supplement was invaluable in ascertaining the nature of the early Durban rock
scene.
4 See comprehensive list in Sources Consulted.