CAPTURING ENERGY — BLANCMANGE LIVE IN JOHANNESBURG

Should you as the reader only scan this one sentence, I believe it is important to say that Neil Arthur had enormous fun on stage.

Observing a vocalist such as Neil Arthur through a 200mm lens leaves one with goosebumps. The ultimate goal remains an effort to capture that profound energy within a motionless still, a creative memory frozen in time.

Through the lens, I am privileged to an entirely different show for three songs.

I get to exist within that bubble of sound and atmosphere, an up close experience where one can observe the relationship between artist and music in its rawest form. In many ways, it feels like having a front row seat at an IMAX theatre. And if you are truly fortunate, you catch a glimpse of the driving force behind it all.

As the sun slowly set and Johannesburg drifted toward a colder winter evening, we could not have asked for lovelier weather to accompany the warm voice of Neil Arthur.

Once my work in the pit was complete, I stepped back and simply absorbed the music I had grown up with, appreciating every moment of both old and new, but especially my enduring love for classic and contemporary synth-pop.

Yes, the crowd waited eagerly to sing along to “Living On The Ceiling”, and admittedly even I joined in during the cover of “Just Can’t Get Enough” by Depeche Mode. Yet I have always found myself drawn toward the personal favourites I have chosen over time, particularly from the more recent works.

Stephen Luscombe may no longer stand on stage, but his energy still lives within the music.

I will always study recent setlists beforehand, something my husband dislikes because he prefers the surprise, though for me it forms part of the preparation. Quietly, I found myself hoping for “Reduced Voltage”.

Not familiar?

Well, “Private View” is precisely the reason why I continue to capture energy.