Usually, he drops the proverbial mic and walks off stage knowing that he’s left another audience in a state of ecstasy.
On June 11 of this year, Albert Frost didn’t quite drop the mic. Instead, he dropped the pot. A glass one containing his wife’s beloved Delicious Monster, to be precise.
And in an effort to save the precious Swiss Cheese-like plant and its container from crashing to the floor, he nearly forced himself into early retirement as the pot shattered and a piece of glass cut though his right hand.
He mused afterwards that it would have been the most un-rock ‘n roll ending to a professional career that has now entered its 27th trip around the sun.
South Africa’s leading lead guitarist was unable to play an instrument for three months. He reckons that under normal circumstances it takes about five days without playing before he becomes “a complete asshole”.
Thanks to the support of his friends, family, fans and the Albert Frost Recovery Fund, he was able to stay alive and kicking during a time when his fellow musicians could rely on live-streaming shows as a source of income during an unprecedented crisis in the music and live-performance arena.
In only his second solo performance since recovering from injury Albert, blasted through two superb sets at the Karoo Saloon and he appeared to be back to his usual, magnificent self.
He left the Covid-regulated audience in the customary state of ecstasy and, in doing so, also reminded everybody that they should never take the opportunity of being in the presence of a true great for granted.
It was the kind of show that haunted the audience for days.
However, the three months of frustration and recuperation were not wasted on this gifted musician. He was able to reassess his life and music, while also taking in a fresh perspective on an unforgiving industry.
“One thing this lockdown did, is it has sifted the good from the bad,” he explained.
“The only way you can really survive with this streaming thing is if you are not just a good entertainer, but also a good musician. “
“As an act, if you always rely on an audience to give you an energy it was very hard to do remotely, and you had to go and find that energy out of nothing. “
This recharged and revitalized version of the Albert Frost who had never missed a single Oppikoppi festival since its inception, might prove to be too much to handle for those who prefer their music dull, pop-y and predictable.
Yet he still showed some appreciation for the genres that might generally be more commercial and financially rewarding.
He acknowledges the fact that there is a lot of plastic in the industry and that people need to do what they can to make a living, yet he was equally optimistic that real artists would become more relevant in years to come.
“There has been more focus on real music and the actual meaning behind music. It’s not just something in the background. It’s a part of our civilisation, it’s this necessary thing… And when it was taken away, people realised just how important music is in their lives. This has added great value to what we do.”
“It will be interesting to see how musicians adjust. A lot of them will go back to the way it was, I’m sure. But many won’t and that is encouraging.”
Albert feels that while 2020 has been a nightmare in many regards (delicious monsters, deep cuts and lockdown blues), the new music being released is of a higher standard, compared to years gone by.
He also noted a shift in the audiences he played for.
“There’s more of an appreciation. It is all very new again for people. I think that’s a cool thing – this fresh take on an old system.”
Digging deeper into the psyche of what really separates the good musicians from the not-so-good, Albert reckons it’s vital for artists to be in touch with what is having a significant impact on the lives of their audiences.
“If you can have your finger on the button of what is happening culturally at that moment, you can set yourself apart from the rest. Bob Dylan was great at that. He was so relevant because he was able to voice what people were thinking.”
“People want doef-doef. Everyone has a heartbeat and I understand that aspect of music, but from an artist’s perspective this break in the natural rhythm of life was a big game changer.”
As for the future, Albert will be releasing his next single on Friday (November 13) and is likely to be performing at a bar, venue or even a friend’s bachelor’s close to you during the next few months.
Taking the last bite of a perfectly prepared rump steak (thanks again to Carol at the Saloon), he added that with a positive mindset, almost anything can be accomplished, or overcome…
“Like my friend Arno Carstens says: There’s a light at the end of the tunnel. Let’s hope it’s not a fucking train!”
