Early in 2006, the front covers of South Africa´s daily entertainment newspapers throughout three different cities announced the arrival of "The next BIG things!". It was with a sense of uncanny prophecy, for in the months that followed, Taxi Violence would, through sheer dedication and solid musicianship, rise from relative local obscurity to being a band in national demand.
It all started in September 2004, when best friends Rian Zietsman, Loedi van Renen and Louis Nel invited George van der Spuy to a jam session... at a military base. They played their very first show in March 2005, and the rest as they say... is history.
“Taxi Violence have never been a band to play things by the book. In their formative days they won a national ‘battle of the bands’ contest – and promptly politely refused the prize of a record company contract because it didn't offer them creative and financial control. Also, while their local peers dressed in skinny jeans and electro-neon and sought to emulate the burgeoning ‘indie’ sound, the band followed their guitar-slinging muse by delving into the original life-blood of rock 'n roll's harder edges.” – Evan Milton
Taxi Violence have travelled a long and independent road to proving themselves as one of the best live acts in South Africa. Their sound can be described as blues-infused, retro rock with a pinch of sleaze and bourbon.
Since their inception, Taxi Violence have gone on to rock every significant venue and headline every major festival in South Africa, as well as taking their unique brand of rock and quality live shows abroad.
A C C O L A D E S
> Three South African Music Award (SAMA) nominations – Best Rock Album in 2008; Best Rock Album & Group/Duo Of The Year in 2012.
> Five MK Award nominations – 2005, 2009, 2012, 2013, 2014.
> Voted ‘Best Live Act of 2007’ by Media24.com.
> Untie Yourself reached number four on 5FM’s Top 40 (2007).
> Untie Yourself was voted GQ Magazine’s ‘Album Of The Month’ in January 2007.
> Toured in Germany and Holland in 2009, and had four tracks playlisted on Fritz Radio Berlin.
> Headlined the Nokia Rock Summer Tour in 2009.
> Jimi's Revenge was chosen as theme song for the popular show, MAN TV on SABC (2010).
> Devil 'n Pistol features in Spud 2: The Madness Continues, starring John Cleese (2013).
A W A R D S
> Won a national battle of the bands in 2005 (RBF Studios Emerging Sounds Competition).
> The Turn’s music video won two awards at the Wirral International Film Festival 2010 in England.
> Heads or Tails won ‘Best Video Award’ at Wirral International Film Festival 2011.
S U P P O R T E D
> 3 Doors Down, Hoobastank, Staind and Evanescence at My Coke Fest 2007.
> Powderfinger and Billy Talent in 2010.
> Black Rebel Motorcycle Club at Synergy Live 2011.
> Seether in 2012.
D I S C O G R A P H Y
> Taxi Violence EP (2005)
> Untie Yourself (2006)
> The Turn (2009)
> Unplugged: Long Way From Home (2011)
> Soul Shake (2013)
"Soul Shake is easily their best – most electrifying, kinetic, and yes, most catchy – album yet. At last, Taxi Violence have recorded an album that captures the catharsis of their live shows." – Rolling Stone Magazine
Early in 2006, the front covers of South Africa´s daily entertainment newspapers throughout three different cities announced the arrival of "The next BIG things!". It was with a sense of uncanny prophecy, for in the months that followed, Taxi Violence would, through sheer dedication and solid musicianship, rise from relative local obscurity to being a band in national demand.
It all started in September 2004, when best friends Rian Zietsman, Loedi van Renen and Louis Nel invited George van der Spuy to a jam session... at a military base. They played their very first show in March 2005, and the rest as they say... is history.
“Taxi Violence have never been a band to play things by the book. In their formative days they won a national ‘battle of the bands’ contest – and promptly politely refused the prize of a record company contract because it didn't offer them creative and financial control. Also, while their local peers dressed in skinny jeans and electro-neon and sought to emulate the burgeoning ‘indie’ sound, the band followed their guitar-slinging muse by delving into the original life-blood of rock 'n roll's harder edges.” – Evan Milton
Taxi Violence have travelled a long and independent road to proving themselves as one of the best live acts in South Africa. Their sound can be described as blues-infused, retro rock with a pinch of sleaze and bourbon.
Since their inception, Taxi Violence have gone on to rock every significant venue and headline every major festival in South Africa, as well as taking their unique brand of rock and quality live shows abroad.
A C C O L A D E S
> Three South African Music Award (SAMA) nominations – Best Rock Album in 2008; Best Rock Album & Group/Duo Of The Year in 2012.
> Five MK Award nominations – 2005, 2009, 2012, 2013, 2014.
> Voted ‘Best Live Act of 2007’ by Media24.com.
> Untie Yourself reached number four on 5FM’s Top 40 (2007).
> Untie Yourself was voted GQ Magazine’s ‘Album Of The Month’ in January 2007.
> Toured in Germany and Holland in 2009, and had four tracks playlisted on Fritz Radio Berlin.
> Headlined the Nokia Rock Summer Tour in 2009.
> Jimi's Revenge was chosen as theme song for the popular show, MAN TV on SABC (2010).
> Devil 'n Pistol features in Spud 2: The Madness Continues, starring John Cleese (2013).
A W A R D S
> Won a national battle of the bands in 2005 (RBF Studios Emerging Sounds Competition).
> The Turn’s music video won two awards at the Wirral International Film Festival 2010 in England.
> Heads or Tails won ‘Best Video Award’ at Wirral International Film Festival 2011.
S U P P O R T E D
> 3 Doors Down, Hoobastank, Staind and Evanescence at My Coke Fest 2007.
> Powderfinger and Billy Talent in 2010.
> Black Rebel Motorcycle Club at Synergy Live 2011.
> Seether in 2012.
D I S C O G R A P H Y
> Taxi Violence EP (2005)
> Untie Yourself (2006)
> The Turn (2009)
> Unplugged: Long Way From Home (2011)
> Soul Shake (2013)
"Soul Shake is easily their best – most electrifying, kinetic, and yes, most catchy – album yet. At last, Taxi Violence have recorded an album that captures the catharsis of their live shows." – Rolling Stone Magazine
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