It’s been 10 years since a kid from KwaZulu Natal’s south coast picked up a restrung right-handed guitar, played it backwards, and found a calling. Over 1000 live shows later, with two acclaimed albums and a third in production, Rory Eliot now cultivates a fiercely loyal following from London to Cape Town that grows with every gig. This story is no fairytale, though, and therein lies the glory. Eliot’s name first flickered on the South African music map back in 2003 as lead singer and rhythm guitarist of the acoustic sensation band Plush. Alongside lead guitarist Chas Smit’s creative flair, Eliot’s songwriting ability and natural charisma merged seamlessly to produce songs such as Tainted, which hit No.1 on TuksFM, and Today and My Baby which received regular radio play, the latter getting airtime on MTV. Described as “so unbelievably tight that they sound as though they are one masterful musician, playing two guitars, with four arms and one almighty voice”, Plush’s rocket ride ended tragically when Smit was killed by a drunk driver when attempting to cross a street in Pietermaritzburg in September 2005. Engulfed by grief, Eliot took a six month sabbatical before returning as a solo artist, determined to fulfill a promise he’d made to Smit that they would make it. The destiny they were meant to share was still worth fighting for. Refusing to become the victim of cruel circumstance, and powered by the strength that produced the anthemic Rage On, Eliot set about turning obstacle into opportunity. He joined up with drummer Ben Peters, a former contributor to Plush and member of JacSharp, and again shared a stage as old Plush favourites and an increasing repertoire of new tracks saw sell-out crowds and packed venues all over Cape Town as word of Eliot’s return spread. Two became three in early 2007 as bass player Louis Roux, a musician with session work with Evolver and experience in his own funk band Future Records behind him, opted in to create Rory Eliot and The Reason. With an album in production, first single When Grace Grew Tall with four weeks at No 1 to its credit on the Hi5@5, a packed touring schedule and a UK excursion in August looming, good times dawn again. The combination of emotion, passion and determination has fueled Eliot’s musical rebirth. The same combination has also meant it’s always been more than just songs. For many, it is the soundtrack to their lives. And that is why this is a band that does not have fans. This a band that inspires a movement.