Back2Basix is a live music venue situated on the outskirts of Melville right opposite the University of Johannesburg. The venue has built and developed a genuine reputation in the entertainment industry over the last 7 years. Securing live music acts from South Africa's leading and up-and-coming artist, performing in an intimate and personal environment, it attracts a comfortable combination of 20 and 30 something crowd with a lust for life.
Although B2B is mainly a live music venue it boosts with a fully licensed restaurant and a well stocked bar.
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12 January 08
Launched our new site
This month we have launched our new website. You can now easily view our GIG guide, news and soon menu.
07 January 08
Change in ownership
The recent change in ownership promises to bring even more exciting affairs and a little facelift to the venue. From the re-positioning of the stage, to the new chairs and darker tables, it seems like B2B has an interesting and attractive plan for 2008. It is unquestionably one of the most desired live music and entertainment venues in South Africa.
14 December
Back 2 Basix – Finale for 2007
One of Johannesburg’s most memorable and distinguished live music venues, Back 2 Basix, will be hosting their final event of the year on the 19th December 2007. Set for a major revamp, Back 2 Basix’s new look will cater to its faithful supporters and provide a fresh, funky, upmarket feel for first timers.
As part of their closing down party, Back 2 Basix will be featuring the sensational, first all black commercial rock band Stereo Republic and opening act Rio.
Co-owner (Matthew Slater) is ecstatic about the revamp and new ideas waiting to launch early in the new year. "We’ve taken this approach in order to cater for a variety of our patrons and provide more space and comfort," says (Slater), "Since Back 2 Basix has been around, we’ve had floods of patrons flocking to see bands like Prime Circle and WONDERboom. Our closing down party has been designed to set the precedent for the New Year and gives a hint of the new developments and initiatives we’re implementing."
25 May 05
Martin Rocka and the Sick Shop go Back2Basix
Last Wednesday I had the pleasure of watching one of the best bands in the country playing at one of the best kept secret venues around. Martin Rocka are a three piece comprising Martin Rocka on guitar and vocals, James Flames on double bass and for the night Garth from Sugardrive did sterling service on the drums.
It was their first gig since the untimely demise of drummer Dave Clarke (Rest in peace, my brother) and was about memories and reminiscences and rock n roll music.
Their style is a mix of Elvis, the The Stray Cats, 50's rock n roll and surf music with their own version of psychobilly. With songs like 'Surf's up, motherfuckas', 'Shakin' all over', 'Me, my monster and my shrink' together with covers like 'You're so square' and 'Blue Suede Shoes' this is an ultimate party band.
The venue is small and compact with decent sound and and a friendly vibe. I recently saw Wonderboom there as well as Arno Carstens and Back2basix really do have some class acts in action there. Just opposite University of Johannesburg (Old RAU) in Lancaster road, Westdene they are a must for music fans that dig live, local bands.
Amongst the crowd were Cito from Wonderboom and Paul from Sugardrive who also play together with Paulo in Absinthe. There was a continuous party vibe and the gig was also filmed and recorded.
On the intro to the album 'Trailer rash' Martin Rocka have a voice over talking about the evils of the beat in rock n roll contributing to juvenile delinquency. From start to finish of the album, as well as their gigs, the listener is transfixed by the beat and it never lets go.