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TIME LINE
CELEBRATING
TWENTY YEARS
1998
The early days
Originally called Crayon, the band rehearsed and wrote
songs in Neil’s dad’s garage.
A 4-song EP called Waxy Gods
was recorded and released in 1999.
Around 2000, the band changed their name to The Parlotones and recorded two more EPs: Ladies and Superstars. In 2003 they recorded the full-length album Episoda.
2003
EPISODA
Recorded the full-length album “Episoda”.
2004
Borderline Patrol EP
The Parlotones recorded the Borderline Patrol EP in Durban. The album was recorded at Tropical Sweat Studios with Dave Birch, the singer and guitarist from Squeal.
2005
RADIOCONTROLLEDROBOT
Happy with the results of Borderline Patrol, the band returned to Dave Birch at Tropical Sweat Studios to record RadioControlledRobot, their second full-length album.
2006
We quit our jobs and became a full-time band.
With the success of RadioControlledRobot, the band took the plunge and quit their jobs to pursue music full-time.
The Parlotones offered to take the last slot at the My Coke Fest 2006. This meant they would be playing after Collective Soul, Seether, Simple Plan, The Rasmus and Metallica. It was a bold move that caught the attention of the media and the public alike, putting the spotlight on The Parlotones that night.
RADIOCONTROLLEDROBOT
won the South African Music Award for Best Rock Album. This was a huge achievement for such a relatively young band; especially as they were in the same category as industry heavyweights Karen Zoid, Arno Carstens, Seether and The Narrow.
The Parlotones opened for Live in Johannesburg,
Cape Town and Durban.
The Parlotones travelled to the UK for the first time, opening for Prime Circle and Springbok Nude Girls at
The Shepherd’s Bush Empire in London.
2007
First tour of the UK and Ireland on our own
A WORLD NEXT DOOR TO YOURS
The Parlotones recorded their next album at Bellville Studios in Cape Town with Theo Crous from the Springbok Nude Girls. Inspired, in part, by contrasting their life in a touring band to that of the corporate world, the album was titled A World Next Door to Yours.
2009
STARDUST GALAXIES
The Parlotones returned to Theo Crous at Bellville Studios to record their next album, Stardust Galaxies.
The band attended and performed at MIDEM in Cannes (France), Canadian Music Week in Toronto (Canada) and South by Southwest in Austin (USA).
While at MIDEM, The Parlotones were offered an extra last-minute performance; the only catch was that they would have to play after Blue October and have very limited time to set up and prepare. The band gladly took the opportunity and caught the attention of Blue October. This later led to The Parlotones and Blue October touring together in the UK and USA.
Released Parlotones wines
The Parlotones released their own red wine, named
“Giant Mistake”. This was followed by a white wine
(“Push Me to the Floor”) and a rosé (“We Call This Dancing”).
Sold out the dome
Stardust Galaxies was launched during the band’s 2009 world tour, which culminated in sell-out headlining gigs at the Coca Cola Dome in Johannesburg and the Grand West Arena in Cape Town. Headlining these venues was a feat never achieved before by a South African rock band.
2010
World Cup kick-off concert
In 2010, the band played on stage to a local and international live broadcast audience of over a billion at the FIFA World Cup Kick-off Celebration concert.
This event was held at Soccer City with Alicia Keys, Angelique Kidjo, the Black Eyed Peas, Freshly Ground, Shakira, Hugh Masekela, Vusi Mahlasela.
Stardust Galaxies wins the SAMA for Best English Rock Album.
2011
Dragonflies & Astronauts
Dragonflies & Astronauts was a live rock opera performed on stage over five nights and filmed and broadcast in 3D to movie studios and online streaming platforms around the world
on the final night.
on the final night.
The Parlotones opened for Coldplay on their South African tour.
Eavesdropping on the Songs of Whales
live studio album released. This album featured acoustic and stripped-down versions of some the band’s most popular songs.
2012
Journey Through the Shadows
The Parlotones recorded Journey Through the Shadows at the M3 studio at the SABC in Johannesburg. Once again, they used Theo Crous as a producer, but decided to rather record in their hometown instead of Cape Town, in order to spend more time with their family and friends.
Climbed Kilimanjaro
The band members climbed Kilimanjaro as a part of UN Women initiative to raise awareness of violence against
women and children.
The Parlotones toured Europe with Snow Patrol.
2013
LIFE IN THE USA
The Parlotones move to Los Angeles for a year.
Stand Like Giants
Stand Like Giants released. This album is made up of songs written while living and touring in the United States.
Neil – the resident
make up artist
2014
The Parlotones part ways with their label and management.
2015
Antiques & Artefacts released.
2016
Trinkets, Relics & Heirlooms is released.
This album is a collection of previously unreleased
songs and co-labs.
2017
The Parlotones Orchestrated
The band tour and perform with an orchestra and film the final night of the tour. This is released as a DVD and live album called Orchestrated.
The Stories Behind The Songs
The band write and release their first book, The Stories Behind the Songs. It features the band going through the memories and inspirations behind every song the band has recorded to date. The book was accompanied by a tour where the band took turns talking to the audience and sharing stories from the book, as well as discussing their journey to date.
2018
The Parlotones go into High Seas Studios for a week to record 3 songs. A few months later they emerge with 25 songs.
WHERE WE'VE BEEN
