A self-taught guitarist, Rodriguez is outspoken about his fondness for playing to Australian audiences and first toured Australia in the late 70s, returning in 1981 when Midnight Oil joined him for some shows.
Rodriguez’s unique story was made into an Oscar Award winning documentary in 2012 called Searching for Sugar Man. It tells the story of Rodriguez’s history that began with him playing in bars and clubs around Detroit in the 1960s, and ultimately saw him reach legendary folk-rock super stardom status in South Africa.
In the mid-1970s, Rodriguez’s music gained airplay in Australia and New Zealand and he toured here finding limited success. Unbeknownst to him, South African anti-Apartheid activists and musicians alike were inspired by Rodriguez’s counterculture lyrics and he reached super stardom status in South Africa. However due to unsubstantiated rumours that he had died, it wasn’t until the late 1990s that South African fans finally sought Rodriguez out, leading to the unanticipated renaissance of his music career.
Rodriguez now tours extensively in South Africa, Australia, Europe, and the U.S., where he takes thoughtful appreciation in greeting long-time fans, and a new generation of listeners who find common ground in his music.
Sun 19 Oct : Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre
Tue 21 & Thu 23 Oct : Sydney Opera House
Wed 29 Oct : Adelaide Entertainment Theatre, SA