Ketamine's relationship with Act IV goes back to 2001 when they submitted demos for the first concert and subsequently were chosen to perform at the concert. The band returned to the Metro stage the following year as well. Without a major headliner, the organizers chose a familiar face, this immensely talented South African band, to take on the headlining spot. The band left their mark on Act IV 2002, leading the crowd into a frenzy during their original song, "Reflect in You", and rocking out to their ending set jam of SP's "Silverfuck" and "XYU". Here is the original bio for Ketamine taken from the Act IV 2002 Playbill:
"Formed by Jason Every and Shannon Mackenzie in January 2001, when now co-manager, Lorna Goodman informed them about Act IV. Ketamine submitted demos for selection, and six months later found themselves on their way to Chicago.
For the concert, they invited James Warr (drums) and Paul van Gendt (bass) to join them. Their recording sessions resulted in their first two demos, including a cover of "Disarm", found on the Ghost Children CD.
Ketamine performed to a sell-out crowd at the Metro in only their
second performance. As a result of their performance, Ketamine
was approached by Smashing Pumpkins' recording engineer, Bjorn Thorsrud, who has invited Ketamine to work with him on developing their material.
Ketamine are currently working on pre-production of their material, and playing live shows in South Africa, from which they have elicited great reviews from the South African Press. In April 2002, they played the main stage at Splashy Fen, South Africa's biggest music festival.
Lineup:
Shannon Mackenzie-lead vocals, keyboards, programming Jason Every-guitars, backing vocals, programming Dirk Slabbert-Bass Matthew Jordaan-Drums"
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In 2003, Mattthew Jordaan left Ketamine but they acquired two
talented musicians, Barry Corden (guitars) and Gareth Gale
(drums) later that year. Bjorn Thorsrud visited the band in South
Africa during December 2003, to record their material. The result
was 2004's 5 song EP, "A Perfect World". Their first single off the
EP, "In The Shape of A Heart" hit South African airwaves on
June 27th, 2004. With continual critical acclaim, being selected
to play on Splashy Fen's main stage for three years straight, and
the release of their first EP, the future looked bright for the band.
Unfortunately, they disbanded in 2006. Shannon is currently working
on demos for a solo career, while Jason is part of a new band, Stealing Love Jones. Jason's new band will be touring the USA from
February to April 2008, and will start working on an album with Bjorn
Thorsrud.
"Bullet with Butterfly Wings" performed live by Ketamine at Act IV 2002
"Disarm" performed live by Ketamine at Act IV 2002
-Be sure to check out our Myspace for more exclusive videos
-For full details on Ketamine's setlist, go here
-These performances are available on the Act IV 2002 DVD, buy it today!
All profits go to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
