Rabbitt


Rabbitt is a South African pop rock band formed in Johannesburg in 1972. The band evolved from an earlier teen rock group called The Conglomeration, with founding members including Duncan Faure, Trevor Rabin, Ronnie Robot, and Neil Cloud. Known for their blend of rock, pop, and progressive elements, Rabbitt became one of the country's most popular and influential acts throughout the 1970s, sometimes referred to as South Africa's version of The Beatles due to the adulation they inspired. Their musical style was marked by technical proficiency, intricate arrangements, and innovative use of keyboards and synthesizers. Rabbitt achieved notable chart success in South Africa, with the 1976 hit single "Charlie" reaching the top of local charts.

Background and formation

Rabbitt originated from The Conglomeration, a Johannesburg-based teen rock band in the late 1960s and early 1970s. The transition to Rabbitt marked a shift toward a more polished and ambitious sound, combining progressive rock influences from groups like Yes and Genesis with accessible pop melodies. Trevor Rabin took the lead as primary songwriter and frontman, contributing vocals, lead guitar, keyboards, and arrangements. Alongside him, Duncan Faure added vocals, keyboards, and rhythm guitar, while Ronnie Robot played bass and Neil Cloud was on drums. The band worked closely with music producer Patrick van Blerk, who helped sharpen their sound and expand their recording opportunities.

Career and Success

Between 1975 and 1977, Rabbitt released three studio albums on the Jo’Burg label, two of which were also issued in the United States on the Capricorn Records label. Their music featured tight musicianship and ambitious production, with songs ranging from rockers like "Hard Ride" to emotive ballads like "Lifeline." Notably, their cover of Jethro Tull's "Locomotive Breath" showcased their progressive rock influences.
Their 1976 single "Charlie" became a nationwide hit, establishing the band as a household name in South Africa. Rabbitt's popularity resulted not only from their recorded work but also their captivating live performances which generated enthusiastic fan followings, often surrounded by fervent teenage fans displaying sessions of "Rabbittmania."

Later Years and Legacy

The band disbanded in 1978 when Trevor Rabin left to pursue a solo career and eventually joined the progressive rock band Yes, with whom he achieved international acclaim in the 1980s and 1990s. Duncan Faure also embarked on a successful solo career and later joined the British band The Bay City Rollers.
Following their disbandment, the members maintained involvement in music and production. Rabbitt's influence remained strong within South Africa, remembered for their impact on the development of rock and progressive music in the country. Decades later, some members reunited for nostalgic performances and tours reconnecting with longtime fans.

Musicians

Line-up from 1975

  • Trevor Rabin – vocals, lead guitar, keyboards
  • Ronnie Robot – bass guitar
  • Neil Cloud – drums
  • Duncan Faure – vocals, keyboards, guitar

    Albums

''Boys Will Be Boys">Boys Will Be Boys!">Boys Will Be Boys'' (1975)

Tracks:
  1. "Something's Going Wrong with My Baby" — 4:45
  2. "Savage" — 4:43
  3. "Lifeline" — 6:00
  4. "Locomotive Breath" — 3:35
  5. "Hard Ride" — 4:05
  6. "Baby's Leaving" — 2:20
  7. "Eventides" — 2:34
  8. "Looking for the Man" — 4:00
  9. "Death of Tulio" — 0:22
  10. "Charlie" — 2:35
  11. "Brand New Love" — 3:38
  12. "Auld Lang Syne" — 1:18
bonus track on 2006 CD re-issue

''A Croak and a Grunt in the Night'' (1977)

Tracks:
  1. "T.C. Rabin in D-Minor"
  2. "I Sleep Alone"
  3. "'A Croak and a Grunt in the Night"
  4. "Everybody's Cheating"
  5. "Sugar Pie"
  6. "Searching"
  7. "Working for the People"
  8. "Pollyman"
  9. "Schumann"
  10. "Hold On to Love"
  11. "Dingley's Bookshop" theme from a TV series
  12. "Never Gonna Ruin my Life"
  13. "Tribal Fence" featuring Margaret Singana
  14. "Gift of Love"
  15. "Lonely Loner Too"
  16. "Take It Easy"
  17. "A Love You Song"
Musicians:
  • Trevor Rabin: Vocals, guitars, piano, electric piano, harmonica, tubular bells, string arrangements, producer
  • Neil Cloud: Drums, percussion
  • Duncan Faure: Vocals, rhythm guitar, organ, piano
  • Ronnie Robot: Bass
  • Margaret Singana: Guest vocals on "Tribal Fence"
  • Patric van Blerk: Producer
  • Julian Laxton: Remix engineer
  • Peter Thwaites and Greg Cutler: Engineers
Release information:
  • 1976, Jo'Burg Records, TJL 13014
  • 1977, Capricorn, CP 0190

    ''Rock Rabbitt'' (1977)

Tracks:
  1. "Rush Hour Scores"
  2. "Mr. Muso"
  3. "Love in my Heart"
  4. "Within These Words"
  5. "Rock 'n' Roll, Part I & II"
  6. "Getting Thru to You"
  7. "I've Been Aware"
  8. "Without Her Love"
  9. "Hello and Welcome Home"
  10. "Goodbye and So-Long"
Musicians:
  • Duncan Faure: Vocals, guitars, keyboards
  • Ronnie Robot: Bass
  • Neil Cloud: Drums
Release information:
1977, JoBurg Records, TJC13025

''Revival''

Tracks:
  1. "Locomotive Breath" — from the album Boys Will Be Boys!
  2. "Gift of Love" — from the album A Croak and a Grunt in the Night
  3. "Getting Through to You" — from the album Rock Rabbitt
  4. "Hard Ride" — from the album Boys Will Be Boys!
  5. "Lifeline" — from the album Boys Will Be Boys!
  6. "Searching" — from the album A Croak and a Grunt in the Night
  7. "T.C. Rabin in D-minor" — from the album A Croak and a Grunt in the Night
  8. "I Sleep Alone" — from the album A Croak and a Grunt in the Night
  9. "Charlie" — from the album Boys Will Be Boys!
  10. "Morning Light" — from the EP Morning Light
  11. "Brand New Love" — from the EP single Morning Light
  12. "A Croak and a Grunt in the Night" — from the album A Croak and a Grunt in the Night
  13. "Everybody's Cheating" — from the album A Croak and a Grunt in the Night
  14. "Hold On to love" — from the album A Croak and a Grunt in the Night
  15. "Tribal Fence" featuring Margaret Singana — from the album A Croak and a Grunt in the Night
Release information:
1987, PVB Music, PVBR 1007A

''The Collection'' / ''The Hits''

Tracks:
  1. "Hard Ride" — from the album Boys Will Be Boys!
  2. "Charlie" — from the album Boys Will Be Boys!
  3. "Lonely Loner Too" — from the album A Croak and a Grunt in the Night
  4. "Searching" — from the album A Croak and a Grunt in the Night
  5. "Dingley's Bookshop" — from the album A Croak and a Grunt in the Night
  6. "Locomotive Breath" — from the album Boys Will Be Boys!
  7. "Baby's Leaving" — from the album Boys Will Be Boys!
  8. "Pollyman" — from the album A Croak and a Grunt in the Night
  9. "T.C. Rabin in D-minor" — from the album A Croak and a Grunt in the Night
  10. "I Sleep Alone" — from the album A Croak and a Grunt in the Night
  11. "A Croak and a Grunt in the Night" — from the album A Croak and a Grunt in the Night
  12. "Morning Light" — from the EP single Morning Light
  13. "Schumann" — from the album A Croak and a Grunt in the Night
  14. "Hold On to love" — from the album A Croak and a Grunt in the Night
  15. "Take It Easy" — from the album A Croak and a Grunt in the Night
  16. "Lifeline" — from the album Boys Will Be Boys!
  17. "I Was Eleven", — from the EP single 1972–1978
  18. "Everybody's Cheating" — from the album A Croak and a Grunt in the Night
  19. "Savage" — from the album Boys Will Be Boys!
  20. "Getting Through to You" — from the album Rock Rabbitt
  21. "Auld Lang Syne Rock" — B-side of "Morning Light" single
  22. "A Love You Song" — from the EP single Morning Light
Release information:
  • 1992, ON records, RABCD1
  • 1996, Gallo, CDRED 602

    The Extended Plays (EPs)

  • Rock 'n' Roll, Volume 2 Capricorn, 2206 201
  • Morning Light JoBurg Records, TJS57
  • 1972–1978 Limited Souvenir Edition JoBurg Records, TJM73

    The Singles

  • Locomotive Breath / And The Planets Danced MAP, MP.513 Springbok No. 18 in January 1973
  • Backdoor of my Heart / Share the Loving Things JoBurg Records
  • Hallelujah Sunrise / Hidden Feelings JoBurg Records
  • Yesterday's Papers / B-side unknown JoBurg Records
  • Charlie / Looking for the Man JoBurg Records, TJS35 Springbok No. 14 in June 1976
  • Hard Ride / Baby's Leaving JoBurg Records, TJS46
  • Hold on to Love / Working for the People JoBurg Records, TJS49
  • Sugar Pie / Dingley's Bookshop JoBurg Records, TJS51
  • Eventides / Charlie Victor, VIP-2526
  • Everybody's Cheating / Gift of Love Victor, VIP-2561
  • Hold on to Love / Working for the People Capricorn, CPS 0281
  • Morning Light / Auld Lang Syne Rock JoBurg Records, TJS57 Springbok No. 15 in September 1977
  • Gettin' Thru to You / Hello and Welcome Home JoBurg Records, TJS64 Springbok No. 15 in December 1977