Early in 2006, the front covers of South Africa’s daily entertainment newspapers throughout three different cities announced the arrival of “The next BIG things!”. It was with a sense of uncanny prophecy, for in the months that followed, Taxi Violence would – through sheer dedication and solid musicianship – rise from relative local obscurity to being a band in national demand.
It all started in September 2004, when best friends Rian Zietsman, Loedi van Renen and Louis Nel invited George van der Spuy to a jam session at a military base. They played their very first show in March 2005, and the rest, as they say, is history.
Taxi Violence have never been a band to play things by the book. In their formative days they won a national ‘battle of the bands’ contest – and promptly politely refused the prize of a record company contract because it didn’t offer them creative and financial control. Also, while their local peers dressed in skinny jeans and electro-neon and sought to emulate the burgeoning ‘indie’ sound, the band followed their guitar-slinging muse by delving into the original life-blood of rock ‘n roll’s harder edges.
Evan Milton, GQ Magazine
Taxi Violence’s Discography
Shape and Form I (2017)
Tenfold (2014)
Soul Shake (2013)
Unplugged: Long Way From Home (2011)
The Turn (2009)
Untie Yourself (2006)
Taxi Violence EP (2005)
Taxi Violence’s Accolades
Four South African Music Award (SAMA) nominations:
2008 – Best Rock Album
2012 – Best Rock Album & Group / Duo Of The Year
2015 – Best Rock Album
Five MK Award nominations:
2005, 2009, 2012, 2013 & 2014
‘Living It Up’ featured in Audi SA & Protea Cricket Master Class online Campaign in 2016.
Featured in TAFF series on ProSieben (German TV Channel) in 2016. Aired in Germany, Switzerland and Austria.
Partnered with Windhoek Lager on a nationwide campaign in 2015: Beer Brand Meets Rock ‘n’ Roll Band.
‘Devil ‘n Pistol’ featured in Spud 2: The Madness Continues, starring John Cleese (2013).
‘Jimi’s Revenge’ was chosen as theme song for the popular show, MAN TV on SABC (2010).
Headlined the Nokia Rock Summer Tour in 2009.
Toured in Germany and Holland in 2009, and had four tracks playlisted on Fritz Radio, Berlin.
Voted ‘Best Live Act of 2007’ by Media24.com.
Untie Yourself reached number four on 5FM’s Top 40 in 2007.
Untie Yourself was voted GQ Magazine’s ‘Album Of The Month’ in January 2007.
Headlined Oppikoppi, RAMfest, Rocking the Daisies, Synergy Festival, Up the Creek, Africa Bike week, and STRAB.
Taxi Violence’s Awards
Winners: RBF Studios Emerging Sounds Competition 2005
The Turn‘s music video, directed by Ryan Kruger, won two awards at the Wirral International Film Festival 2010 in England. Ryan won ‘Best Director of Music Video’ and Philip Hotz won the Vesbin Award for ‘Best Actor’.
Heads or Tails won ‘Best Video Award’ at Wirral International Film Festival 2011. Again, directed by Ryan Kruger.
Taxi Violence Have Shared Stages With
3 Doors Down
Hoobastank
Staind
Evanescence
Powderfinger
Billy Talent
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club
KONGOS
Eagles of Death Metal
Seether
Biffy Clyro
Wolfmother
Editors