The South African music industry was rocked by the news that one of its iconic bands The Rockets are calling it quits after over 50 years of existence.
IOL Entertainment can reveal that the band leader of 52 years, Jerry Watt, is terminally ill.
The 69-year-old guitarist has been diagnosed with stage four soft tissue cancer and is spending his days at home in Cape Town surrounded by his family.
His wife of 30 years, Allison Watt, who is also the band manager, told IOL Entertainment that the decision to close the band comes on the back of Jerryās diagnosis.
Allison said: āThe reason why we suddenly announced the closing of the band, was because we came from hospital yesterday and the doctor said Jerry is no longer fit to play in the band or perform.
āWhen we got home, I made the decision to announce the closing on social media, with a note of the final show happening on February 12.
āWe are not sure if Jerry will be able to be there or play in the band, because we canāt guarantee that his health will allow it, but he would love to play for his fans for the last time.ā
Allison said the decision to end the band was made by Jerry.
āHe said that when he is no longer able to perform, we must end the band.
āAll good things must come to an end, heās spent 52 years with the band.
āHeās had the ups and downs, held it together, he invested money, blood, sweat and tears, and so this is his wish, we discussed it, he felt itās time for the band to end,ā she said.
She added: āThe members are fairly new and The Rockets is known for their old school feel, sound of music and ways of working and an in-depth knowledge of music that canāt be transferred.
āOf course the band members can still continue their work under another name but it wonāt be The Rockets anymore.
āIts like when Freddy Mercury died, Queen doesnāt perform anymore. Sometimes it comes to that point where itās time to say farewell, The Rockets had a good run. Me being a part myself, there is a time to finish,ā Allison said.
She said the health of the father of six took a turn for the worse over a week ago when doctors removed a growth in his lower body.
āSince the operation, he has been very tired. He isnāt doing much but resting. Everyday is the same, there is no improvement in his condition, so we hope he gets to perform at the final show,ā she said.
Jerry started playing music professionally when he was 14-years-old.
āHe is sad about it being the end, it was a beautiful journey for Jerry, it didnāt come without challenges, it was difficult to keep this band at top level for all these years,ā Watt said.
She said Jerry managed to tick off a bucket list point when he got to perform with Dr Victor last year at GrandWest.
āHe always wanted to perform with Dr Victor, it was one of his biggest wishes, Iām glad he got to do that.
Jerry Watt had this to say: āI want to thank South Africa and the world, for giving me the opportunity to serve you with my music. Thank you.ā
Fans sent their farewell wishes in the comments section of the bandās official announcement.
Zurayda van der Westhuizen said: āThe Rockets South Africa You are the stars of the show Thank you for a wonderful Journey of music entertainment throughout the years Y'all have always been my Favourite No1 Group Take Care Jerry and God Bless you and your Familyā
Quinton Mr Q Manuel wrote: āI pray Jerry is comfortable despite the pain he's suffering due to his illness. Thinking of the family at this time.
āWith respect said, there are remaining band members who've been doing a sterling job the past few gigs including this past weekend in Paarl (in Jerry's absence) and they did an amazing job.
āPlease consider them, their families and the Rockets legacy which can be preserved. Dont make hasty decisions by calling this the end of the road.
āOther Rockets members have come and gone (some passed on before) and the band continued.
āThe Rockets is a historical institution and not a PTY LTD Company that must dissolve because the managing director are no longer with us, (Or has the Watt family now claimed ownership of the Rockets brand)? Please think this through. Again, said with respect.ā
Roberta Zyster wrote: āThis is such sad, sad news!! The Rockets South Africa The Official Site you have entertained us for soo many years, for generations!!
āIn my humble opinion, you are one of our absolute best local bands & we will miss you terriblyš Jerry Watt thank you for the music, you are an absolute Legend, God bless, much love šā¤šā
Manfred van Rooyen wrote: āThe end of an Era. Well done Jerry. You've done yourself proud. I pray healing mercies for your health challenges.ā
Lionel George wrote: āAll good things comes to an end, thank you to all that rocked the Rockets, you guys can be proud, what a journey, you'll always be rememberedā.