This collaboration of some of the top bands in Gauteng is the brainchild of Kevin Pillay, the bass guitarist for Stillwaters. Pillay grew up not knowing his paternal grandparents, as they both died of cancer. He has lost his uncle to lung cancer, a colleague to brain cancer and has seen his cousin battle breast cancer.
"Cancer has had an overwhelming impact on my life and my family. I have always wanted to do something, however small or big, to contribute to an organisation that was fighting the battle against this non-discriminating disease. Through music, I saw the opportunity to benefit The Breast Health Foundation, as well as give a platform to local artists, some household names and other relatively unknown bands. I guess wanting to do this was a calling that I couldn't ignore," he said.
The musical line up includes: Lonehill Estate, Cutting Jade, 11th Hour, Stillwaters, Southern Breeze, The Merchants, Frankie Beagle, Red Hand, Jazzy Masala Dance Academy, Errand of Mercy and Revelation.
Breast cancer is one of the most prevalent women's cancers in South Africa, with one in nine women being at risk of being diagnosed with the disease. The Breast Health Foundation Units focuses on educating communities about breast health and breast cancer, stressing that detection of the disease does not necessarily equate to a death sentence. To date, more than 30 000 community members have been supported by the Breast Health Foundation Sedibeng Mobile Education Unit, based in Gauteng. The educators are all breast cancer survivors who support, guide and encourage patients to face their fears and to make themselves available for further testing. More than 1000 women have been already been referred for mammograms at either the Helen Joseph or Baragwanath Hospitals.
Tickets for Live to Rock are priced at R120 and all proceeds go to The Breast Health Foundation.
Contact Carmen Reed on +27 (0)82 903 0311 or az.gro.tsaerbym@nemrac for more information
