Musos Reunite in Durban in 2002

From Great North Road

By: Paudie Coughlan

GNR Power Reunites Band

One of the GNR's most powerful uses is as a facility to put old friends from NR/Zambia in contact with each other again.

In February 2002 several ex-Zambian musicians from Mufulira made contact again through the GNR after having lost contact for 20 plus years.

Apollo 4, Mufulira, 1968 L to R John, Des, Alistair, Paudie.

On Saturday 24th August 2002, these ex-Mufulira musicians were reunited at a private birthday party in Durban. John Costopoulos, Des Brand, Alistair Coakley and Paudie Coughlan formed their first band in 1967 while at Mufulira High School. The band was called "Apollo 4".

Apollo 4, ex-Mufulira, reunited in Durban, August 2002, L to R John, Des, Alistair, Paudie.

This photo was taken on 24th August 2002 in Durban following the contacts made through the GNR. Left to right, John Costopoulos (now based in Durban); Des Brand (now based in Jo'burg), Alistair Coakley (now based in Jo'burg); and Paudie Coughlan (ed. note - he was based in the Republic of Ireland at the time). After this photo was taken, these musicians got together on stage to play together for the first time since last playing as "Mynde Projection" at a session at Mufulira Rugby Club in January 1971. Talk about a nostalgic event!!!!
The private party was a joint 50th birthday party thrown by newly fifty year-olds John Costopoulos (muso, ex-Mufulira); Mike Thomas (muso, ex-Luanshya); and Howie Silk (not lucky enough to be a muso, ex-Kitwe).

Other ex-Zambian muso's present and who also jammed at the party were:

Keith Fordice (ex-Kitwe)

Robbie Centonze (ex-Ndola)

Pete Trollip (ex-Kitwe)

Juha Kormano (ex-Kitwe)

Janne Sonderland (ex-Kitwe)

Juha and Janne flew out from Finland for the party.

What a fantastic jam session it was!

Some other ex-NR/Zambians present included:

Roger Costopoulos (ex-Mufulira)

Helen de Kock (nee King, ex-Mufulira)

Irene Hannah (nee Costopoulos, ex-Mufulira)

Fay Centonze (nee Thornicroft, ex-Ndola)

Mark and Paula (nee Galloway) Gibson (ex-Kitwe)

Sheila Wallis (nee Stone, ex-Mufulira)

Linda Minotti (ex-Ndola)

Pauline Gibley (ex-Kitwe)

Clive and Jenny (nee Yarde, ex-Mufulira)

Neil Connelly (ex-Mufulira)

Of the above muso's, John Costopoulos, Mile Thomas and Paudie Coughlan will be performing at the Banbury Bash in UK in September 2002, along with Brian Geyser, Thelma Holland, Kim and Jamie Costopoulos, and Tina Magee. Paudie Coughlan, visiting Durban

Photos and text contributed by: Paudie Coughlan

August 27, 2002