Ark - A History

Jürgen von Wechmar (guitar) and Theuns Louw (bass) started throwing around a few chord progressions in Stellenbosch, 1988. Herman Ellis (vocals, harmonica) joined in during a brief stint as core members of the Intervarsity Band around 1990. Dan Darlow closed the loop when he signed up as the drummer at the end of 1991.

The four piece did the then non-existent club/pub circuit (remember, these were the days after Sweatband self destructed, éVoid left for London and No Friends of Harry proved that Goth was an isolated occurrence in Randburg). Hunting grounds were primarily in and around the Western Cape, with a couple of memorable train stopping gigs at the Brass Bell.

Original music was Ark's primary thrust from the outset. Ellis displayed an excellent aptitude for lyrics that commented on life in a broader sense than the mere troubled times around him. The apartheid political agenda reigned supreme during those years (27 April 1994, anyone?), but Ark refrained from getting mileage from it. To date, more than 60 Ark originals have been recorded and are as relevant musically as they were during their inception. Gerhard Geldenhuys (rythm) and Rikus Nieuwenhuys (drums) joined the band on occasion.

Ark saw the "original music explosion" around Stellenbosch come and go. They've done OppiKoppi and lived to tell the tale. They had a damn fine time, most of the time. Those who saw them gig, agreed. No single Stellenbosch band can claim to be a trend setter during the mid 90's. It truly was a collective transaction. Ark filled its designated place with a creative urge that inspired and reflected on other musicians a sense of dedicated proficiency.

Today, the band is spread across the globe, but their music is still sung in the heart of each member, forever.

-the nice thing about flowers, is that they smell when they are crushed - Neurotica (Ellis)