It’s been almost a decade since No Friends of Harry last stepped onto a stage, but this October, the legendary alternative rockers are back, and they’re doing it in style. The band, who helped shape Joburg’s underground scene in the late ’80s and ’90s, have announced a limited run of shows in Johannesburg and Cape Town, alongside the release of a long-awaited box set celebrating their music and influence.
For those who were there the first time around, No Friends of Harry were more than just a band – they were part of the fabric of a city coming into its own musically. Formed in 1986, they quickly carved out a space in Joburg’s alt-rock clubs, powered by a DIY ethos, a tight-knit friendship, and a determination to make music that spoke to their generation.
Their debut album, One Came Running (1987), reached No. 4 on the national charts and set the tone for a career defined by fearless creativity and unforgettable live performances – including a bold 1989 free gig on the steps of the Johannesburg Library that cemented their cult status.
Across albums like Into the Valley, Fifteen Seconds, and Fly by Night, the band transitioned seamlessly from gothic anthems to hard-edged rock, with tracks such as Long Way Home, Competition Rules, and Time becoming staples on national and alternative charts. Their surprise UK tour in 1990 – with shows at The Marquee and The Rock Garden – proved that their reach went well beyond South Africa. By the time they said farewell in 1998, No Friends of Harry had already been dubbed “legendary,” a tag that has stuck ever since.
Now, their story is being brought together in a definitive box set that captures every chapter of their journey. Fans can expect all three original releases on vinyl, plus a fourth record featuring rarities, live cuts, and previously unreleased tracks, along with a few surprises the band is keeping close to its chest.
Of course, No Friends of Harry have always been about the live experience, and their upcoming shows promise to deliver the same raw power and energy that made them icons in the first place. Here’s where to catch them:
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Johannesburg – October 25: The Hangout Legends at Sognage with No Friends of Harry, Squeal, Boo!, Plum, Henry Ate, Paul E Flynn (Sugardrive), WonderBOOM and Tidal Waves.
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Cape Town – October 31: Halloween Party at Woodstock Brewery with Lukin Joshua and DJ Squeek.
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Johannesburg – November 8: The Hangout at Troyeville with Polar Dust and DJ Kerry-Anne.
Whether you were there in the ’80s or you’re discovering them for the first time, this is more than a reunion; it’s a chance to reconnect with one of South Africa’s most influential bands and to feel that spark of Joburg’s underground spirit all over again.