Errol James Gobey (Orson), one of Kariega’s two remaining members of the iconic music group, The Invaders, passed away on 23 July, a few days after another former member of the group Lionel Petersen, was laid to rest.
Gobey (which was his stage surname) was the one who suggested the name of the music band which was destined to become one of the most popular bands in South Africa.
Danie van Wyk, executive chairman of DAK Netwerk said, “Errol had a fantastic voice. He was the first lead singer of the group and played rhythm guitar. His singing talent mainly contributed to the group’s success not only in South Africa, but also during their visit to Europe and the United Kingdom.”
Last year Gobey (78) and Joe Moses (74), now the only remaining The Invaders member alive, received honorary awards from DAK Netwerk for their revolutionary contribution to popular music.
“During The Invaders’ visit to the UK they met John Lennon as well as Paul McCartney. A highlight in Errol’s career that he could not stop talking about. We regret Gobey’s passing and send our deepest condolences to his wife, Veronica, and the rest of the family. Rest in peace dear friend until we celebrate again one day,” said Van Wyk.
The Invaders was formed by John Henry Burke (on bass) in 1962 and the other original members were Errol Gobey (rhythm guitar, vocals), Desmond Solomon (lead guitar), Vernal Solomon (drums) and Ike Dolley (vocals). The Solomons and Dolley soon left and then Dave Burke (drums) and Joe Moses (lead guitar) joined The Invaders.
Gobey in the inscription of their double CD The Heart & Soul of The Invaders said: “Our beginnings were very humble. As kids we would sing and play together using home-made tin guitars and drums.”
Statue in Kariega for The Invaders
In those early days, Burke would bring Gobey glass which he used to make picture frames with prints of Jesus and his Apostles. They sold the framed prints to collect money to buy decent instruments and this was the beginning of the rise of The Invaders.
The Invaders released 28 singles and eight long playing albums. In later years Gallo released a double album CD The Heart & Soul of The Invaders. Although the group’s last performance was in 1971, their unique music is still being played on national radio stations and enjoyed at social gatherings.
Van Wyk said DAK Netwerk will continue to honour The Invaders for their legacy. In doing so they are negotiating with several role-players about the possibility of having a statue of The Invaders erected in their hometown, Kariega.
