The legendary singer\/songwriter returned to South African shores recently to perform at a number of venues, including Carnival City, and Wolmarans knew that he must meet him again.<\/p>\n
“Luckily I knew the promoter and organised with him that after Hammond’s show I could go backstage and have a word with him,” said Wolmarans.<\/p>
“I didn’t think he would remember me, but after the show, when I went backstage, he said he remembered my face and, with a little jogging of his memory as to where we had first met, he remembered and we chatted for quite a while.”<\/p>\n Wolmarans was thrilled to meet one of his music idols and he told the GCN that Hammond is extremely humble and down-to-earth.<\/p>\n “When I was young I was not allowed to listen to the popular music of the day, like Albert Hammond, and I bought myself a small radio and would listen at night, hiding the radio under my pillow,” Wolmarans said.<\/p>\n “I collected all Hammond’s albums took them with me to the show.”<\/p>\n Hammond autographed all the albums and then told Wolmarans he wanted to give him a small present.<\/p>\n “He gave me a CD entitled “Albert Hammond – Songbook 2013, Live in Wilhelmshaven” which is not available in South Africa, and wrote a special message in it for me,” said a thrilled Wolmarans.<\/p>\n “He also gave me an autographed bottle of the special water he drinks on stage, the plectrum he used in the show and a bar of chocolate.<\/p>\n “The way he spoke to me for so long and gave me all the presents made me feel very special.”<\/p>\n Wolmarans is well-known in Germiston as an Elvis impersonator and sings at charity events.<\/p>\n He was also an avid athlete until three years ago, when he fell and hurt his shoulder.<\/p>\n “I am hoping to get back into running again soon,” he said.<\/p>\n He has a great love for music and believes that people should not listen only to the hits of the day.<\/p>\n “When you get a CD you should listen to all the songs, as you will probably find one that isn’t a hit, but it will hold more meaning for you,” he said.<\/p>\n Wolmarans was extremely pleased that he got to meet Hammond again.<\/p>\n “When you attend a live performance I think everyone always hopes they will be able to go backstage and meet the artist,” he said.<\/p>\n “I was lucky as I never thought I would get to meet him again.”<\/p>\n Charities are welcome to contact Wolmarans on 011 392-2122 or 073 795 3433 if they would like him to perform as Elvis at charity events.<\/p>\n![\"Oupa](\"https:\/\/germistoncitynews.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/31\/2014\/10\/oupa-ElvisG.jpg\")
<\/a><\/a>