In Jozi, there are places that hold so many stories that it seems the walls could speak. One such place is Radium Beer Hall in Orange Grove. The venue originally opened in 1929 as Radium Tearoom by the Khalil family and was transformed into Radium Beer Hall in 1942.
Today, it is considered Johannesburg's oldest operating bar and one of the oldest entertainment venues in South Africa. Over the decades, Radium became much more than just a place to drink beer; it became a meeting place, a restaurant, a live music venue, and part of Joburg's history. Despite all the changes the city has undergone, Radium continues to exist, remaining open and continuing to play music.
For nearly two decades, Andy Darlington played a significant role in Radium's musical life. He was responsible for booking musical events, organizing hundreds of performances on this famous small stage, providing opportunities for both established musicians and new artists. Andy passed away this week at the age of 70 after battling cancer, and the tributes paid to him tell the story of a man whose influence is felt throughout South African music.
He was a man from the music world, a friend, an advocate for artists, and one of those unforgettable characters who seemed to know everyone. Broadcaster and journalist Dave O'Sullivan knew Andy long before his time at Radium. They befriended each other while working together at Capital Radio in the 1980s, where Andy held the position of music manager. Dave recalls an office that was constantly filled with representatives from record labels, musical novelties, and Andy's exceptional ability to find hits.
O'Sullivan recounted that Andy's office at Capital Radio always had many label reps bringing the latest samples. Andy had a good ear, even if the song wasn't being promoted by the record company itself. When he found a guaranteed hit, he would go into the newsroom and say, 'Hey boy, listen to this!' They would gather in his office to hear a song that later became a timeless classic.
He remembered a day when Andy's enthusiasm reached almost hysterical levels when a new song, Bright Blue's 'Weeping,' appeared on his desk. They listened to the song with admiration, noting its clear political message and distinctive melody of 'Nkosi Sikelel' iAfrika,' which Capital journalists recognized from the political events they covered. Andy confidently predicted it would become one of South Africa's great songs, and he was right.
They began regularly visiting Roxy Rhythm Bar in Melville, where they both lived, accompanied by like-minded friends. Andy wouldn't let anyone leave without a drink. O'Sullivan nicknamed him 'Badman.'
Before joining Capital Radio, Andy worked as a record label representative and actively supported several South African artists. His major success was promoting David Kramer. Andy organized innovative PR campaigns to draw media attention to songs like 'Hak Hom Blokkies' and 'Die Royal Hotel,' which went beyond the Afrikaans audience. Kramer later cited Andy as an important figure in his early career.
Andy included South African performers in playlists as often as possible, turning songs like Niall Solomon's 'Roxy Lady' and 'Junk Foods and Disposable Ladies' into Capital classics. He possessed boundless energy and couldn't tolerate anyone slowing down during a party. If he noticed someone getting tired during an evening tour of Joburg pubs and nightclubs, he would shout, 'Wake up, boy!'. He knew all the venues hosting live performances and visited every single spot. He personally knew all the musicians, and wherever they went, they received VIP treatment.
O'Sullivan recalled them moving from Jameson's to Dawson's, then to King of Clubs in CBD, then to Chelsea in Hillbrow, and Harbour Cafe in Yeoville, before heading to Melville and their favorite Roxy Rhythm Bar. His fondest moments with Badman were when they sat in his living room while he DJ'd. This was before the era of request music. He had a huge collection of vinyl and CDs, and he played amazing tracks one after another, sometimes stopping to take requests. Soon the living room was littered with album covers, CD cases, and empty Castle Lager bottles. And then the sun would rise. Another sleepless night well spent.
After leaving Capital, they went separate ways. O'Sullivan briefly worked as a lawyer at Webber Wentzel before moving to 702, while Andy became Marketing Director at Civic Theatre and later became an agent for several renowned performers, including Barry Hilton. They remained friends, although not socializing as often as in the 80s.
In recent years, he performed live music concerts at Radium Beer Hall in Orange Grove, often featuring new artists and bands. He battled cancer, although the illness flared up again earlier this year. A few weeks ago, some of his musician friends organized a fundraiser for him at Radium. It was a wonderful event that lasted until Sunday evening and beyond. Andy was too ill to attend. It felt strange to be at Radium without him.
He called him on his way home. Andy seemed resigned to what was coming. They reminisced about the good old days. He told him he had no regrets in life. O'Sullivan advised him not to regret anything because he had done enough in life to fill two lives. Andy agreed, saying, 'It's because I'm Badman.'
Cindy Alter, the powerful singer of the legendary South African group Clout, first met Andy almost five decades ago. Their friendship and musical connection eventually returned to Radium. Alter shared that she has known Andy Darlington since 1978 when he worked at EMI, and Clout was just starting out. He was always the embodiment of a 'Music Man,' completely devoted to the artists he represented. Later, after returning to South Africa from Los Angeles, he managed Radium Bar & Grill, once again organizing and representing artists. It was there that she started her songwriter nights and performed solo and with bands for years.
Andy was the main organizer who made Radium function as an incredible music venue, and he also managed the Sharks rugby team. He will forever remain its most cherished friend and music supporter. Gone, but the legend lives.
Jamie Hendry, frontman of the South African rock band Jasper Dan, remembers not only the music but also the friendship, the conversations, and that trip to Durban. He noted that you meet people who truly leave a mark, and you value friendships that grow. He recalls his first conversation and all the times spent together, all the chats when they 'kidnapped' him and took him on tour, and the endless laughter. Andy told him they were his favorite band, but they knew he said that to others too. He addressed him as Mr. 'Punisher' Darlington and wished him peace.
Andre Criell from The Black Cat Bones remembers Andy as a person who was there with the band from the earliest days and became part of its history. He emphasized that there was never anyone who knew or did more for artists on the South African music scene. Andy was a guiding light for them at the beginning and became a cornerstone of The Black Cat Bones. He will be missed, but also honored as they move on to the next chapter.
Perhaps this is the beauty of a life dedicated to music. Songs do not stop after you are gone. They keep playing in old bars, on the radio, in cars, and in homes full of recordings. The bands you supported continue to take the stage, and the people whose lives you crossed continue to tell stories.
Andy gave him more CDs than anyone else and enriched his collection of South African music. When the phone rang and Andy's name appeared, he knew it was probably to ask for an urgent interview with a band like Radio Rats, Pops Mohammed, or his good friend Barry Hilton, to invite him to headline at Radium or even to invite him to a last-minute cricket match at The Wanderers. Somewhere in Orange Grove, Radium is still open; music still emanates from that famous little stage, and the author believes this is the perfect place for a part of Andy Darlington to continue living.