Dan Archer passed away from a heart attack this past Friday, 28 June 2013.
Dan was one of the most humble and unassuming of men. Gallant, classy and quietly passionate, especially when it came to music. Dan was an avid supporter of South African musical talent via the Barleycorn and other initiatives.
Dan tirelessly worked the phones to arrange band line-ups, sound equipment, sponsorship and myriad other backstage aspects of preparation for events across Cape Town. On his hallmark motorcycle, Dan trekked to set up and host events, marshall groupies and find last minute equipment. He wasn’t a Boer, but he made a plan.
Dan was a long-time supporter of the Friends of Zeekoevlei & Rondevlei. He organised the music for our very first Zeekoefees in 2007, then for the Hip-a-thon in 2009 and for several events at the Yacht Club. Dan’s musical fundraising contributions helped to protect and preserve his and our local environment in substantial ways.
His low-key MC’ing of Zeekoevlei events and Monday nights at the Barleycorn will be sorely missed. “Have we got time for one more song?”, he would ask, with a knowing smile. Dan, we wish we had time for one more.
Raise a glass – preferably of Castle Milk Stout, Dan’s drink of choice, to honour the memory of this great man who touched our lives, enriched us and enabled beautiful music to be made.
No doubt Dan has ridden up to the heavens and had a word with St. Peter about the harps and where to place the speakers…
Thanks Lee, for a beautiful evocation of all Dan meant to us and to Cape Town’s landscape and music-loving community.
my neighbour for many years. a true friend and always willing to lend a hand. my daughter Kerri and I will miss him terribly. rest in peace my friend and continue to enjoy the music
Farewell, dear and wonderful Dan and thank you for your generosity towards the Zeekoevlei community. You will forever be remembered for your gentle and caring contributions to some of the happiest evenings we enjoyed over the past few years.
Thank you for the music!!
Your spirit lives on in the memories we cherish.
And thank you Lee for a lovely tribute to a dear person.
Dan was there for as long as I can remember, always supportive and passionate about local music, also a fine example of a gentleman…may his spirit be with us as we play on!
I’ve only known this legend for a brief 3 years but I’ve never met someone more humble, friendly,knowledgeable and driven. Dan is sorely missed and fondly remembered by the technical guys here at Barleycorn. We’ll raise our glasses and give this man a 21 speaker salute. Cheers Dan the man.
Very sad to hear this news. Reini Adelbert traveling in Europe
I never knew Dan personally….but I love music…. “HATS OFF” to a man who dedicated a big part of his life to promote this
beautiful human expression…may he be spiritually rewarded.
Never knew Dan personally….but as a music lover “HATS OFF” to a man who practiced what he preached….well done Dan! you’ll be remembered by many.