About Us

Longevity and Recent Endeavors

The Staccatos, after disbanding in 1999, made a triumphant return to the music scene in 2019. They have since performed numerous sold-out concerts and returned to the studio after a long hiatus, recording new music to celebrate their significant comeback. Founder Brian Le Gassick and lead vocalist Steve Ashley continue to entertain audiences, demonstrating their enduring talent and passion for music.

Management and Revival

Ebeth Loots, the manager and project leader, played a pivotal role in The Staccatos’ comeback. Her decision to manage Steve Ashley in 2015 led to the band’s reunion and subsequent resurgence. Under her management, the band has received accolades, including the “Best Artist Manager” award for Loots and a Life-Time Achievement award for the band.

Continuing Legacy and Future Prospects

The Staccatos have been officially recognized as the “longest-running band” in the South African music industry, with a history spanning over six decades. They continue to receive accolades, including another award at The Afri-Indie Awards, and look forward to further success in the years ahead.

The Staccatos’ story is not just one of musical success but also of resilience, adaptation, and a lasting impact on the South African music landscape. As they move forward, their legacy continues to inspire and shape the industry, proving that true talent and dedication can stand the test of time.

Ebeth Loots: A Manager’s Triumph

In the world of music management, few names resonate as profoundly as Ebeth Loots, whose work with The Staccatos has drawn high praise from industry veterans. Boet Pretorius, a multifaceted musician, music director, producer, and pioneer, extols Ebeth as one of the best artist managers he has encountered. His commendation is not just a reflection of her professional acumen but also highlights the critical role of loyalty in the music industry.

According to Pretorius, the success of any partnership, be it business or personal, hinges on loyalty. He lauds the partnership between Ebeth and The Staccatos, emphasizing how her dedication has ensured the artist’s continual promotion and employment. Similarly, Steve’s commitment to delivering top-notch performances complements Ebeth’s efforts. Pretorius expresses his admiration and congratulations to the team, including Brian Le Gassick, whose contribution he acknowledges with high regard.

Similarly, Pamela Roering, a classical pianist with a rich experience of 46 years in the music industry, offers her perspective on Ebeth Loots. Having discovered Loots on social media, Roering was immediately drawn to her outstanding dedication as The Staccatos’ manager. She admires Ebeth’s resolve, especially how she led the band to peak in 2019 and navigated the challenging times of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Roering’s admiration extends beyond Ebeth’s professional achievements; she finds her approachable, capable of maintaining high morale among The Staccatos, and endearing in personality. This sentiment from a seasoned professional like Roering, who has now retired and resides in Melbourne, Australia, adds a significant feather to Ebeth’s cap. Roering, daughter of Tommy Roering, who wrote the famous song “Fanagalo” and was a prolific songwriter and board member of SAMRO, understands the intricacies of the music world, making her praise all the more impactful.

The band was formed in 1961, disbanded in 1999 and reformed in 2019.

Since reforming, they completed 12 full-house standing ovation concerts on the Barnyard and Theatre circuits to date.

The Staccatos are back in Studio, recording after 48 years (the last recording was “Cinnamon Girl” in 1973). This historical recording will be launched in 2021 to celebrate the comeback of the “Biggest Band & Biggest Hit” South Africa has ever produced.

Founder, Brian Le Gassick, is young 77 years old (celebrating 60 years in the industry this year) and, togetether with Lead Vocalist, Steve Asheley (celebrating 53 years in the industry this year), they plan to sing and entertain for as long as they are healthy and ROCKING!

Manager/Project Leader, Ebeth Loots, is 53 years old and born in the year Steve Ashley started his professional career, and ALSO the year in which the mega hit “Cry To Me” was recorded. On April 28, at the Indie Awards, she received an accolade for “Best Artist Manager” of the year and The Staccatos received a Life Time Achievement award.

We are looking forward to continuing our succes story in 2021 and beyond!

The Staccatos took audiences on a trip down memory lane. The cast moved with case between genres, taking the audience on a sentimental journey. The show had it all – powerful vocals, beautiful melodies, lyrics filled with nostalgia and arrangements that gave you chills. Famous old songs and new stories kept the audience spellbound.

The band featured the legendary founder, Brian Le Gassick (Guitar & Vocals) and the phenomenal Steve Ashley (a former Lead Vocalist of The Staccatos on vocals again). They were backed by a five piece supporting band consisting of Connie Bentlage (Keyboards, Saxophone & Vocals), Mias Lots (Drums), Trevor Muller (Bass Guitar), Jaco Smit (Lead Guitar) and Jo Day (Backing Vocals).