Check out Bob and Owen's new band 'Death of an Icon' at:
www.myspace.com/deathofaniconband
Biography:
Ill system was born on the sunny beaches, picturesque landscapes and amongst the multiracial and cultural harmony that is Cape Town, South Africa
Our journey began in 1999 when we: Sean Olsen, Bobby Addison, Owen Lowrey and a later addition of Ramone Pickover formed Ill System with the intent of rejuvenating and pushing the boundaries of a fairly stagnant and limited rock scene.
Our music has been described as many things: Heavy rock, Reggae, jazz and African tribal but one description that seems to reoccur over and over is: Original and fresh
After performing in just about every toilet venue in the Western Cape we built up a dedicated fan base and the demand for a record became overwhelmingly apparent. So we headed into the London Connection studio, Cape Town in 2002 to record our self titled E.P. This E.P sold out its 500 units in a matter of months and the track: Blood in my Mouth went on to claim number 4 spot on 5FMs national radio Modern Rock Chart for 4 weeks.
This catapulted us into the national live scene and festival circuit, playing venues such as the infamous Zeppelins in Pretoria, Sold out shows at Mercury Live and Purple Turtle in Cape Town and securing a headlining slot at the 2003 Cause music festival in Cape Town which attracts over 2000 people every year.
In 2003 the introduction of Ramone as replacement drummer prompted us to head back into the studio to record our single Giving the Corporate World the Middle Finger in November of the same year. A budget video concept was produced by a small independent company and was debuted to a sell out crowd at Mercury Live in Cape Town in early 2004.
As 2004 came to an end, we decided it was time to take our sound to the masses and so after quitting our jobs, leaving friends and family and £25 000 or so later, we ended up in the U.K.
By the time 2005 came around so much had happened to us and so much new music had been written that we decided it was time to release a decent budget professional E.P to introduce ourselves to the U.K public.
The E.P entitled: International Assassins was recorded mixed & produced by Jeff & Ginge, previously Skindred, at Notting pill Studios in Newport in September of 2005. The E.P was officially released in November of the same year. Of the 2000 copies produced, we have sold nearly 1000 units were sold around the U.K.and in South Africa
ILL SYSTEM highlights included:Taubertal festival in Germany: Representing U.K in Emergenza international band competition playing to over 20 000 people. Other artists on the bill included Bloodhound Gang, New Model Army and Fun Lovin Criminals.
London Astoria Mean Fiddler: Emergenza U.K Finals played to a sell out audience of over 1200 people we came 1st place out of over 1000 bands that had entered
Carling Academy Bristol: Competed and won regional position for The Emergenza competition
Cardiff Barfly: Support for Scottish metal band Mendeed, as well as our own recent sell out headline gig.
The Point Cardiff bay: Part of our ongoing Stand & Unite tour
The POP Factory
Pontypridd Muni Arts Centre
Bridgend rec centre
Cape Town South Africa Tour 2007
Unfortunately at the beggining of 2007 Ill system's journey came to an end as we battled with Visas and personal commitments
We would like to thank all of our fans friends and family for their love & support.