Article source: Supplied
After a decade-long hiatus, one of South Africa’s most successful and beloved Christian contemporary rock bands, Tree63, is making a triumphant return. With founding vocalist and songwriter John Ellis at the helm and a renewed sense of purpose, the band—known for its global success, seven studio albums, and a Dove Award for Rock Album of the Year—is set to reignite its legacy with a series of highly anticipated shows in Gauteng.
Reflecting on the band’s revival, Ellis shares, “After years of exploring different musical avenues, I realised my first love was always what I was doing with Tree63. What started as a simple plan to revisit our catalogue has evolved into a full-scale new chapter for the band.” Joining Ellis, with the blessing of former members Darryl Swart and Daniel Ornellas—who now reside in the USA—are Angus Warden (drums) and Deon Knipe (bass). They bring a dynamic edge while staying true to Tree63’s signature sound.
“Tree63’s essence remains unchanged,” Ellis explains. “This new chapter is about bringing our songs—about faith, eternity, and God—into today’s world, where these things often get lost in the chaos of life and world events. One thing remains the same: the spiritual world is still the only true source of peace. Music has the power to remind us of that.”
Formed in Durban in 1997, Tree63 has sold over half a million albums worldwide and amassed tens of millions of streams. The band achieved global acclaim with hits like “Treasure,” “A Million Lights,” and their chart-topping rendition of “Blessed Be Your Name” (Billboard’s #1 radio song in 2004) and “King” (ASCAP Song of the Year for John Ellis in 2004). Over the years, Tree63 has toured extensively across the globe earning a dedicated following. Ellis acknowledges the overwhelming fan support: “As soon as I announced my intention to start playing Tree63 songs again, the response was emphatic. People have been waiting for this for a long time.”
While the current focus is on reintroducing audiences to Tree63’s legacy, new music is already in the works. “I’ve been writing new Tree63 songs for nearly two years now, and there’s enough material for several albums. A new release is definitely on the cards,” Ellis reveals. “As a songwriter and performer, I’ve had musical opportunities outside of Tree63 that have stretched and informed me. Tree63 in 2025 feels like the natural next step forward.” Tree63 invites fans—old and new—to be part of this exciting comeback.
Following hugely successful performances in Cape Town and Durban earlier this year, Tree63 is set to bring its high-energy rock anthems to Gauteng audiences.
- Barnyard Emperors Palace – 09 April
- Barnyard Menlyn – 11 April
- Barnyard Silverstar – 12 April
For more information, show dates, ticket details, and exclusive updates, follow Tree63 on social media or visit www.barnyardtheatre.co.za to book.
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tree_63/
- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@treesixtythree
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tree63za
About TREE63:
Formed in Durban in 1997, Tree63 is one of the most successful and beloved musical exports in South African music history. Led since inception by singer-songwriter and guitar player John Ellis, Tree63 first reached the top of the charts with massive hits including ‘Treasure’, ‘Stumbling Stone’ and ‘A Million Lights’, attracting the attention of US record label InPop Records. Releasing their debut US album in 2000, number one US radio hits followed along with that year’s Dove award for Rock Album of the Year. The band followed up with 2002’s ‘The Life and Times of Absolute Truth’, yielding such hits as ‘Anxious Seat’ and ‘No Words’. 2003 saw the release of ‘The Answer to the Question’ which yielded Billboard’s #1 radio song for 2004, the band’s version of Matt Redman’s “Blessed Be Your Name”, as well as radio hits ‘King’ (an ASCAP Song of the Year for John in 2004) and ‘You Only’. After two more albums, Tree63 disbanded when John moved back to South Africa from Nashville. The band reconvened briefly for 2015’s ‘Land’ album and a tour of South Africa. Between 1997 and 2015, Tree63 toured extensively, performing in the UK, the US, Canada, Germany, Sweden, Switzerland, Holland, Zimbabwe, Australia and New Zealand, and released seven studio albums. In 2024, the time has finally come (with the blessing of Darryl Swart and Daniel Ornellas, Tree63 stalwarts now living overseas) for John Ellis to bring the mighty Tree63 back to the live arena. With a stellar new lineup, Tree63 is set to deliver the powerful songs that have brought entertainment, joy and meaning to so many over the years with refreshed energy and purpose. Catch Tree63 live in concert across South Africa, and become part of this incredible new chapter in the band’s story of faith, hope and rock n’ roll. TREE63 is: John Ellis – Guitars, Vocals Angus Warden – Drums Deon Knipe – Bass, vocals
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Date published: 20/03/2025
Feature image: TREE63 (Left to Right) Angus Warden (Drums) John Ellis (Guitars, Vocals) Deon Knipe – (Bass, Vocals) | Photo Credit_ Ansurette Pretorius
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