Sunday Times (Johannesburg) - November 4, 2007
Claire Keeton

Three members of the South African rock Indie group - due to perform at the 46664 concert on World Aids Day in Johannesburg - joined the Each One Reach Five campaign this week.

"For me personally, my HIV test marks a before and after," said Glenn. "Once you have seen the results, this is a landmark and you need to keep living a healthy life.

"Every time there is a potential HIV-related opportunity, you should think back to this day and hopefully think twice before taking a risk.

"If you are positive, you need to make a fresh start. I think HIV testing should be compulsory."

Lead singer and guitarist Kahn Morbee also supported the idea of mandatory testing on condition there was no discrimination against those who had HIV.

"I think it is a good idea as long as people are not discriminated against by their bank, for example, or with driver's licences.

"I know someone living with HIV and he is fit as a fiddle."

The Parlotones star urges people who are unsure about their status to get tested.

"If you are worried about HIV, it will not go away. If you have self-doubt, just take an HIV test. It is not only your life that is affected, but other peoples' lives. "

Guitar player Paul Hodgson encouraged groups of friends to go together for testing.

"If you feel embarrassed to go by yourself, go with friends. Obviously, partners should go together for testing."

Said Paul: "I felt a bit paranoid about the test ... the same way you'd feel having any medical examination or having a needle stuck into you."

Morbee said: "I felt a bit of nervousness even though it was unwarranted. You build up fears that are not real. It's weird, you feel like you never know."

He added: "The biggest problem with HIV, like smoking and cancer, is what you do now affects you years later."

Rock artists in the 21st century have moved beyond the days (or nights) of sex, drugs and rock 'n' roll, in this band's view.

Said Morbee: "I do not find it attractive when women throw themselves at us."

Paul said the band members often stepped in for each other to avoid awkward situations.

He said it would be easy to fall into a wild and glamorous lifestyle as there are fans buying them drinks and wanting to party, and they are always on the move.

"Sunday night was the first time I had slept in my own bed for four weeks," he said.

Glenn said he hoped people were not "just coming to concerts like Live Earth or 46664 cause they are cool gigs, but that they do raise awareness".

The band will also be performing at Levi's Rage for The Revolution concert next Saturday, to be held at a secret location.

The audience at the concert will make a difference to HIV/Aids: the only way to get tickets is to be tested - and put your name into a lottery - or to post a comment on the 5FM website.

Those who win tickets will be flown to the concert and accommodated for free.

The artists include Kabelo, Loyiso, 340ml, Lira and the Dirty Skirts.

Said Paul: "We are not changing the world.

"But even if we reach one person in a 1000 and change their lives, it's worth it."

# Kahn Morbee's five volunteers are: friend Gregg Forbes, sister Janice Croucher, brother-in-law Dave Croucher, grandmother Jean Talbot, and aunt Carol Winskill.

# Glenn's five volunteers are colleague Nicole Limberis, The Black Hotels musician John Boyd, Wonderboom musician Danny de Wet, Sovereign entertainment manager Raphael Domalik, and girlfriend Natasha Ross.

# Paul's five volunteers are: brother Simon Hodgson, sister- in-law Tarryn Hodgson, Evolver musician Peter Pote, friend and owner of Matt's Music, Matt Maher, and friend from Phase 2 Records Gerhard van der Merwe.

***

HOW TO JOIN THE CAMPAIGN:

Take an HIV test and get five other people to do the same. Make it clear that no one has to disclose their results.

Let us know why you decided to join the campaign and how you felt when you took the test.

We welcome stories about your experiences of participating in the campaign.

Send them - with pictures if possible - to: reach5@sundaytimes.co.za

Send us your name and the names of your five nominees so that we can publish a list of people who have taken part.

Please note, we do not want to know the results of anyone's test. You can get tested at your doctor or clinic. For a list of clinics go to www.sundaytimes.co.za/vct

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