To quote a recent article written by Hazel Friedman in Leadership Magazine, "In the mixed menagerie-speak of financial markets, the term “dead cat bounce” is basically a bear in bull’s clothing. It refers to stocks that have gone into free-fall descent before briefly rallying".

DCB are seasoned rockers and entertain crowds at their gigs by night, but their day jobs are a complete contrast. They collectively manage, invest or broker billions of Rands of assets in South Africa’s financial services market. Dan Ahern, DCB lead vocalist, guitarist and harmonica player, who is Joint MD of Cadiz Financial Service Strategists says, “We are fortunate enough to be able to use our relationships in financial markets to raise money for the betterment of children”. Dan is also Chairman of the Cadiz Foundation – the conduit for the company’s commitment to Corporate Social Investment. “This has given Dead Cat Bounce access to worthy charities where even the smallest donation can make a serious difference. There’s
no better reward,” he says. “But basically, we are just humble blokes who play for the sheer joy of it.”

They started out as a “garage band” in early 2002, playing and practising every Wednesday night for fun. They decided to try and raise a few Rand for children’s charity and DCB has since raised over R3.5 million. Their concert in May 2007, 'Further up the Road', held at Kirstenbosch Gardens in Cape Town was attended by corporate and political heavy-weights and raised over R1 million on the night! In addition, video footage was featured on SABC and CNN Africa.

An original DCB album is on the cards, but ultimately the band thrives most on live performance. And they sure can play, aided of course by state-of-the-art gear. “I think that between us we have about 50 guitars,” says Rod Byl. Of course Fender features prominently in their collection.

Guitars: Eric Clapton Stratocaster®, Eric Clapton Custom Strat, Stevie Ray Vaughan Stratocaster®, Rory Gallagher Custom Shop Strat, '67 Telecaster.

Amps: '64 Vibroverb Custom, Princeton® Recording-Amp, Hot Rod Deluxe™, '57 Deluxe™ Amp and '59 Bassman® LTD

Dan Ahern - Lead Vocal, Guitar, Harmonica
Mert Black - Rhythm Guitars
John Snalam - Lead Guitar
John McWilliams - Bass Guitar
Rael Yudelman - Keyboards
Rod Byl - Drums