South Africa is famous for fine wine, was infamous for apartheid and was the focus of the world this summer during the FIFA World Cup soccer competition.

What South Africa isn't necessarily known for is rock 'n' roll. So moving to the United States was a natural progression for post-grunge rock band Seether, which hails from Pretoria, South Africa.

"The scene is just a lot bigger here," Seether bassist Dale Stewart said by phone before heading into a show at The Pageant in St. Louis. "You can only tour so much [in South Africa]. You'll do a tour and probably play about six decent-size shows, and that's that; you've pretty much traveled everywhere."

Seether, which now calls Los Angeles home, will make its way to the York Fair for a 7 p.m. concert Wednesday, Sept. 15, with Hinder and special guest Black Stone Cherry.

Stewart, who retains a thick, British-influenced accent, needed some time to adjust to his stateside digs.

"The main differences for me were just an accumulation of little things," he recalled. "When we first came over, it was really strange. Everything was different, down to the cigarettes you smoke or the beer you drink, the plugs in the wall, the stores, the side of the road you drive on. It's a connection of all these little things that really make it quite strange."

On any continent, playing in Seether with bandmates Shaun Morgan (lead vocals, rhythm guitar), John Humphrey (drums) and Troy McLawhorn (lead guitar) is a dream come true for Stewart. He's only ever held one job other than musician: Throughout high school and for a short time after graduation, he worked at his father's fishing tackle business.

"I was like, 'Dad, I'm going to have to quit. The band is starting to get serious,'" Stewart recalled. "I think [my parents] were a little worried at first, but I think they are happy now that we have had success and are doing well."

In those days, the band was called Saron Gas, a homophonic redux of the odorless, colorless, toxic nerve agent sarin gas.

"Things were pretty simple. … We had the band going. We were just young kids, and all we'd worry about was how we were going to get money to get drunk tonight and hoping that there would be girls at the party. … I always think fondly of those days."

Then came the call that upstart bands wait for. With the help of a small South African label, the band sent copies of its first album, "Fragile," to European and American record companies. The phones rang, and at the request of music industry execs, the foursome changed its name to Seether.

"I was 21 when I came over," Stewart said. "Wind-up Records gave us a call … and we were literally on the plane a week after the call. That's when the whole whirlwind began. It was pretty surreal."

During a European tour, Seether tapped into a hit when Amy Lee, the face of headlining act Evanescence, sat in on a version of "Broken" from the first official Seether album, "Disclaimer." Back stateside, the track was re-recorded with Lee on backing vocals and used in the film "The Punisher." "Broken" peaked at number 20 on Billboard's Hot 100, and the single eventually went platinum.

Stewart credits the band's success to hard work, dedication and a certain amount of luck.

"I feel pretty grateful for what we have and what we've done," he said. "A big part of our success is our willingness to tour. We gave up everything for this. We moved countries. We left behind girlfriends and families. It's tough to do."

Seether, Hinder and Black Stone Cherry will take the stage at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 15, at the York Fairgrounds, 334 Carlisle Ave., York. For ticket information and a complete fair schedule, visit yorkfair.org or call 848-2033.