Last night, the historic Auckland Town Hall reverberated with the timeless sounds of two iconic Kiwi bands – Dragon and Hello Sailor. As fans gathered, the stage came alive with decades of hits, memories, and rock ‘n’ roll magic. From April Sun in Cuba to Gutter Black, these legends transported us through time, celebrating their enduring legacies. The crowd swayed, sang, and danced, honouring five decades of New Zealand music.
Dragon is one of the most iconic and enduring bands in Australian and New Zealand music history, with a career spanning over four decades and countless hits. The band has overcome many challenges and tragedies, including drug addiction, death, and breakups, but has always managed to reinvent itself and stay relevant.
Dragon was formed in Auckland, New Zealand, in 1972 by brothers Marc and Todd Hunter, along with guitarist Ray Goodwin and drummer Neil Reynolds. The band soon developed a loyal fan base with their energetic live shows and catchy songs, blending rock, pop, and funk influences. In 1975, they relocated to Sydney, Australia, and signed a record deal with CBS. They released their debut album, Universal Radio, in 1976, which spawned the hit single This Time. The following year, they released their second album, Sunshine, which featured their most successful song, April Sun in Cuba, which reached number two on the Australian charts.
Dragon’s career was marked by several challenges, including drug addiction, lineup changes, and legal disputes. In 1978, Marc Hunter left the band due to his heroin habit, and was replaced by singer Billy Rogers. However, Rogers died of a drug overdose in 1979, and Marc Hunter returned to the band. The band released two more albums, Power Play and O Zambezi, before disbanding in 1979. In 1982, the band reunited with a new lineup, featuring keyboardist Alan Mansfield, guitarist Tommy Emmanuel, and drummer Kerry Jacobson. They released three more albums, Body and the Beat, Dreams of Ordinary Men, and Bondi Road, which were successful in Australia and New Zealand, but failed to break into the international market. The band broke up again in 1989, after Marc Hunter was diagnosed with throat cancer.
In 1995, the band reunited again for a series of concerts, with Todd Hunter, Alan Mansfield, and Kerry Jacobson, joined by singer Mark Williams and guitarist Randall Waller. They also released a live album, Live One, which featured new versions of their classic songs. In 1997, Marc Hunter died of throat cancer, aged 44. The band continued to perform with various singers, including Richard Clapton, Jimmy Barnes, and John Farnham. In 2006, they were inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame, and in 2008, they released a new studio album, Happy I Am, with Mark Williams as the lead singer. Dragon is widely regarded as one of the most influential and enduring rock bands in Australasian music history, with over 2 million albums sold and 20 songs in the top 40 charts.
Hello Sailor was a New Zealand rock band that emerged in the late 1970s as part of the pub rock scene in Auckland. The band was known for its energetic live performances, rebellious attitude, and catchy songs that blended pop, punk, and blues influences.
The band was formed in 1975 by singer and guitarist Dave McArtney, singer and guitarist Harry Lyon, and drummer Ricky Ball. They were later joined by bassist Graham Brazier, saxophonist Stuart Pearce, and keyboardist Tony McMaster. The band quickly gained a reputation for their wild shows and hedonistic lifestyle, which often involved drugs, alcohol, and sex. They also attracted controversy for their provocative lyrics and stage antics, such as dressing up as pirates, sailors, or women. The band released their self-titled debut album in 1977, which featured the hit singles Gutter Black, Blue Lady, and Lyin’ in the Sand. The album was critically acclaimed and commercially successful, reaching number 17 on the New Zealand charts. The band also toured extensively, both in New Zealand and Australia, where they supported acts such as Split Enz, AC/DC, and The Angels.
The band’s second album, Pacifica Amour, was released in 1978, but failed to match the success of their debut. The band also faced several problems, such as record label disputes, management issues, and personal conflicts. In 1979, the band moved to Los Angeles, hoping to break into the American market. However, they encountered more difficulties, such as visa problems, legal troubles, and lack of support from their American label. The band eventually returned to New Zealand in 1980, disillusioned and broke. They disbanded shortly after, with the members pursuing solo careers or joining other bands. In 1985, the band reunited for a series of concerts, which were recorded for a live album, Last Chance to Dance. The band also released a new single, Shipwrecked, which reached number 13 on the New Zealand charts. The band reunited again in 1994, for the 20th anniversary of the release of their debut album. They also released a new studio album, The Album, which featured guest appearances by Tim Finn, Neil Finn, and Jenny Morris. The band continued to perform occasionally, with various lineups, until 2011.
In 2011, Graham Brazier died of a heart attack, aged 63. The band played a tribute concert for him, which was also their final show. In 2012, Dave McArtney died of cancer, aged 62. The band was inducted into the New Zealand Music Hall of Fame in 2011, and received the Legacy Award at the New Zealand Music Awards in 2012. Hello Sailor is widely regarded as one of the pioneers and icons of New Zealand rock music, with their songs being covered by artists such as Gin Wigmore, The Feelers, and Opshop. The band also influenced and inspired many other New Zealand bands, such as The Exponents, The Datsuns, and The Checks.
