Thack On Thursday

Hi I was born and bred in Ngaruawahia, and lucky to be growing up during those times of Musical Revolution, the late 50’s 60’s and early 70’s. As a youngster I watched in awe as my uncles and aunties jived and rock and rolled to the likes of Bill Haley and Buddy Holly. In my teens I was swept along with the evolution of the Beatles, Rolling Stones, and the British explosion of one hit wonders. The Americans joined in and we were spoilt for choice, with Creedence, The Byrds, Jimmi etc. It was in my mid teens when my interest deepened and with the help of my parents, I purchased my first Drum Set, and like so many others taught myself, trying hard to model myself on Ringo, Charlie Watts, Mitch Mitchell, Maurice Greer, and local heroes Larry Abbott and Neil Reynolds. Though of decidedly average ability I enjoyed playing in a number of bands, doing covers and being world famous in Ngaruawahia. A family and a career in Education saw the end of my playing days, though music continued to be a big part in my life. Two of my sons took up the interest and played together, world famous in and around Te Awamutu area. Encouraged by my wife and life long mate and Bass player “Choppy”, got back into playing again, a bunch of us “Old Fellers” do “Sing Along” stuff. Can’t see any recording contracts on the horizon but it's great fun. My job as a School Principal has its stresses, but is enormously rewarding. Music being one of my enjoyable outlets, I enjoy a wide range of music and hopefully you will enjoy listening to my Radio Show.