The Warratahs

The Warratahs
From the Far North to The Bluff and all points in-between, hundreds of thousands of New Zealanders have packed pubs, theatres, barns and dance halls and have literally grown up with The Warratahs.
The songs by lead singer and guitarist Barry Saunders are etched into New Zealand’s landscape and this artistry was rewarded in 2016 with The Warratahs taking out Best Country Music album at the Gore Gold Guitars Awards with Runaway Days, an album that entered both the NZ and Country charts in the Top Ten. Their more recent double album Drivin’ Wheel, is a unique collection of their songs and style since the band’s beginning in 1986. To date, a total of eight albums showcase the group and their poignant music. These are songs that paint a picture of New Zealand, from the nostalgia and majesty of the provinces and the cities, to the heartbreak of the Christchurch quake.
For 33 years the band has travelled to and played in 120 different urban centres and towns across the country. Over this period, a favourite travelling companion was poet Sam Hunt at many of the band’s shows. These days, founder member and master of the accordion Alan Norman, will often guest on-stage.
The band has appeared with Johnny Cash, June Carter Cash, Billy Joel, Lucinda Williams and Leann Rimes, among other international stars. Don’t miss the chance to hear Nik Brown’s hands of fire on fiddle as The Warratahs play Hands of My Heart, Maureen, Rescue Me, St. Peter’s Rendezvous, Mount Victoria Rain, Taranaki and other classics by these titans of the backbeat and buccaneers of the road. Bring your dancing shoes to their next live show and in the words of Elvis… if you can’t find a partner, use a wooden chair.
Barry Saunders: vocals, guitar, harmonica. Nik Brown: violin, mandolin Mike Knapp: drums. Nick Theobald: bass, vocals