Graeme to meet pop star Larry at last
OPINION: It was 50 years ago that I walked into Colin King’s Music Shop in McLean St, Waitara, and brought my very first EP record Let’s Think of Something by Larry’s Rebels, writes Graeme Duckett.
I spoke to Larry Morris the other night and we had a great chat about his career. He’s a great guy to talk to and after his show at the 4th Wall Theatre in New Plymouth this Friday I will get the chance to meet him at last.
His career with Larry’s Rebels spanned 1965 to 1971 and included nine Top 10 singles that became party favourites around New Zealand: Let’s think of Something, Moreen, Everybody’s Girl, and Do What You Gotta Do. I’m sure you all remember.
The band toured with Roy Orbison, The Who, The Walker Brothers, Tom Jones, The Animals and the Yardbirds.
Larry left in 1971 to pursue a solo career and by 1982 he’d had five singles in the Top 40.
It was in 1981 that The Larry Morris Band was formed. During this time Larry also worked with David Bowie, Chuck Berry, Bo Diddley, Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick and Tich and Fleetwood Mac. What a line up!
His amazing career saw him tour Europe, UK and Australia and for 10 years he worked in Los Angeles and many other American cities. Five years ago he received a Lifetime Achievement Award for his outstanding contribution to New Zealand music.
He was also awarded the Amnesty International Supreme award for services to that organisation.
The Larry Morris Band includes Richard Anaru on guitar and backing vocals, Rob Paterson on bass and backing vocals and Leyton Green on drums.
All four musicians have had a huge input into the NZ music scene, and the 4th Wall Theatre is lucky to have them there on Friday.
Those who have tickets are in for a rare treat.