A ‘true creative hero’
He created a worldwide phenomenon but one of Richard O’Brien’s most treasured memories was performing at Hamilton’s Founders Theatre.
The creative genius behind The Rocky Horror Show joined the cast of Hamilton Operatic Society’s Oliver in 2012 – and still beams about the city’s ‘‘remarkable talent’’.
‘‘They weren’t amateur. They were first-class people.’’
Ten years on, he was welcomed back into the ‘‘rocking’’ city, once more recognised for more than 50 years of work in Hamilton’s performing arts sector.
Dressed all in black, he stood below a bronzed-up version of himself dressed as Riff Raff – used by hundreds as a selfie backdrop – as mayor Paula Southgate bestowed him with a new civic honour – the Hamilton Kirikiriroa Medal.
While this time round there were no selfies or time-warp dancing, Southgate said no-one was more deserving of this year’s award than the ‘‘true creative hero of Kirikiriroa’’.
‘‘We are honouring a truly unique creative person,’’ Southgate told a small crowd yesterday.
O’Brien was ‘‘an iconic Hamiltonian who has created a worldwide phenomenon called the Rocky Horror Picture Show’’.
‘‘There are very few Hamiltonians who have claimed that.’’
As the second-highest honour that the city can bestow on anyone, she said the civic award recognised the achievements of individuals who had been very successful in their chosen field and had made an outstanding contribution to the city as a whole.
‘‘Richard O’Brien qualifies on every single account.
‘‘You are a creative icon, champion
of the arts and theatre, a staunch ally for the creative sector and a relentless advocate of our city, enabling any of us to be creative and enjoy creativity.’’
Speaking after the official ceremony, O’Brien, however, was much more modest about his contributions to the sector but admitted his younger self would be ‘‘terribly happy’’ with the honour.
Describing Hamilton as ‘‘a rocking town’’ in the 1950s and 1960s, O’Brien said it was pure luck that the Rocky Horror Show even took off.
‘‘I was a high school dropout . . . so it is luck that got me here,’’ O’Brien said.
The concept for the Rocky Horror Show came to light while he was barbering in Hamilton, 1951-64.
The barbershop was located in front of the old Embassy Theatre, where O’Brien attended many late night picture shows. Eventually, he moved back to England and was cast in Hair, and then joined Jesus Christ Superstar as King Herod, before being fired and sent on his way with £300 in his pocket.
Then in 1973 by ‘‘pure luck’’, the Rocky Horror Show concept resurfaced, opening in a small, 62-seat theatre up a long flight of stairs.
It grew in popularity and was turned into a film in 1975. O’Brien played a huge part co-writing the screenplay and appearing as Riff Raff. It has since grown a significant cult following.
From there, O’Brien was approached by the Riff Raff Trust with a proposal to create a statue to celebrate the birthplace of the Rocky Horror Show.
He attended the unveiling in 2004 and has since had a close relationship with the creative community in Hamilton since his return to Aotearoa in 2009.
He has also been a long-time patron of the Hamilton Operatic Society and numerous charitable trusts.
‘‘I have had a very lucky life.’’