Small towns rock to The Feelers
One of New Zealand’s most enduring bands, The Feelers are to perform this week in Putaruru. Reporter Libby Kissick spoke with drummer Hamish Gee
The last time The Feelers played at the Putaruru Plaza, drummer Hamish saw a kid sitting on a man’s shoulders while sipping from a beer can. The Ashburton-born musician said Putaruru reminded him of home.
‘‘We thought we’d squeeze in a small tour before we head off to the UK; go to a few off-thewall venues. They are more fun, you appreciate the night more, and you can actually see the faces in the crowd.’’
He last visited the South Waikato three years ago when the band with seven hit singles, three number one albums, and five time multi-platinum albums, toured 19 small towns.
Now the talented brotherhood of Hamish and frontman James Reid return with No Need to Worry – a short burst tour of six towns before venturing on to Asia, Britain and the United States.
The duo combine with Zed’s former guitarist Andy Lynch and Sola Rosa bassist Matt Short as well as Clint Harris of Opshop, Anna Mac and band, and Putaruru College rockers All of A Kind, who won a competition to perform 30 minutes of original music.
For 19 years Hamish and James have been making music and according to Hamish still have plenty left in the tank.
‘‘I’m currently reading Keith Richard’s autobiography LIFE and if he can do it so can I. We’re from down south, we’ve got good foundations, and we are only in our 30s. We have at least another 30 years.’’
Known for Kiwi anthems such as Venus, Fishing for Lisa, Pressure Man, and Supernova, the boys from the south have amassed sales topping 250,000.
The inception of The Feelers was a result of a school field scuffle when at 7 years old, Hamish and James collided during a soccer game. Hamish manned the goal and James scored a goal against him.
‘‘He pushed me over, pointed at me, and sang We Are the Champions by Queen. I should have smacked him over but I just told him, ‘Dude, you are a good singer’.’’
They have played together ever since.
Libby Kissick is a Wintec journalism student.