Shazam Suparock

Press, 18 May 1984, Page 4

Shazam Suparock

Suparock 'B4 concert in the Christchurch Town Hall auditorium last evening. Reviewed by Nevin Topp. The Suparock ’B4 show for the “Shazam!" television programme (with the money raised going towards a Christchurch youth centre) was both popular and successful. This is the third time that such a show has been staged for charity and television, and from what I saw it was the best one. Netherworld Dancing Toys, from Dunedin, were superb. What a difference an indoor venue makes, because when they played outdoors at Sweetwaters South at Queen Elizabeth II Park in February they were nowhere near as polished'. Both Nick Sampson and Malcolm Black were effective ias joint vocalists and guitarists, although Black *

sounded the stronger. But it was the versatility of the band that was striking, plus the efficient way in which the music was presented. This versatility sprang from being able to switch from a swing number to a soul song and then a rock tune, plus use the horn section at will. This was a totally different band to last February, tight and playing with enthusiasm. In contrast, the Mockers, a Wellington band now resident in Auckland, were a straight pop band. It is easy to see the Mockers’ hopes coming true that they will take the place of Dance Exponents in New Zealand, now that the Christchurch band has gone to Australia. The Mockers' lead vocalist, Andrew Fagan, hammed it up on stage, his Rabelai/sian looks contrasting comwith the clean-cut

image of the remainder of the band. The Mockers played favourites like “My Girl Thinks She’s Cleopatra,” and the new single. "Swear It's True.” The pick of their songs was "Alvison Park,” with its switch in tempo, and “Ancient Days” because of its interesting lyrics.

Your reviewer failed to see the first two bands, Body Electric and the Wastrels, because of a bureaucratic bungle involving the lack of review tickets which were meant to be left at the booking office. Because the concert was already full, security was tight to prevent more people from entering, and it was only through the intervention of Mr “Shazam!” himself. Phillip Schofield, that I was finally able to get in. My apologies to the two band’s missed. '