Bird Nest Roys come back

Press, 5 December 1985, Page 18

Bird Nest Roys come back

The Bird Nest Roys return to Christchurch this week after a successful reception the last time the Auckland band played here. The BNR have offered their own opinions on how the group got started. Big Ross, the guitarist (described as the only Maori guitarist in New Zealand who can’t play “Purple Haze”) is said to have gone with Deberly Roy (bass) to a bowling social “do,” and they made music from there.

They are then said to have joined a commune called “Nosnaws,” and formed a band called “The All-Pervading Cypress Tree,” based on a common love of music (Pete Seeger, Sky, Sex Pistols, Foreigner). Songs included “Me want Me get Me need Me have Me love” and “Five Weetbix and Toast,” starting a tradition of unrelated song titles. After being together for a year the band moved to Auckland where they caught the eye and ear of those with a musical bent, and the result is an EP, “Wack It All Down,” which has been recorded on the Flying Nun label.

Last time the BNRs played in Christchurch they had a good time, particularly enjoying the words, “let me buy you a drink.” For this reason, they have brought another Auckland

BIRD NEST ROYS band, Goblin Mix, with them, and the other band also enjoys hearing these words.

The Bird Nest Roys and Goblin Mix will be playing at the Zetland Tavern tomorrow and Saturday evenings, and on Sunday from 6.30 p.m. to 9.30 p.m., the two bands along with The Bats will play at the Youth Centre, Worcester Street. The cost of entry to the Youth Centre show is $4.