Malcolm Hayman 1940-1988

Rip It Up, Issue 136, 1 November 1988, Page 4

Malcolm Hayman 1940-1988

New Zealand rock'n'roll pioneer Malcolm Hayman passed away on November 5 after a long illness. More than anyone else, he was responsible for introducing rock'n'roll to Wellington. Born in 1940 in Rotorua, the singer/guitarist arrived in the Capital in 1955 as a member of the Maori Hi-Fives, and the following year he formed an off-shoot, the Fireflies, to showcase rock'n'roll. The Fireflies evolved into the Trademarks who, despite an ever-changing lineup, lasted until 1961. An 18-month stint at the New South Wales Conservatorium was followed by two years on the Pacific trail with various pick-up bands. In 1965 Hayman, a diabetic, came down with tuberculosis, spending 14 months in Noumea Hospital. In late'66, back in Wellington, Hayman formed the Soundells, the blueprint for his most well-known band—Quincy Conserve. Between 1967-75 an impressive array of talent passed through Quincy Conserve, including Rodger Fox, Bruno Lawrence, Dennis Mason and Johnny McCormick. Brass-orientated, the Quincys served Wellington well with long-term residencies at the Downtown Club and Lion Tavern, and for the first time brought Hay man a national audience. In-house band for HMV Records, Quincy Conserve provided the backing for Allison Durbin, Craig Scott, and many more, and themselves released five albumsand more thana dozen singles. 'Ride The Rain', 'Aire Of Good Feeling' and 'Keep On Pushing' display a tight unit, great brass arrangements and Malcolm Hayman's great voice, one of the most distinctive in Kiwi rock. Following the Quincy's eventual demise, Hayman formed pub band Captain Custard, which took him well into the 80s. More recently, he played low-key restaurant gigs with wife and pianist Margaret Hayman and guitarist Bruce Robinson. Despite his rapidly deteriorating health, Malcolm was still performing two weeks prior to his death. Malcolm Hayman is an important figure in the development of New Zealand rock'n'roll, and Rip It Up sends deepest sympathies to his family. John Dix