The Politicians
The Politicians were a rock/new wave/reggae band formed in Tokoroa in March 1981, who later became resident in Hamilton. Their two singles, Down in Baghdad and Energy, were played on various radio and television shows, including Shazam and Radio with Pictures. They toured New Zealand for five years playing the pub circuit.
The Politicians were managed by Alan Judd and Associates, who also managed Hamilton bands The Bronx and Echoes. Tim Armstrong left the group in May 1986, going on to found The Kiwi Bandits and the Tim Armstrong band. The Politicians continued for almost another 10 years playing resident at Shakes (Lady Hamilton) niteclub, with Ian Jeffries taking the lead vocal role.
Members[edit]
- Tim Armstrong (guitar/vocals) 1981-1986
- Wa Kupa (bass) 1981-1984
- Doug Pepperell (drums) 1981-1982
- Paul Alderton (drums) 1981-1984
- Paul Van Wering (guitar/vocals) 1983-1992
- Campbell Hapi (bass) 1984-1986
- Jeff Downey (drums) 1984-1990
- Donna Armstrong (keyboards) 1984-1986
- Adrian Ellis (bass) 1986-1990
- Ian Jefferies (guitar/vocals) 1986-1990
- Corilin Steel, ~1992
- Lawrence Eden Arps, ~1992
- Simon Elton, 1992
- Alan Judd (management)1982-1986
- Paul Krippner (sound technician)
- Kevin Poppelwell (lights)
Other members included Liam Ryan, Lance Healey, Warren William
- Wa Kupa now resides in Wairoa/Hawkes Bay
- Doug Pepperell is now in Perth Australia.
- Campbell Hapi is playing guitar and keyboards in gigs around South east Asia.
- Paul Van Wering (guitar/keys) is teaching music and guitar in Hamilton.
- Ian Jefferies now lives in Perth, Australia.
- Jeff Downey runs his own company, Waikato Downey Construction.
- Adrian Ellis continues his music career, in various groups.
Releases and Songs[edit]
- Down in Baghdad single, 1984
- Energy single, 1985
- Test Pattern album, 2003
- Energy and Polar Bear appear on the 2015 compilation Hamiltune - Rockin' the Tron in the 80's
Other Politicians songs played live included "Englishman", "Gondala lover", "Teacher Teacher", "Shift worker", "Dine and Dancing", "Puppet people", "Arabian girl", "Licence", "Oh Lisa", "UFOs", "Relationships", "Hongkong" and "Love or lust".
