The Earthlings

In late 1991 The Earthlings were formed in Rotovegas (Rotorua), New Zealand. Founded by Rotorua local Dave Bishop aka Davey Bishara, previously of Christchurch's Big White Undie Band and Rotovegas's three-piece Adult Mayflys. Dave hooked up with Andrew White previously of Rotovegas indie band P. D. Corp and Paul Tregilgas (ex Boogadagas, Da Hubcaps and Calamari Bushmen on drums. After Paul T emigrated to Hamiltron and became one the city's most prolific drummers two other drummers hit the skins for the Earthlings - Barry Mackay from Mamaku and Adrian Bergman (younger brother of David Bergman from Christchurch's Throw and Cinematic). Rotovegas musician and producer Rodger "Rodgerson" Cunningham joined up as second guitarist for a short stint after recording the band at the local Iwi radio staion. The Earthlings gigged and recording up to mid-1993 when Dave moved overseas and Andrew moved to Auckland. During this time the band played numerous local gigs in Rotovegas, Tauranga and Hamilton as well as support slots for the Straightjacket Fits, Jan Hellriegel, the Muttonbirds, the Bats and the Chills. It was at the Chills support where Dave and Andrew met Earl Robertson, the then Chills drummer (on the Soft Bomb tour) who later joined up as the current Earthlings drummer in Auckland in 1994.