Mr Moondog Blues is a New Zealand born blues/roots musician, an enigmatic performer known simply as Moondog. Either found based out of Northland, NZ and performing solo or with the 3 piece Moondog Blues Band or as the gypsy bluesman touring Australia solo and sometimes the 2 piece format with drummer Scott Burke, he channels a gritty, raw style using – homemade biscuit tin guitars ‘AlleyTyns’, harmonica, a gritty and sometimes dark freight train voice, thumb slappin’ bass, foot-stomping rhythm – to deliver a unique blend of traditional blues, rock n roll, Voodoo-infused Mojo-Juju ‘Blues A Billy’.
His shows have been described as “possessed, heartfelt and real” able to sustain bluesy vibes all night or deliver punchy festival sets.
Moondog has released music since the 70’s and since 2000 on CD with a consistent output across 8+ albums: Most recent Some Poor Fools (2019), and Little Bitter Blues (2026), both recorded live to tape at Anzac Studio in Whangarei NZ, reflecting the bands authentic live sound. Moondog’s latest solo releases, Take A Bow (2023), was self-recorded in Punakaiki NZ, for that one-man-band feel and 6:36 (2026), a 15 track album also recorded at Anzac Studio.
Summary: Moondog Blues is a distinctive blues/traditional-rock artist whose performances – whether solo, duo, or trio – exude raw energy, heartfelt grit, and vintage charm. With a long string of live-recorded albums and a reputation for powerful shows, he’s a stalwart of the Southern Hemisphere blues scene.
Moondog Blues are:
Moondog Blues (vocals, guitar, harp)
Ben Michelsen (drums)
Matt Shepherd (bass)
