Gig Review: Dragon @ Town Hall, Christchurch – 18/04/2024

Dragon is a name long since synonymous with rock & roll in Australasia, and the band is currently enjoying an 8-date tour in celebration of their 50th anniversary. Starting April 12th in Invercargill, the tour will work its way slowly up the country, to wind up in Auckland on April 27th. Christchurch marked the 4th night of the tour, and was performed at the Town Hall, or “this beautiful chapel”, as vocalist Mark Williams proclaimed. 

The band’s massive stage backdrop, combined with some moody blue lighting, set the scene perfectly for the night of top-notch entertainment that was to come. First on the bill were another of Kiwi rock’s long-time favourites, Hello Sailor. Original members Harry Lyon and Rick Ball are joined by bassist Paul Woolright, keys/sax player Stephen Small, and Jimmy Taylor on guitar for this tour, and they played with masterful skill. This is a band that was clearly out to enjoy themselves, and they had the crowd singing along lustily, especially on hits Blue Tattoo, Gutter Black, and Blue Lady. This was a performance with laughter and love, but with plenty of fire and brimstone to boot.

After an intermission, the mighty Dragon took to the stage. Mark Williams let it be known, in no uncertain terms, how much it meant to the band to be performing shows in honour of such an achievement. He spent the evening beaming from ear to ear, dominating the stage with boundless energy, very obviously chuffed to bits as they belted through so many songs that the rapturous crowd sung right back at them. Founding member and bassist Todd Hunter held things steady in the low end, ably assisted by artful drummer Pete Drummond, and guitarist Bruce Reid is not only a deliciously tasty player, but he also has tone for days, enough to make any guitar geek swoon with delight.

I was born the year this band formed, Dragon have always been part of the musical landscape here in New Zealand, for me. It was a truly special occasion, feeling the energy in the room during songs like Still In Love With You, Age Of Reason, Young Years, Show No Mercy, April Sun In Cuba, and of course Are You Old Enough? The masters of their craft playing their beloved anthems with pride, whilst having the words sung back to them with joy and love.

It was a privilege seeing this show, if you’re able to make it to one of the remaining dates, I highly suggest you do.