Dragon on stage at WOMAD 2018 Photo: RNZ / Cole Eastham-Farrelly
Kiwi rock band Dragon was formed in 1972 by the bass player Todd Hunter, who brought in his charismatic brother Marc Hunter on vocals.
Dragon in 1978: L-R Kerry Jacobson, Robert Taylor, Marc Hunter, Todd Hunter, Paul Hewson Photo: Supplied
In 1975 the band relocated to Australia where they toured relentlessly on the back of an enviable stream of hit singles.
Songs like 'April Sun in Cuba', 'Are You Old Enough', 'Get That Jive' and 'This Time' written by the late Paul Hewson remain radio perennials.
Dragon failed to crack America but hit singles, especially the Todd Hunter composition ‘Rain' released in 1983, reinvigorated their fortunes.
Dragon on stage at WOMAD 2018 Photo: RNZ / Cole Eastham-Farrelly
Over the years, Dragon endured tragedy, adversity and notoriety culminating in vocalist Marc Hunter passing away in 1998 from cancer.
But the band endured.
In the line up at the TSB Bowl stage at Womad in March 2018, Todd Hunter is the only remaining founding member. Vocalist Mark Williams, who had a successful pop career in New Zealand in the mid 70’s, joined Dragon in 2006 and lends his voice to a string of favourites here, in a performance of great energy that has the audience singing along.
Dragon’s legacy lives on.
The Womad audience awaiting Dragon's appearance of the TSB Bowl stage Photo: Supplied
Titles: 'Still In Love With You', 'Age of Reason', 'Speak No Evil', 'Dreams of Ordinary Men', 'O Zambezi', 'This Time', 'Young Years', 'Get That Jive', 'Sunshine', 'April Sun in Cuba', 'Celebrate', 'Rain', 'Yesterday Was Just the Beginning of My Life', 'Are You Old Enough'.
Dragon were recorded live on the TSB Bowl stage by RNZ Music on Saturday 17th March at Womad 2018.
Recorded and produced by Graham Kennedy for RNZ Music.
