To the Sea is the first solo album for Harry Lyon set for release on October 5th. Produced by Lyttelton’s music auteur Delaney Davidson the album showcases Harry’s array of styles and influences with classic Kiwi rock, New Orleans vaudeville, Latin, Pasifika, country and a Christmas ballad for good measure. Lyrically subjects range from love songs, a life well lived and Harry’s usual wry political and social observations. 

Harry was co-founder, guitar player and songwriter with NZ Hall of Fame band Hello Sailor. His songwriting credits include, Lying in the Sand and Watch Your Back from Sailor’s award- winning first album, Dr I Like Your Medicine, 1981 Single of the Year for Coup D’Etat, and Muscles, that featured on Midge Marsden’s Burning Rain album and was a 1991 APRA Silver Scroll finalist. 

Harry also played with The Pink Flamingos, Hammond Gamble and The Legionnaires for whom he wrote the Top 20 single You Bring Out the Worst in Me. 

For his To the Sea tour, Harry has assembled a band of music heavyweights, most with a strong connection to the Music and Audio Institute of New Zealand (MAINZ) where he worked until mid-2017.  He said he’s “Really honoured these guys all said yes straight up and the feeling at rehearsals is great.”

The Band

Tony Waine, Bass: Tony is an APRA Silver Scroll winner and founder of award winning kiwi band The Narcs. The band’s debut gold album Great Divide earned 5 RIANZ Awards including Single of the Year for their Top Ten hit Heart and Soul. The Narcs were one of the first Kiwi acts to have records released worldwide and they continue to record, recently releasing the single/video Summerhill Stone. Tony has written songs with Shona Laing, Buzz Moller and Authur Baysting. He produced the Best of the Narcs album and Christchurch The Music, the double CD compilation.

Stephen Small, Keys: In twenty years of studio recording and live performances, Stephen has worked alongside many luminaries of popular music, such as Jaz Coleman, Belinda Carlisle, Beth Hart, Graeme Downes (Verlaines), Hammond Gamble, Autozamm, Bonnie Tyler and Leo Sayer. He has arranged and directed music for radio broadcasts, televised studio concerts and large outdoor events in New Zealand. Stephen is Music Director and arranger for legendary Grammy-winning New Age artist Kitaro. He produced the Pop Album of the Year (2012) for New Zealand singer-songwriter Jamie McDell (EMI/Universal) and has accompanied on piano singers such as Dame Malvina Major and the late Sir Howard Morrison. 

Josh Sorenson, Drums: Josh is an in-demand drummer and respected music educator. He has played, toured, and/or recorded with a veritable who’s-who of NZ music artist, including; King Kapisi, Sola Rosa, Annie Crummer, Nathan Haines, Joel Haines, Hammond Gamble, Rikki Morris, Debbie Harwood and Hello Sailor. He also composes, arranges and plays for his own original rock band Royal Jackets. 

Jimmy Taylor, Guitar: Jimmy’s music career began in Dunedin playing in bar bands but he moved to London in 1989 and became a founding member of 'Miss World' that featured musicians that had played in bands like Original Mirrors, The Pretenders and Roger Taylor’s post Queen line-up The Cross. During the 90s Jimmy recorded three further Miss World albums and featured on recordings by The Starlings, Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark and Dave Stewart. 

Jimmy says; "Hello Sailor gave me my first up close insight into a real live in the flesh Rock and Roll band. In your face, uncompromising and nail you to the wall. When Harry asked me to be part of his album tour band, I jumped at it.” 

Harry’s set for the tour will feature some Sailor favourites, songs from Harry’s back catalogue, and of course some from his much-anticipated solo album “To The Sea”. Audiences can expect some special guest cameo performances.

HARRY LYON “To the Sea” NZ Tour

SAT OCT 6  Russell, Russell Boating Club (Fundraiser) * 

THU OCT 11  Napier, Cabana with TBC

FRI OCT 12  Auckland, Galatos with The Bads (Duo) 

SAT OCT 13 Wellington, Meow with Darren Watson

SUN OCT 14  Christchurch, Blue Smoke with Stomping Nick Jackman

Tickets on sale from Monday 27 August through Eventfinda *