Th' Dudes
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1975 |
| Headquarters | Auckland , New Zealand |
| Products | Rock music, albums, singles |
Th' Dudes are a rock group originating from New Zealand in the late 1970s, based in Auckland. They are recognized for popular tracks such as "Walking in Light," "Right First Time," "Be Mine Tonight," and "Bliss."
1975–1980
The band was established by Morris, Urlich, Coleman, and Dobbyn, who were students at Sacred Heart College, Auckland. Their name was inspired by the "Lone Groover" comic strip featured in NME. Initially, their musical style drew heavily from British icons like The Beatles, David Bowie, and The Rolling Stones, later blending influences from Punk and New Wave artists including Iggy Pop and Elvis Costello.
Beginning as a cover band performing at surf clubs and private events, Th' Dudes quickly built a reputation for dynamic live shows. Their sound was characterized by the dual guitar work of Dobbyn and Morris, a solid rhythm foundation with Peter Coleman on bass (later replaced by Lez White) and drummer Bruce Hambling, alongside compelling vocals from Urlich. Their original compositions earned them the title of NZ Group of the Year in 1979. The band ultimately dissolved in 1980.
1990s-present
The mid-1990s saw a resurgence of interest in Th' Dudes, coinciding with the growth of classic rock radio stations. Their track "Bliss" emerged as an unofficial anthem associated with New Zealand’s drinking culture, cementing their status within the country’s post-punk and Kiwi rock heritage.
In October 2006, to commemorate Radio Hauraki's 40th anniversary, they embarked on a New Zealand tour that expanded from an initial 11 shows to 17 due to high demand. During this period, they released Pubs, Parks, Theatres, Clubs, Church Halls, Gardens, Lounges & Band Rotundas, a six-track album featuring demos and alternative versions, available exclusively on tour. This was followed by a "Summer of Love" tour in late 2007.
In 2008, Th' Dudes initiated legal action against Stebbing Studios over unpaid royalties related to recordings made during studio downtime; this matter was settled amicably within the same year.
The band scheduled a New Zealand tour for April 2020; however, dates were postponed to November as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The lineup included Ian Morris's brother, Rikki Morris.
Ian Morris passed away unexpectedly in Napier on 7 October 2010. Prior to his death, he had produced records and composed advertising jingles under the alias Tex Pistol. He is survived by his twin daughters Julia and Maude.
Members
- Dave Dobbyn – vocals, guitars
- Ian Morris (deceased) – guitars, keyboards, backing vocals
- Peter Urlich – drums (later vocals)
- Peter Coleman (bass; replaced by Lez White in 1978)
- Lez White – bass
- Bruce Hambling – drums
- Rikki Morris – guitar, vocals
Studio albums
| Title | Album details | Peak chart positions (NZ) |
|---|---|---|
| Right First Time |
|
17 |
| Where Are the Boys? |
|
– |
Live albums
| Album Title | Release information | Highest chart ranking |
|---|---|---|
| NZ | ||
| Th' 2006 Reunion Tour Live |
|
39 |
Compilation albums
| Album Title | Release details | Peak chart position |
|---|---|---|
| NZ | ||
| So You Wanna Be a Rock'n'Roll Star |
|
27 |
| Where Are the Girls?: Th' Definitive Collection |
|
31 |
| Bliss On Wax |
|
7 |
Demo albums
| Title | Release specifics |
|---|---|
| Pubs, Parks, Theatres, Clubs, Church Halls, Gardens, Lounges & Band Rotundas |
|
Singles
| Single title | Release year | Highest chart position (NZ) |
Associated album | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| "Be Mine Tonight" / "That Look in Your Eyes" | "Right First Time" / "Tonight Again" | "Walking in Light" / "Bad Boy Billy" | 1979 | 36 | 34 | 50 | Right First Time |
| "Bliss" / "On the Rox" | 1980 | 25 | Where Are the Boys | ||||
| "Bliss 2010" (vs. Jolyon Petch & Sam Hill) | 2010 | – | Non-album single |
Aotearoa Music Awards
The Aotearoa Music Awards, previously known as the New Zealand Music Awards, have annually celebrated outstanding achievements in New Zealand’s music scene since their inception in 1965.
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| 2019 || Th' Dudes || Induction into the New Zealand Music Hall of Fame || ||
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