When the Cat's Away (band)
| Company type | Vocal ensemble, Cover band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1985 |
| Headquarters | Auckland , New Zealand |
| Products | Music albums, singles |
When the Cat's Away is a female vocal ensemble and cover band originating from New Zealand, established in 1985. They gained widespread recognition for their 1988 rendition of "Melting Pot", which topped the New Zealand charts. In 2021, the group received the honor of induction into the New Zealand Music Hall of Fame.
Background
The formation of the band took place at the 1985 New Zealand Music Awards when Annie Crummer, Debbie Harwood, Kim Willoughby, Dianne Swann, and Margaret Urlich came together. Reflecting on their origins, Dianne Swann described the project as an enjoyable way to perform beloved songs and develop vocal harmonies.
Their first public performance occurred in September 1986 at Auckland's Wildlife venue, swiftly leading to appearances in larger locations and securing a contract with CBS Records. The group’s initial single in 1987, "Leader of the Pack", along with its successor "Sanctified", did not enter the charts. That same year, they embarked on a nationwide tour consisting of 30 shows and released a live self-titled album recorded at His Majesty's Theatre. This album reached number 39 on the charts and earned gold certification in New Zealand. Debbie Harwood characterized the band as a refreshing departure from solo careers, emphasizing enjoyment without heavy thematic content.
In November 1988, their cover of "Melting Pot" achieved number one status and was certified gold. Their extensive touring throughout 1988 and 1989 solidified their reputation as one of New Zealand’s premier live acts. The band received several accolades including 'Entertainers of the Year' and 'Documentary of the Year' at the Listener Film and Television Awards in 1988, followed by 'Group of the Year' at the 1989 New Zealand Music Awards.
The single "Free Ride", released in January 1990, reached number 12 on the charts. After Dianne Swann left the group, members focused on their individual solo pursuits.
In 2001, the band reunited without Swann and released a cover version of Sharon O'Neill's "Asian Paradise". O'Neill joined them for the nationwide Paradise Tour, which included three performances at Auckland’s Aotea Centre. The live album recorded during this tour, Live in Paradise, peaked at number 7 and achieved platinum status.
The ensemble toured again in 2002 alongside O'Neill, featuring musicians from Split Enz and choreography by Rietta Austin.
In December 2021, all five original members were inducted into the New Zealand Music Hall of Fame during the Aotearoa Music Awards ceremony.
A tribute concert in 2023 commemorated late member Margaret Urlich, preceding a national tour scheduled for 2024.
Albums
| Year | Title | Details | Peak chart positions |
Certifications (sales threshold) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NZ | ||||
| 1987 | When the Cat's Away |
|
39 |
|
| 2001 | Live in Paradise (with Sharon O'Neill) |
|
7 |
|
Singles
| Year | Title | Peak chart positions |
Certifications (sales threshold) |
Album |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NZ | ||||
| 1987 | "Leader of the Pack" | — | Non-album single | |
| 1987 | "Sanctified" | — | Non-album single | |
| 1988 | "Melting Pot" | 1 |
|
Non-album single |
| 1990 | "Free Ride" | 12 | Non-album single | |
| 2001 | "Asian Paradise" | 16 | Non-album single |
Awards
| Year | Work | Award | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1988 | When the Cat's Away | Listener Television Awards – Entertainment Programme | Awarded |
| 1989 | When the Cat's Away | New Zealand Music Awards – Best Group | Awarded |
| 1989 | Ross McDermott/Annie Crummer ("Melting Pot") | New Zealand Music Awards – Best Producer | Finalist |
| 2021 | When the Cat's Away | New Zealand Music Hall of Fame | Honoured with Induction |