Des Newton

Des Newton - seen here with his great friend John Storey (ex Johnny and The Revellers, Inspiration and Nicotine Brothers)
Des was resident at The Lancaster Park as a solo performer ....

Des Newton was born in the UK in June, 1951, moving to Christchurch, New Zealand with his family in February 1952.  Des is a guitarist and vocalist with considerable experience extending back to the beginning of his career in 1972.

ROCKONZ 2009

Des receives his ROCKONZ Award 2009

ROCKONZ 2009

Des with Allan Barron and Paddy Long

Des tells us in his own words .... "In the 1970's I played lead guitar and was lead voclalist in rock band Alexis at The Imperial Hotel.  I played lead guitar in System on the Ballins Pub Circuit and for private gigs, taking over lead vocals in 1974.  I played most venues in Christchurch including most of the major pubs such as The Bush Inn, Shirley Lodge, Yaldhurst, West Melton, The Esplanade, The Shoreline, as well as major Corporate and Rotary events, National Conferences and balls at the Winter Garden.  I've played hundreds of weddings and privately run shows, backed Bunny Walters, Yoland Gibson, Lou Clausen, Toni Williams, John Grenell, Anna Leah and many others.  At the 1974 Commonwealth Games I played at the Games Village and other associated venues.  At this time playing between 2-5 times weekly with occasional member and name changes.  In the 1980's I continued my career as a professional soloist, resident at the Redwood Hotel 3-7 nights weekly (over 6 years there), and in 1986 I formed a duo, played various long and short term pub dates with various other members including David Newton, Tony Dwyer and Rob Carpenter.  I also worked solo pub and private gigs during that time.

Des Newton in Concert

Des Newton and Rob Carpenter at ROCKONZ 2009

"1989 saw a solo residency at Lancaster Hotel (2 nights weekly) plus private work, leading to a 1990 solo residency at The Star and Garter Hotel (3 nights weekly), and in 1991 a solo residency at The Elms Hotel playing to international tourists and locals as well as Corporate events (2-5 nights weekly for over 13 years).  From 2005 to the present I have worked as a solo player, as well as guitar and lead vocals in: The Nicotine Bros - (John Storey and Rob Carpenter), The Rockits - (Wayne Allen, Murray Wood and Rob Carpenter), The Roosters (Dave Gillies, Simon Marks, Martin Blackmore and Bob Ogilvie), Affinity (Rob Carpenter and Danny Wilson), at clubs, in pubs, Rock 'n' Roll shows and private gigs.  I have also guested or done fill-in appearances with various other bands, played in backing bands featured at Sunday events of ROCKONZ in 2008 and 2009, and played with The Rockits at the ROCKONZ 2010 concert supporting Dragon, Suzanne, Graham Wardrop and Jon Palmer.  I write and record original music (Indie), available locally and through international digital services.  During my entire career I have played at countless charity gigs including Relay For Life ever since it's inception in Christchurch, and I worked for over ten years as a musical instrument technician including 3 years in-house at CJ's Music Store.  I taught guitar privately and at schools (I am a qualified teacher), and formed, coached and mentored school bands and choirs, taking them to the annual shows etc..  My career continues to be as busy as ever with no sign of a slow down!"