Cruze

ROCKHAPPENZ Public Collection

Cruze  —  originally from Dunedin 1979-1981
Brian Seque (Vocals), Robin Murphy and Neil Henderson (Bass Guitar), Chris Davies, Jim Taylor and Barry McConnachie (Lead Guitar), Graham (Gizmo) Moore and Barry Blackler(Drums)

Cruze was an iconic band in the Dunedin and New Zealand pub circuit scene from the mid 70s to early 80s.  Generally unheralded against the fledgling alternative Dunedin sound of the time, Cruze built a reputation as a top-class rock cover band.  Formed by guitar mates Chris Davies and Barry McConnachie in the mid 70s from bands Layback, Willie's Rats, Argus and Biggles (some of the forerunners to Mother Goose), the initial line-up included Neil Henderson on bass and Graham (Gizmo) Moore on drums.  Cruze was a regular fixture at the Dunedin live-music meccas of the time, The Captain Cook and Gardens Tavern as well as university hops and balls.  After a couple of years, Giz moved out of town, and was replaced by Barry Blackler on drums.  At the end of 1978, following completion of tertiary studies, Cruze underwent a revamp with Neil dropping out to be replaced by Robin Murphy on bass and Brian Seque taking on vocal duties and this line-up took to the road.  Within a few months, Gizmo Moore was welcomed back onto the drummer's stool and it was this line-up of Brian, Chris, Barry, Giz and Robin that quickly established itself as one of the top pub bands of the time throughout New Zealand.  For the following three years, Cruze toured the New Zealand Pub Circuit, initially under the management of NZ Breweries, and then Hamilton based tour promoter Chris Cole.