Hello Sailor in 2022 are what remain of the line-up that played the final show with Graham Brazier in front of 10,000 people in Hagley Park Christchurch, March 2015. After much agonising over the loss of Dave McArtney in 2013, Sailor had decided to continue and brought old friend Jimmy Taylor in on guitar.
Stand out performances in recent years have been the release party for Graham’s posthumous solo album Left Turn at Midnite, the Leg Up for Vinnie fundraiser for Lyn Buchanan (ex-Legionnaires and Dragon), some corporate functions and sold-out shows in Paul Woolright’s and Harry Lyon’s new home towns of Paeroa and Russell. Demand for the band has grown and this summer’s gigs included headlining a show the South Island Masters Games in Timaru and A Concert on the Green on Auckland’s Hibiscus Coast and playing The Biggest Pub Gig in the World at Spark Arena in December. In January 2021 audiences loved them at the Summer Concert Tour series of shows in Queenstown, Taupo and Whitianga. In March they will appear at the Selwyn Sounds festival in Christchurch in front of an expected audience of 10,000 and the Auckland Craft Beer Festival at Spark Arena.
The current Hello Sailor line-up is as close as fans will get to Sailor’s classic sound. Powered by the indomitable rhythm section of Rick Ball on drums and Paul Woolright on bass, they have the Sailor energy and attitude. Harry Lyon and Jimmy Taylor take care of the weaving guitars, Stephen Small on piano and Andy Dixon on saxophone complete the package. Their shows feature Hello Sailor, Pink Flamingos and Graham Brazier favourites, hit songs from Harry’s back catalogue and his 2018 critically acclaimed hit solo-album “To the Sea”.
Opening Act are our local boys - BLISS
