The Refugees are New Zealand’s own Tom Petty Tribute Show, covering all the iconic hits from Tom Petty’s highly successful solo career and with his band “The Heartbreakers”.
Petty recorded a number of hit singles with the Heartbreakers and as a solo artist. His hit singles with the Heartbreakers include "Don't Do Me Like That", "Refugee", "The Waiting", "Don't Come Around Here No More", "American Girl" and "Learning to Fly". Petty's hit singles as a solo act include "I Won't Back Down", "Free Fallin'" and "You Don't Know How It Feels". In his career, he sold more than 80 million records worldwide, making him one of the best-selling music artists of all time. Petty and the Heartbreakers were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2002.
This popular act is currently touring the country, and comprises some of New Zealand’s top experienced musicians:
Jesse Wilde - Vocals/Guitar
Born to an East Auckland family, Jesse Wilde started playing the guitar at age eleven after watching a TV rerun of the Elvis '68 Comeback Special. Jesse played in a couple of garage bands as a kid, before working in the construction industry for a brief stint. At 19 he quit this job to gig and record with his first serious successful band, Acoustic Attitude before going on to record his first solo project when the band ended after 3 years. Jesse then embarked on a music-inspired pilgrimage of the United States where he met his three music heroes; John Mellencamp, Bob Seger and Steve Earle. Upon his return to New Zealand, Jesse started recording his second solo project with a new band while also studying for a New Zealand Certificate in Contemporary Music Performance Art. At the same time, he got signed to what turned out to be a frustrating record label deal, compelling him to build his own recording studio. Jesse now works from his second recording studio, a 1955 inner city ex-clothing tactory that he and his partner Cath have transformed into the world class Wilde Records/Studio 38 in the heart of Auckland City. Jesse's current band Wilde Storey is an Americana Rock Trio he formed with Dylan Storey and Earl Robertson. Jesse has recorded over ten albums in his career so far and he regularly performs gigs around New Zealand.
Steve Tree - drums
Born in Kent England, but emigrating to New Zealand with his family in late 1977, Steve started playing drums in 1981, and has been involved in successful Auckland Covers bands since the mid 80's including Go Figure, Powertrip, The Lazyboyz and The Power Poles amongst others, he has played extensively throughout the country and overseas, and he has also played with top artists such as Dave McCartney and The Pink Flamingo’s and played at the Xmas in The Park festivals. He has also appeared on nationwide television on a number of occasions, and toured the country and Australia with The New Zealand Blues Brothers Tribute Show.
Dave Munnings - Lead Guitar and Vocals
Dave grew up in the Auckland music scene, having started playing guitar over 30 years ago, he has played in many successful covers bands over the years, playing at many pubs, clubs and functions. He is well respected and passionate about everything he plays and sings and is super happy to take on the role of Mike Campbell in the “Refugee” tribute show. Like Mike Campbell, Dave loves the sound and tone of old vintage amplifiers and guitars. He is guaranteed to put on an authentic show paying homage to a living legend.
Steve Sussex - Keyboards/Hammond Organ/BV’s
Steve’s an experienced multi-instrumentalist who has been playing on the Auckland live music scene for many years. As a sought after bassist and long-time keyboard player with a thing for the Hammond Organ, he has a passion and feel for rhythm and blues, rock, soul, funk and gospel music.
Paul Martinovich - Bass and Vocals
Paul is a very passionate versatile musician who loves playing bass and guitar, and has been playing in covers bands since his early twenties. His genres of choice include rock, blues and alternative. He has had the pleasure of playing with some well-respected musicians as a band member and session musician.
