Winston Watusi Music Plus

This week we have blues gigs. And a welcome lashing of trivia.

And if you thought we'd start with something useful, like the gigs, then you've clearly not been here before and have mistaken this column for regular journalism.

In Watusi World, the eclectic always takes the lede.

With that in mind, I'd like to alert y'all to a new song from The Zombies. Some may remember them, fronted by the legendary duo of virtuoso keyboardist Rod Argent and smoky-voiced lead singer Colin Blunstone. They had a number of hits, most notably 'She's Not There' and 'Time Of The Season'.

What seems kinda notable to me is the longevity of the band. Particularly since they split up in 1967. That was the last music they made in the twentieth century. Now a band started in 1962 has just launched a new single, 'Dropped Reeling & Stupid', from an album, 'Different Game', due in March. 61 years later. And, let me tell you, the song is pretty good too.

Hearteningly, they're also still gigging and were described by one American critic as 'the best 60s band still touring which doesn't have Mick Jagger as a front man”.

Public image

The oddest musical news item of last week involved John Lydon (ex-Johnny Rotten) and Public Image Ltd, the post-punk band he formed in the wake of the Sex Pistols' demise. Apparently the group, known as PiL, will compete to represent Ireland at this year's Eurovision Song Contest.

Fortunately, or possibly unfortunately, in New Zealand we live far from the inanity that is the Eurovision Song Contest, a mind-boggling collision of pop silliness and camp costuming.

It has launched the careers of bands from Buck's Fizz to ABBA. Yes, amongst the novelty acts lurks the occasional 'respectable” artist. (Bonus trivia: in 1974 when ABBA won with 'Waterloo', amongst others competing was Olivia Newton John, representing England.)

Quirkiness abounds – and sometimes overwhelms – partly because the entrants are chosen by heats and public votes.

John Lydon, Irish by birth, submitted the song 'Hawaii', a love letter to his wife, Nora Forster, who lives with Alzheimer's disease, describing it as 'a pensive, personal yet universal love song that will resonate with many”.

He is her full-time carer. PiL will perform it on Ireland's Late Late Show, 3 February, alongside County Donegal balladeer Andrew Carr, young Leitir Meailláin songwriter Jennifer Connolly, four-piece band Wild Youth, an indie-pop star and a rap duo. Try judging that lot...

As to 'Hawaii', 'It is dedicated to everyone going through tough times on the journey of life, with the person they care for the most,” Lydon said in a statement. 'It's also a message of hope that ultimately love conquers all.”

Getting sporty

Actually, that wasn't the oddest story. The oddest one informed us that 'British scientists... have established a link between penis size and the desire to own a sports car.”

'Nuff said. While it is exactly the link you'd expect, one can't help but be impressed by their ingenious methodology.

No spoilers here – Google it.

But I'm missing those gigs.

Blues, serious blues. Firstly Grant Haua, THIS Saturday. Yep, 7pm, 21 January at Totara Street it's The Grant Haua Explosion, reuniting the high-flying bluesman, back from Europe and a New Zealand tour, with ex-partner from Swamp Thing, Michael Barker, on drums and Brilleaux bassist Brian Franks, who previously played with Grant in Hurricane Eli.

With his album, 'Awa Blues', making the Top 25 Albums for 2021 in 'Rolling Stone France', Grant will kick off proceedings with an acoustic solo set, before unleashing the band.

Sorry for just this last minute plug – there should still be tickets, $30, via the Totara Street website.

And if that's late, this is early. More blues. Coming to the Jam Factory, 9 February, is British Columbian bluesman Joel Fafard on his third visit to New Zealand. Joel is both a terrific guitarist and singer, and a most entertaining raconteur. He plays finger-picking slide on a resonator guitar and has won more than a few awards. Most of all though, he's an engaging and dynamic life performer whom I wouldn't hesitate to recommend. Tickets are $25 from: EventsPronto.co.nz

Haua.

John Lydon.

Michael Barker.

Joel Fafard.