Anecdotes of the beginning of the HULAMEN

Hulamen genisis began in the YMCA building in Willis Street approx 1980 (to be confirmed). John McDougal, Tristan Karkeek and Chris Green began jamming and were joined by Andrew Cross and John Niland.

The first reheasals were Tristan, Cross, McDougall, Spencer and Chris Green doing a cover of the Supremes 'Come see about me'. We were also doing the Beatles 'Taxman'. The mood was set there - the vibe at that time was Motown and the Supremes, Wilson Pickett, R & B.

Karkeek turned up in a 3 piece suit with a hohner bass, an impeccable dresser mand a weakness for the Beatles. This was interim - pre hulamen, post rodents.

As the RODENTS never managed to write a set of original tunes both Niland and McDougal pushed the idea of original tunes. The practice room became the writing laboratory where musical ideas were thrashed out.

Other members joined - Marion Spencer was introduced to the band through Debra Bustin, Peter Famularo ex Masterton and developed the Horn Arrangements with Chris Green, Paul McAllistar replaced Tristan Karkeek on bass, Andrew Clouston eventually swapped places with Chris Green, Stephen Jessup joined as lead guitarist.

The Willis Street practice room was where the lineup settled and the songs matured. The band moved from Willis Street to Blackbridge Road, Wilton mid 1981 under the watchful eye of Ian Cross - DG Broadcasting and wife Tui.

Steve Jessup turned up later in the formation and was a luxury addition along with Gerry Moran, Dave Armstrong, John MacKay - the Hoolets, Stephen McDougal.

John Mackay flatted with Tristan Karkeek. He was a mentor for the Hulamen drummers both Cross and Robinson.

The 'fry up' sessions was a document of how we used to rehearse.