“ Wayne’s the songwriter, so he’s the boss, who introduces the songs to Warwick and me. Messmer, who has played music on and off with Finch in Wellington for 30 years, said the group’s sound is influenced not just by blues, but swing, country, and RnB. “ It’s very strange having one’s mind passing instructions to a body part that totally ignores those instructions.” “ Well it has to happen to someone, and that time it was me,” he said. – The night before booking into hospital for a bypass and aortic valve replacement, I read a Health Board brochure that stated a two per cent possibility of a stroke following the procedure,” Finch said. As well as two blues classics, What the Hell’s features 11 blues-inspired originals, with Mason playing keyboard on six of the album’s tracks.įinch named the album after their track ‘What the Hell’s a Man Supposed to Do’, written by Finch in reference to his 2011 stroke. The band’s latest CD, What the Hell’sincludes special guest and New Zealand musician Wayne Mason on keyboards. Now back to his roots and playing revitalising authentic tunes, using traditional instruments through old valve amps, Finch and Lie to Me are stirring the local music scene. What followed, for this passionate local singer and songwriter, was the forming of the three-piece band Lie to Mewith lead guitarist Bernard Messmerand bass player Warwick Halcrow.Ī few months after the forming of the group, Finch was given a free recording session for his 65th birthday from friend Robby Duncan, of Braeburn Recording Studio which led to the development of the trio’s first album Lock up your Grannies. “ I’m going to be all right, aren’t I?” he questioned, ahead of an awkward pause, “ You can lie to me if you want.” Many bands and many songs later, in 2011, Wayne was recovering from a life-threatening stroke when he asked his therapist if he would ever be able to play guitar again, after 55 years as a musician. They gained notoriety in the 70’s performing at venues such as Chez Paree and Lucifers as well as writing and performing the soundtrack for the 1971 Richard Phelps film, Threshold. The band featured many of his folk-inspired original songs performed in an electric setting. One of his first recordings was an original composition, ‘ When You Get Right Down To It‘ on the compilation album, Folk 80.įinch’s first electric band was Ginger Bread Head with Robbie Duncan, Bob Silbery, and Dave Head. One of his highlights was a solo gig at the Great NgāruawāhiaMusic Festival in 1973 on the same stage with the likes of Black Sabbath, and an unknown group at that time, Split Enz. He was winner of the Auckland Easter Show song contest in 1969. May they find solace and strength during this difficult time, and may Richard’s memory forever shine brightly in our hearts.Wayne Finch has been writing and performing music for 55 years, starting out in the folk scene at venues including a residency at the Chez Paree in Wellington. It is a time for reflection and a call to live each day to the fullest, embracing the love and joy that Richard exemplified during his time with us.Īs we await further information regarding the cause of Richard’s chairlift accident, let us keep his family and loved ones in our thoughts and prayers. The news of Richard Finch’s untimely passing serves as a poignant reminder to appreciate the blessings we have in our lives. As the community mourns this tragic loss, it is crucial to extend a helping hand and provide comfort to those affected by this devastating incident. The loss of Richard reminds us all of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing every moment we have with our loved ones. In times like these, it is important for the community to come together and support one another. Richard’s presence will be sorely missed, and his memory will continue to inspire and uplift the community he called home. His friends, neighbors, and colleagues are also grieving the loss of a remarkable individual who touched their lives in countless ways. The impact of Richard’s sudden passing extends far beyond his immediate family.
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