Dragon honours the three ages of the band’s evolution through its Trilogy Concert coming to The Capital in May.
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Unlike many bands, there are three distinct ages that define the evolution of iconic rock band Dragon. The eras represent the rites of passage that have made the band and its music what it is today, carving out a special place in the popular music history of Australia and New Zealand.
The three key eras in Dragon’s four decade history have been dubbed the Young Years (1973 – 1979), the Glory Years (1982 – 1998) and the Phoenix Years (from 2006 on). During the first era the band formed in the pre-historic wilds of New Zealand, with Todd Hunter there on bass right from the start. Todd’s brother Marc joined later in 1973 and the band continued touring extensively. In May 1975, they packed their bags and headed for Australia. As front man Marc Hunter made a name for himself as one of Australia’s most enigmatic lead singers and Dragon carved themselves into the Oz music history books.
In the late 1970s and early 1980s, Dragon dominated the Australian music scene.
Dragon released six albums during this era. “Australia embraced us - sort of - even though we were confusingly pop in an era of pub rock.” Todd Hunter, Founder and bass player of Dragon remembers.
Three years later in 1982 the band reformed to pay off a mountain of debt from the excesses of the 1970s. “The band in the 80s made a huge sound,” remembers Todd.
There was no sound from Dragon for the next eight years. Todd Hunter was busy working on his own composing career, and aside from the odd song on radio, it seemed Dragon was now only in the history books. It was 2006 when Todd felt the urge to play again and contacted fellow Kiwi Mark Williams to see if he wanted to ‘be in a band’. Bruce Reid and Pete Drummond joined to fit the puzzle together and Dragon was reborn, the Phoenix Years had begun.