Mark Williams, the lead singer of New Zealand band Dragon, sat down with The Morning Sound’s Robert Taylor ahead of the band’s performance at the Biggest Pub Gig in the World at Auckland’s Spark Arena on Saturday (2nd August).
In their chat, they discussed all things Dragon, their surprising audience demographics at shows, and memorable pub and summer gigs through the ages.
Williams started his journey with the band in 2006, eight years after the passing of their previous lead singer, Marc Hunter.
“I'm sitting around the breakfast table, and out of the blue, the phone rings, and it's Todd Hunter, and I didn’t really know Todd. We were like ships in the night, passing at clubs or stuff like that.”
Williams continued, “But he called me and said, ‘Would you like to join a rock and roll band and tour in a gentlemanly fashion?’ It took all of about 30 seconds to say, 'yep, I'm in'.”
He said being in the band has been "fabulous” and a “real good ride”. Since joining, he’s performed many a pub gig and the band has recently spent a lot of time across Australia, New Zealand, and even South Africa.
“And we’re still going, can you believe?” he said.
“We can believe it," Taylor responded. "Every time you come here [New Zealand], your audience, both young and old, are right into it, singing along”.
When asked why he thinks this, Williams summed it up nicely.
“I think the songs speak for themselves, they’re kind of timeless. Well written, well crafted, really cool songs that every generation just keeps on attaching themselves to”.
He then elaborated on the nature and distinct age range of Dragon's audiences.
“There are 18-year-olds at the front as well as 80-year-olds.”
Taylor was amazed by this, questioning the logistics of it all, “How does it work?... Do you ever direct the security to nudge away the younger people getting a bit too close to the Zimmer frame?”
Between laughs, Williams responded, “No, the young ones are very respectful… sometimes”, adding, “it really is a lot of fun”.
Watch the full interview below to hear more about the music and life of Dragon, and get last-minute Pub Gig tickets here to be part of the fun.
