The Politicians
The Politicians were a rock/new wave/reggae band formed in Tokoroa,Waikato, New Zealand in March 1981. Two of their singles were played on various radio and television shows, including Shazam and Radio with Pictures. They toured New Zealand for 5 years playing the pub circuit. They were managed by Alan Judd and Associates who also managed Hamilton bands The Bronx and Echoes. When Tim Armstrong left the band in may 1986 he went on to found The Kiwi Bandits. And The Tim Armstrong band. Which played at Zaks nitepub then later Roxoff in Hamilton New Zealand. The Politicians continued for almost another 10 years playing resident at Shakes(Lady Hamilton) niteclub in Hamilton with Ian Jeffries taking the lead vocal role. Wa Kupa (Bass)now resides in Wairoa/Hawkes bay and Doug Pepperell is now in Perth Australia. Campbell hapi(Bass) is playing gigs around South east Asia. Paul VanWearing (guitar/keys) is teaching music and Guitar in Hamilton. Ian Jefferies still does gigs and is now a Car Salesman while Jeff Downey runs his own company in the Waikato Downey Construction. Adrian Ellis continues his Music career and is working on a video company. Tim Armstrong band is still gigging and has released several albums and singles. Grantham street (single) was released in 1993. Wondering Why solo album by Tim Armstrong band released in 1995 on Hark Records. Band members Tim Armstrong (guitar/vocals) Wa Kupa (bass)(1981-1984) Doug Pepperell (drums)(1981-1982) Paul van Wearing (guitar/keyboard)(1983-1990s) Campbell Hapi (bass) (1984-1986) Jeff Downey (drums) (1985-1990s) Paul Alderton (drums) (1982-1985) Donna Armstrong (keyboards) (1984-1986) Adrian Ellis(Bass) (1986-1990) Ian Jeffries (guitar) (1986-1990) Alan Judd (management)(1982-1986) Paul krippner(sound technician) Kevin Popperwell (lights) other members: Liam ryan/Lance Healey/Corrilyn Steele/Warren Williams. Singles: 1984 Down In Baghdad/Looking for you - - 1985 Energy/Polar bear other Politician songs included: Englishman/Gondala lover/Teacher teacher/Shift worker/Dine and Dancing/Puppet people/Arabian girl/Licence/Oh lisa/ Ufos/Relationships/Hongkong/Love or lust. and many more!
Members
- Tim Armstrong (guitar/vocals) 1981-1986
- Wa Kupa (bass) 1981-1984
- Doug Pepperell (drums) 1981-1982
- Paul Alderton (drums) 1981-1984
- Paul VanWearing (guitar/vocals) 1982-1992
- Campbell Hapi (bass) 1984-1985
- Jeff Downey (1984-1990)(drums)
- Donna Armstrong (1984-1985)
- Adrian Ellis (bass) 1986
- Ian Jefferies (guitar/vocals)1986-1990
Releases
- Down in Baghdad single, 1984
- Energy single, 1985
