Getting a buzz on

Growing up in rural New Zealand in the 1960s as a young man there wasn’t much to do other than drink beer, play music, and kick back with the boys. But Gulf Rise resident Dave Clark wouldn’t have it any other way.

“The ’60s was an incredibly fun decade. Coming from a small, tight-knit community in Te Aroha, everyone knew each other and bonded over the legends of our time; The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Who and Cliff Richards.”

“I knew early on, I had to be part of the music world.”

Joining his first band at 17 years old on bass guitar, Dave went on to form and play for several bands, going professional with Sons and Lovers, before continuing his career as a radio technician.

“It was always my hope to hit the big time. Joining Sons and Lovers was an amazing opportunity to play at a professional level and pursue my dream.

“It was very rock and roll, sleeping all day and staying up all night.”

These days, Dave and his band The Heartbeats enjoy jamming to a slower beat.

“We play at local RSA’s and to line dancing and rock and roll clubs. A highlight last year was playing at Waitākere Gardens Village to residents on New Year’s Eve.”

“My love for the stage has never waned over the years. I get a real buzz out of performing for a live audience. It can be quite addictive.”

And at 78, Dave isn’t ready to put his guitar down just yet.

“As you get older, it takes a toll physically, but I hope to keep playing for as long as I can. We’ve committed to another New Year’s Eve gig at Waitakere Gardens, so I’ll have to keep going until then, at least!”