For about nine months I’ve been playing in a band called Panther and the Zoo.

It’s been one the most reviving things that could have happened to me as a musician. When I started learning the songs, I realised that playing a good song in a band gives me the same excitement that I get playing a song I’ve written. It’s also given me a lot more confidence that I am, in fact, some sort of musician. I even get to play other instruments than the guitar at times.

Panther and the Zoo are releasing their album on August 29. I sang a little on it, but it’s really the work of Graham Panther, Hayden East, and John Parker - guys who have toured the world and have the class to show for it; guys I’m lucky to play with and that I’m learning from all the time. Bob Frisbee, who is a legend himself, produced the record in hands-on fashion. It sounds huge! No one can write a bridge as big as Graham can. If our song structures are an indication of the way we live our lives, Graham’s 50s are going to be bloody intense.

We’re going on tour to release the album, and Tono and the Finance Company are going to support. I finally get to feel how Bugs feels playing in all the bands on the line up - well almost..

Tour dates are here

Bugs is going to be on tour himself with Alizarin Lizard at this time, so I’m going to do something never done before - I’m going to bring the Auckland line-up to the South Island. It’ll be Hayden East on Bass, Jonathan Pearce on Guitar, Stu Harwood on Drums in Wellington and Auckland, and (because Stu can’t make the South Island shows), John Parker in Dunedin and Christchurch.

It’s going to be real interesting. Someone I suggested I call the traveling band Tono and the Receivers…hmm…