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Information About

Dave Dobbyn




  Img DaveDobby-Loyal-shotjpg
  Img Capt Dobbyn during the ''Loyal'' era
  Background solo_singer
  Birth Name David Joseph Dobbyn
  Origin New Zealand
  Instrument Vocals , Guitar , Piano
  Genre Pop , Rock
  Occupation Singer , Songwriter
  Years Active 1979-present
  Label Warner Music <br> Epic Records <br> Sony BMG
  Associated Acts Th'Dudes <br> DD Smash
  URL http://wwwdavedobbynconz


Dave Dobbyn (born January 3 , 1957 ) is a Musician , singer-songwriter and record producer from New Zealand .


TH' DUDES

Dobbyn's first success came with a band, Th'Dudes , which he formed while still in school. Their hit ''Be Mine Tonight'' won single of the year in 1979 in New Zealand, while singles ''Walking in Light'' and ''Bliss'' became popular anthems.


DD SMASH

After Th'Dudes folded, Dobbyn formed DD Smash , and had a number of hit singles during the 1980s, including ''Devil you Know'', ''Outlook for Thursday'', ''Magic (What She Do)'' and ''Whaling''.


SOLO CAREER

When DD Smash folded, Dobbyn began a successful solo career, first writing the music for the '''' and '' Slice Of Heaven ''. After the release of the film, ''Slice of Heaven'' became Dobbyn's best-known song, frequently used in tourism advertisements aired on Australian television which encouraged people to go to New Zealand as a holiday destination. As a result, many Australians jokingly referred to the song as the New Zealand National Anthem .

Since 1988 Dobbyn has released 6 solo-albums and a compilation, including the hit song ''Loyal'' (1988) which became the tongue-in-cheek anthem for Team New Zealand's failed 2003 America's Cup defence. He has also produced albums for Grant McLennan and has contributed on albums by, amongst others, Jenny Morris , Gyan and Bic Runga . He also went touring with Runga and Tim Finn , and a live album, ''Together in Concert'', was released in 2000.

Dobbyn's most recent album, Available Light , released in 2005, received popular and critical acclaim.


PERSONAL LIFE

Dobbyn has a history of Alcoholism , but no longer drinks and has become a born-again Christian . Dobbyn has, for most of his career, been happily married to long time sweetheart Anneliesje, with whom he has two children Grace and Eli.


CONTROVERSY

In December 1984, DD Smash were playing an outdoor concert in , New Zealand Ministry For Culture And Heritage )

In 2005 , Dobbyn performed the lead single from Available Light , 'Welcome Home' at the New Zealand Music Awards awards ceremony. During the performance, Ahmed Zaoui , an alleged terrorist (albeit not convicted of such in New Zealand), appeared on stage with Dobbyn.
Zaoui sings with Dobbyn (from News Talk ZB news story, dated 2006-10-6


AWARDS AND ACCOLADES

At the 2001 New Zealand Music Awards Dobbyn won a Lifetime Achievement Award . In 2005 and 2006 he won "Songwriter Of The Year" and "Best Male Solo Artist" respectively, both for his work on Available Light.

Ten songs written by Dave Dobbyn appeared in New Zealand's Top 100 songs (the Nature's Best series) as voted by APRA members. These were:
  • 3: Dave Dobbyn - ''Loyal''

  • 7: Dave Dobbyn with Herbs - ''Slice of Heaven''

  • 12: DD Smash - ''Whaling''

  • 27: Th' Dudes - ''Be Mine Tonight''

  • 29: Dave Dobbyn - ''Beside You''

  • 31: DD Smash - ''Outlook For Thursday''

  • 35: Dave Dobyyn - ''Language''

  • 50: Th' Dudes - ''Bliss''

  • 70: Dave Dobbyn - ''You Oughta Be In Love''

  • 100: Dave Dobbyn - ''Naked Flame''



DISCOGRAPHY


Singles



REFERENCES



EXTERNAL LINKS