About This Footage
New Zealand's 1989 Heavy Metal Scene: A Glimpse into Shihad's Formative Years
The dusty, dimly lit corridors of the Blenheim Road Motor Inn in Christchurch are where history was made on a fateful evening in 1989. This footage, "SHIHAD-SET_1-PART_1-1989", is an unvarnished look at Shihad's nascent days as they took to the stage for the Grunt Records and Video Specialists Hard Rock and Heavy Metal Awards. The band, consisting of Tom Larkin, Phil Knight, and Jon Toogood, was still in its infancy, with Karl Kippenberger joining the lineup a mere two years later.
At 16 years old, these fledgling musicians were already making waves in New Zealand's heavy metal scene. Their win for Best New Zealand Heavy Metal band that year was a testament to their raw talent and dedication. This footage serves as a poignant reminder of the formative years of a band that would go on to achieve significant success. Shihad's evolution from an underground phenomenon to a household name is well-documented, but this clip offers a rare glimpse into the early days.
The production values may seem dated by today's standards, but the energy and enthusiasm emanating from the stage are palpable. The camerawork, handled by Senior Cameraman Mike Symes, captures the intensity of the performance with a mix of close-ups and wide shots. Directed and produced by Paul Sparkes for Video Specialists, this footage is a time capsule that encapsulates the spirit of New Zealand's 1989 heavy metal scene.
What makes this clip truly remarkable is its rarity. As noted in the YouTube description, it was previously unreleased, making it an exclusive find for fans of Shihad and enthusiasts of the genre. The fact that it has been unearthed and made available to a wider audience is a testament to the power of archival footage in preserving musical history.
Viewers will be struck by the band's youthful exuberance as they tear through their setlist with reckless abandon. The sound, handled by George from Soundman (now Soundpeople), is clear and crisp, allowing the listener to fully immerse themselves in the performance. This clip serves as a reminder that even at the earliest stages of their career, Shihad was already making waves in the New Zealand music scene.
As we watch this footage, it's impossible not to wonder what the future held for these young musicians. Would they continue to push the boundaries of heavy metal, or would they evolve into something entirely new? The answer, of course, is both – Shihad went on to achieve significant success in the years that followed, experimenting with different sounds and styles.
This clip is more than just a nostalgic trip down memory lane; it's a testament to the enduring power of music to transcend time and circumstance. Even as the world around them was changing, Shihad remained committed to their craft, pouring their hearts and souls into every performance. As we watch this footage, we're reminded that even in the most formative years, the seeds of greatness are often sown.
The Blenheim Road Motor Inn, once a hub for live music in Christchurch, has long since faded from the spotlight. But thanks to this clip, its legacy lives on – a reminder of the raw energy and unbridled enthusiasm that defined Shihad's early days. As we watch this footage, we're transported back to a time when heavy metal was still an underground phenomenon, and Shihad was just beginning their journey towards stardom.
Curated from public records and music databases.
