About This Footage
The grainy footage of Shihad's 1989 performance at the Blenheim Road Motor Inn in Christchurch is a time capsule of New Zealand's burgeoning heavy metal scene. Shot on a single camera, with sound captured by George from Soundman (now Soundpeople), this raw and unpolished clip is a rare gem that offers a glimpse into the band's early days.
At the time, Shihad was still in its formative years, consisting of Tom Larkin, Phil Knight, Jon Toogood, and Karl Kippenberger. The band would go on to achieve significant success, but this footage captures their raw energy and talent before they became household names. In 1989, Shihad won the award for Best New Zealand Heavy Metal Band at the Grunt Records and Video Specialists Hard Rock and Heavy Metal Awards, a testament to their dedication and hard work.
This performance of Slayer's "Mandatory Suicide" is particularly noteworthy, as it showcases the band's ability to pay homage to their influences while still forging their own unique sound. Shihad's take on the song is aggressive and intense, with Jon Toogood's vocals piercing through the mix. The crowd at the Blenheim Road Motor Inn is electric, singing along to every word.
What makes this footage even more significant is its rarity. Shot in 1989, it predates many of the band's subsequent performances and recordings. This clip offers a unique perspective on Shihad's early days, one that is often overlooked in favor of their later, more polished work. The fact that it has been preserved and shared online is a testament to the dedication of fans and archivists who seek to document and celebrate the history of New Zealand's music scene.
Watching this footage, viewers will be struck by the band's youthful energy and enthusiasm. Despite being just 16 years old at the time, Shihad was already making waves in the New Zealand heavy metal scene. Their performance is a testament to their talent and dedication, and serves as a reminder of the power of music to bring people together.
The Blenheim Road Motor Inn, where this footage was captured, holds a special place in the history of New Zealand's music scene. It was a hub for live performances and events, hosting some of the biggest names in heavy metal at the time. The fact that Shihad performed there, and that their performance has been preserved on film, is a testament to the significance of this venue.
This footage is not just a nostalgic trip back to 1989; it's also a reminder of the importance of preserving our musical heritage. As fans and archivists continue to uncover and share rare recordings like this one, we are reminded of the rich history that underpins New Zealand's music scene. Shihad's performance at the Blenheim Road Motor Inn is just one piece of this puzzle, but it's a vital one – offering a glimpse into the band's early days and the scene that nurtured them.
In conclusion, this footage of Shihad performing "Mandatory Suicide" in 1989 is a rare and significant find. It offers a unique perspective on the band's early days, and serves as a reminder of the power of music to bring people together. As we watch this grainy, raw performance, we are transported back to a time when heavy metal was still a burgeoning scene in New Zealand.
Curated from public records and music databases.
