Dobbyn to play Kiwi landmark
by Sam Mickell
Kiwi icon Dave Dobbyn will perform for guests inside New Zealand’s giant rugby ball at the upcoming Rugby World Cup.
Dobbyn’s ballads have become so synonymous with kiwi culture he is regarded a living and breathing national treasure.
His melodies have charmed and inspired kiwi audiences for over 25 years and he has enjoyed success as both a member of a band and a solo artist. Dobbyn formed his first band th’dudes while still in high school, and their hit be mine tonight won single of the year inNew Zealand in 1979.
When th’dudes split, Dobbyn went on to form DD Smash in the early 80’s and the hits kept on coming.
After they disbanded in 1985, Dobbyn forged a successful career as a solo artist. His 1985 hit Slice of Heaven was used in tourism advertisements in the eighties to entice Australians to New Zealand.
When New Zealanders were asked to name their top 30 songs of all time, five of Dobbyn’s songs made the cut. In 2001 he was presented with a rare lifetime achievement award by the New Zealand recording industry.
Despite success at home, Dobbyn hasn’t managed to break past the Australasian market.
Dobbyn will be joining Kiwi singers Hayley Westenra, Hinewehi Mohi and Hollie Smith playing for select guests inside the giant rugby ball venue under the Eiffel tower for the world cup.