April 28 2009
Gig Preview: Tribute To Stephen Marsden of The Androidss
posted by Steven Shaw at 10:35 am
‘Auckland Tonight’/'Getting Jumpy’ 45 released in 1981, Steve Marsden second from left
Stephen Marsden, anarchic singer for late 70s Christchurch punk rock/new wave band The Androidss, sadly passed away in early March. Stephen wrote the anthemic “Auckland Tonight” and is fondly remembered by family, friends and fans with smiles and quite often an extraordinary tale or two.
This Saturday, Marsden will get a rock and roll send off at the Bacco Room in Auckland (under the Monte Cristo Room 51-53 Nelson Street City), featuring his friends The Androidss, The Spelling Mistakes, The Newmatics and Chris Matthews (and his Robot Monkey Orchestra). Admission is free (donations gladly received), doors open at 8pm with first band on at 9pm.
Mark Wilson formed the Androidss with Stephen and remembers him accordingly:
Raging at the Gresham Tavern with The Basket Cases when Zephyrs and Cortinas were polluting the atmosphere was cool but nothing compared to The Androidss! In 1978 the party hit the road! Stephen and Eric Marsden (identical twins), Mark and Neil Spence, Arthur Manawatu, Frank Stenjes, and myself threw together some tunes. Armed with pot, alcohol, guitars and attitude we created a repertoire of Iggy, Bowie, Mick Jagger, Lou Reed, Blondie, Magazine covers mixed with my eclectic soul searching originals. Arthur left so Steve and I fronted the band. Playing around Christchurch to small audiences soon led to us play support for NZ touring bands such as the Dudes, Toy Love and The Swingers. Iggy Pop (James Osterberg) himself saw us perform his songs at the British Hotel in Lyttelton. Stephen and I sat with him and drank whisky. The press quoted him to say “They’re tough as bitches but they’re beautiful!”
Next we headed for Auckland. Androidss suck! was the cry from local punks, skinheads and bootboys, fagends flicked in our faces as we forged our way into the Auckland scene. Shaving off to create a new image, we fitted into the punk scene and the arty new wave culture. This inspired Stephen to write ‘Auckland Tonight’! Packing out the Rhumba Bar, photos in magazines and posters catapulted our popularity and after touring back to Christchurch headlining gigs we recorded our one and only record. Stephens “Auckland Tonight” and my song “Getting Jumpy” went to #18 on NZ charts! Steve’s song was put to video for the popular show Droppa Kulcha! We had sort of made it! Living the Rock’nRoll lifestyle took its toll and we disbanded. The party was over. Mark split to London, I got married and the others stayed in Auckland, eventually coming back to Christchurch, except Steve whom lived the rest of his days devoted to his wife Andrea.
I am grateful to have had these experiences with Steve. His incredible enthusiasm and energy coupled with his humour gave me something to hang off; flanking him on his right with my guitar while he sang and I played my solos. I will never forget those times. Last year Stephen got up and sang with the new millenium Androidss. LiberateThe Androidss!
The Androidss, The Spelling Mistakes, The Newmatics and Chris Matthews (and his Robot Monkey Orchestra) — Toto Bacco Room, Nelson St, Auckland, Saturday 2nd May.