From Febuary 2012 thru May 2013, Lyttelton folk furies The Eastern played 173 shows around New Zealand and Australia. As has been their want over the past six years this was nothing new; touring, playing, driving, is just what they do. It’s the way they’ve kept the day jobs at bay and have managed to make a living singing songs for anyone who’ll listen. It’s this commitment to coming to play for old and new friends and fans alike that has seen them grow from a band of desperate chancers into one of New Zealands most loved and respected bands.
Their last album ‘Hope and Wire’ debuted at #11 in the national charts, climbed to #2 in the nz albums and stayed in the top ten for months after. It featured the apra silver scroll final five finalist song ‘State Houses by the River’ and became the inspiration for TV3’s upcoming Drama Series ‘Hope and Wire’ and was a finalist in the NZ country music album of the year awards. They‘ve played everywhere from Stewart Island to Kaikohe and have toured with Steve Earle, Old Crow Medicine show amongst others and have opened for Fleetwood Mac on their last NZ tour.
All of that’s well and good, but its on the road where The Eastern fall into their own, everything else comes secondary to the shows they play and the people they meet along the way. Its this attitude which has endeared them to the hearts of many in New Zealand and beyond.
Supposedly off the road for the rest of 2013 to record their new record (due February 2014), they decided to shake off the rust for a short jaunt around both islands. Playing a few choice spots seemed like a swell idea to try out some new songs before they knuckle down and finish the aforementioned platter.
Joining them on the first run of four shows will be NZ icon and Warratah’s frontman Barry Saunders. Barry needs little introduction, being considered one of the countrys foremost songwriters EVER and an old school road dog who is most at home sharing his formidable body of work with the good people of these shaky isles. Barry’s sure to play classics such as ‘Hands of my Heart’ as well as new Warratahs and solo tracks alike.
Finishing up the short tour will be Lyttelton comrade Lindon Puffin. A rabid tourer like The Eastern and a wiley raconteur in his own right. Puffin will be serving up new songs and ones from his previous three records. Saunders and Puffin are lively, sharp and master songwriters both so The Eastern are thrilled to be sharing these shows with ‘em!
