Hoi Polloi

About Hoi Polloi from Auckland

Originally known as Jamboree and releasing a critically-acclaimed 12” EP ‘Independence Day’ in 1986, the band changed it’s name to Hoi Polloi in 1988 when Jenny Gullen replaced original vocalist Brent Tasker. In the late ‘80s, Hoi Polloi became one of New Zealand’s most progressive bands, rapidly building a name for itself on the live circuit. The NZ Herald called Hoi Polloi “one of NZ’s more talented mainstream (sic) bands”.

In 1990 Hoi Polloi were invited to perform at the Cornerstone Music Festival in the U.S. The performance was deemed the “hit” of the festival, and set off an underground buzz among rock aficionados and a signing frenzy among record companies.

In 1991, Hoi Polloi signed with crossover label Reunion Records, becoming the first NZ band to sign such a deal and breaking new ground for New Zealand artists.

An intended six-month stint in the US in 1992 to promote their debut album became a five year stay, with a rigorous touring schedule with gigs in small clubs like CBGB’s to large festivals and audiences of up to 50,000.

Hoi Polloi released two more albums - Spin Me and Happy Ever After which both generated top ten singles and MTV play.

In 1994, David Ball and Jozsef Fityus returned to NZ and Scotty Pearson (ex-P.D. Corp drummer and later of Elemeno P) joined on drums, with American Troy Daughterty on lead guitar.

Family reasons forced Hoi Polloi to disband and returned to NZ in early 1997.

Reformed in 2010 for reunion gigs.