The Blerta Years
Part 1- BLERTA is coming
In the summer of 1971 the nation was plastered with brightly coloured posters announcing 'BLERTA is coming'; who or what BLERTA was remained unclear until an antique bus covered in psychedelic images and an entourage of up to 50 minstrels and multimedia pioneers trundled into town.
It was 35-years ago that BLERTA (Bruno Lawrence's Electric Revelation and Travelling Apparition), set off down the highways and by-ways of culturally challenged New Zealand with their own brand of theatrical rock and legendary kids shows.
- 09:01 Part 1 - BLERTA is coming
In the summer of 1971 the nation was plastered with brightly coloured posters announcing 'BLERTA is coming'; who or what BLERTA was remained unclear until an antique bus covered in psychedelic images and an entourage of up to 50 minstrels and multimedia pioneers trundled into town. (19′55″)
- Download: Ogg Vorbis MP3 | Embed
Voices in this programme: Producer/presenter Keith Newman, Veronica Lawrence, Corben Simpson, Tony Littlejohn, Bill Gruer, Geoff Murphy, Kemp Turirangi, Beverly Morrison A.K.A. Beaver.
BLERTA kids show at Pukekura Park, New Plymouth on the first North Island tour, 1972. Corben Simpson (vocals), Bruno Lawrence (drums), Alan Moon (hammond organ), Beaver vocals and Chris Seresin keyboards. Photo by Helen Whiteford.
Information
BLERTA was formed 35 years ago and included some of the country's most talented musicians, actors, film makers, lighting technicians and their families. This documentary charts their history as they led a revolutionary charge in culturally challenged New Zealand.
Researched, produced and presented by Keith Newman with sound design by Jeremy Ansell for Radio New Zealand National.
Coming up on National
- Best-selling author of young adult novels John Green talks to Kathryn Ryan about his life as “Professional Person of the Internet”, in Nine To Noon
- For now the military has relinquished its hold on politics and the police officers have retreated to their barracks; Egypt's challenge in Windows on the World
Secondary Navigation and Search
Search
Section Menu
The Blerta Years
Audio Library
There are 4 audio items in the programme library
