Sometimes, cynically, I wonder what might have happened if I’d abused drugs and alcohol more over my lifetime. Would this have given me level of notoriety, a credibility, a legendary status I’ve never really enjoyed?
Neither did I ever play any of New Zealand’s iconic pub venues. No one has fond memories of me rocking The Gluepot or the Kings Arms. In fact, while I loved many of bands who played there, I’m not sure I was ever even in the audience at these venues given my aversion to public places during my five seconds of fame.
Finally, there’s no chance you’re ever going the crowd singing my songs at the footy.
As shallow as this is going to sound, I’m a little bit envious of status many Kiwi musical heroes share in these respects. Especially, during Kiwi Music Month when legends are celebrated and remembered fondly and rightfully so. We all know who they are — these iconic bands and artists — and I’m as much of a fan of them as you are.
Their stripes are well deserved and hard earned. They persisted where I did not. They reaped what they sowed and so did I.
I only ever wanted to be a songwriter and when I segued into something else, I ran for the hills. I fled from fame and found anonymity just writing songs.
Decades later, that’s what I still do. And much to my surprise, I’m pretty sure I’m still writing good songs. In that sense l have been successful beyond my wildest expectations, the fact recording has become a hobby not a living, notwithstanding.
I now have a bagful of new songs and my mission is to find way for you hear them. Nothing new there — finding the right venue for what I do has always been a challenge.
Thinking back, (as you do at my age), my very first public appearance was in a coffee lounge — after the last picture show got out — playing for people who did not know me or my songs. Nevertheless, they listened and clapped and came back the following week for more and I don’t believe I was ever happier.
Something to ponder don’t you think?
Dylan doesn’t get sung at the footy either! Do you know what i did the morning after a raucous night of pub rock? Played something acoustic and thoughtful. You are very appreciated, John.
Jeff, are you related to Bruce Barton who ran Mascot Studios? I’m trying to find photos of him. I owe him so much and would like to include his image in a documantary that is made about me at present.
Hi John,, I was listening and enjoying your music when I was 15
I’m now 65 !! Still listening!!
Enjoying the mature John Hanlon, the voice as deep , and raw , as a freight train, a close comparison to Tom Waits!! A splendid sound!
And those observational songs
Love and longing. And time honoured experience of life.
Wonderful.
Thanks for the kind words, mate.
You played at my intermediate school around 1975 / 1976 … your first (ex?) wife at the time was my teacher. I found this blog as I was reminiscing about childhood memories. You were a ‘surprise guest’ during the height of ‘Lovely Lady’ popularity at an assembly. The memory remains a highlight of those awful pre-teen years!
Hi Bilinda, I remember that little concert. Sue was a teacher there and so was Pat Tetley who was to become her husband and my son’s stepfather. It was so long ago and they are still together. Nice memories. Thanks for saying hello, John
It is never too late to change. Hopefully for the better. I think you underestimate yourself. Read “Your erroneous zones” and you may feel differently, or think differently. Aloha.
Beyond the world of outer images and worldly promotions, your songs have touched the heart and soul, lifted spirit and spiritedness into the world and guided creative, sensitive and good feeling people. Songs like ‘Young At Heart’, ‘On A Hillside In The Rain’, ‘Knowing’ and ‘Rather Be A Bird’ will always be part of my journey, and stand with the very best internationally.
Thanks, Tony. Wonderful words. I will persist once I decide where and how best to do so.
John…….I hear you and understand how you may be feeling…..
Keep doing what you love…..stay in your passion zone…..
Looking back I never intended to get caught where I got caught and when I became aware of it I knew I had to get out….and I did and I’m glad I did….
I can handle a little self promotion because I’m good at what I do….but I can still sit under the radar and enjoy my chain sawing….hanging in the backyard…private times…..then come out with my music brothers and play live… I hope you find some places to play….Evan Silva.
Thanks Evan. The ‘pondering’ is contemplative as much as anything. More ‘What’s it all about?’ than ‘Woe is me”. I’m sure you understand.
Dear John. Your ‘ponder’ fills me with emotional joy! I attended an event at the Whangārei Town Hall with your brother Tj (Lester) back in the early 70s. You were the featured artist and possibly at your peak. The support act was an unknown band called Split Enz. An event that can never be replicated. I feel privileged to have experienced this journey with you. We know!
Hi Greg, if my memory serves me well, while I may have topped the bill (to use the parlance) I asked our managers to put Split Enz on after me. Having appeared with them at a few venues, I was well aware that no one, least of all me, could follow Split Enz. They were brilliant and they literally left a hole on stage that subsequent acts disappeared into.
Hi John,
Good call to go first!
It was a great gig and we were privileged to experience you live!
It is interesting that those who choose to abuse, then give up, seem to get more recognition for it than those who decline in the first instance.
With regards to your music, I remember ‘Dam the Dam’ but must have been nine when I first saw ‘Off The Edge’ and that stuck. I know it was probably a commercial thing but was infuriated you didn’t appear on ‘Natures Best’, when it claimed to be ‘Top 100 New Zealand Songs of All Time.’ Bollocks to them.
PS: Was also annoyed Microsoft took ‘Dam The Dam’ off me. Purchased your ‘After the dam broke’ via their music service. When they shut it down, they said you could download the tracks you had purchased but Dam the Dam (track 3) wasn’t there. All the other tracks were, and they claimed it had been withdrawn by the publisher (lies). In the end I got no file, just a small credit refund!
Hi Robin, I’d love to be able to advise you what to do about the Microsoft ‘Damn the Dam’ debacle. I have no idea what goes on in the cyber world when it comes to my music. Not sure how Microsoft is involved. Fact is, in earning terms, I’m a nobody in the the cyber world. Some services won’t even bother to pay the likes of me. Nevertheless, they do make it possible for people all around the world to stumble across my songs. So while I’m not making money I am making friends and that is gratifying in so many ways.
Hi John,
I still have your 1st 4 LPs on Vinyl!
I searched you on Spotify tonight at stupid o’clock while walking with my dog on New Brighton beach (Chch) and have relived Garden Fresh, Higher Trails and Use Your Eyes” while we walked in the cold clear night.
Am currently listening to Naked Truths, which I didn’t even know about until Spotify advised me. 😳
I love it! 🥰
Funnily enough, I drink at the Fox and Ferret Palms a bit and they have live music & I asked yesterday if the muso could play something of yours but he ironically had never heard of you. He does now! He is close to my age too. I was 60 this year.
Searched you on google and showed him who you are.
Some of your music will be played there in the future, I’m sure & added into his repetoir.
Also was talking to a new friend & told her about your music tonight.
So even if you don’t know it, you and your music are still very much alive in our lives and still being talked about.
For me, I hold you in the same esteem as Cat Stevens! & I am still extolling your beautiful music!
Dear John (no, this is not a Dear John letter!) when I’m fed up and disillusioned with the way the world is going despite all my high hopes back in the 60’s, I sit on my deck with a glass of Pinot Noir as the sun sets and listen to Lovely Lady, Get up and Dance, That Girl and Me and a few other songs, and for a little while I’m inside them and far away from what the world is becoming. So thanks for the music, keep it coming.
Wonderful you hear from you and even nicer to be made aware that you know songs of mine many don’t 🙂 Don’t worry, mate the songs are still coming. My pondering is more about what to do with them. How to leave them for posterity in the (perhaps futile) hope that somewhere down the road people will discover them.
Hello John, I was lucky enough to find you on Facebook, I have a letter that you wrote to me many years back and still have that letter. You mentioned that you went to work in Sydney at an advertising agency. Are you still working there? I wish you could do a small concert at the Odeon in Hobart or the Paladin in Franklin, not far from Hobart. Marcia Hines is singing there this weekend (15/2/25). I listen to all your songs all the time. Take care and hope to hear how you are doing. Regards Chris.