Spotlight on... with Janne GuitarGirl

Now living in Tauranga, Les Robinson has his own company. DHL Groove Ltd supplies musical and entertainment services and equipment, as well as qualified legal and business management advice for musicians that want to get serious.

Les remembers being encouraged by teacher Nigel Ogle, who formed a band with the kids to play at school socials in his home town in Taranaki.

This gave Les the opportunity to learn to play drums, percussion, guitar, bass and harmonica.

A few years later, Les formed a band called The Nod.

They recorded three albums in New Plymouth, and were the support act for both Dr Feelgood and Jimmy Barnes.

In 1992, after releasing their album Thirsty Work, The Nod were the support act for Iron Maiden at the Logan Campbell Centre.

They had a dressing room next door, and their witty roadie hung up a sign that read: '668, The Neighbour of The Beast” on their door.

Iron Maiden loved it!

Les also played in covers band Wishing Well, which had a residency in New Plymouth for eight years.

He remembers busking at Cuba Mall in Wellington in the early 80s. A guy walked past with a camera on his shoulder, and another carrying lights, and said they were with Radio With Pictures.

A few months later, Les got a call from a mate who told him he was on TV, and when asked: 'are you sure it was me?” the reply was: 'I know it was you, cause you were wearing my jacket!”

Les now performs with Apollo Steam Train, who will play at Imbibe on Saturday, March 10, to celebrate the release of their latest single Brain Bell Jangler.