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Since 1979 the Herbs have produced a stream of affable reggae hits with some of the country's top talent. Between 1986 and '87 'Slice of Heaven', with Dave Dobbyn, reached #1 on both the New Zealand and Australian charts. In 1989, Tim Finn joined them for 'Parihaka', and in 1992 Annie Crummer fronted the huge hit 'See What Love Can Do'. The Herbs have also worked alongside UB40, Taj Mahal, Tina Turner, Neil Young and Stevie Wonder.
In the 1980s, and the first half of the 90s, The Herbs were considered to be the Kings of the South Pacific with ten Top 20 singles hits. Though infectiously upbeat, the Herbs' music has always been forthcoming in its messages. Their 1980 hit 'French Letter' (which spent 11 weeks on the charts) came to express the country's anti-nuclear stance - 14 years later it was re-recorded to garner support for the prevention of nuclear testing at Mururoa. Similarly, 'No Nukes', 'Nuclear Waste' and 'Light Of The Pacific' did as much for the national psyche as they did for popular radio. 'Long Ago' was a diverse album featuring tracks like 'On My Mind', 'Stolen Time', 'Repatriation' and 'Jah Reggae', all which had their own message. The album featured Carl Perkins (now Lead Vocalists for Super Reggae family group House Of Shem) who played percussion and co-wrote & sang some of the songs.
Herbs have recently finished touring Australia with Hamilton Based Reggae band Katchafire which was a success. The name & the sound of Herbs will never be forgotten in New zealand households. Even in 100 years it wont be too long ago.
Glen Moffatt has produced a page with more information on the Herbs.
Band Members:
Tony Fonoti
Spencer Fusimalohi
Fred Faleuoto
Dilworth Karaka
Carl Perkins
Tama Lundon
Jack Allen
Mori Watene
Willie Hona
Thom Nepia
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