Dragon: New Zealand's Pioneers of Antipodean Pop Rock

Dragon is a New Zealand-born rock band that became a cornerstone of the Australasian music scene. Their blend of new wave and pop rock produced a string of hits, achieving multi-platinum sales in Australia and New Zealand throughout the 1970s and 1980s.

Early career

Formed in Auckland in 1972, the band originally consisted of brothers Todd and Marc Hunter. They relocated to Australia in 1975, seeking a larger market for their evolving sound, which incorporated elements of progressive rock.

Breakthrough

Dragon's commercial breakthrough came with their 1975 album Scented Gardens for the Blind. Their major success, however, was solidified with the 1978 album Running Free, which spawned several hit singles and achieved significant chart success.

Key tracks

April Sun in Cuba - This 1977 single became Dragon's signature song, topping the Australian charts and achieving enduring classic status.

Are You Old Enough? - Another major chart-topper from 1978, this track further cemented the band's popularity across Australasia.

Rain - A standout track from their Running Free album, showcasing their polished pop rock craftsmanship.

Still in Love with You - A later-career hit from 1983 that demonstrated the band's continued relevance on the charts.

The band experienced a tragic setback with the death of guitarist Robert Taylor in 1985 but reformed in later years. Dragon's legacy is marked by their consistent ability to craft sophisticated pop rock anthems. Their music remains a fixture on classic rock and new wave playlists.

Fans of Dragon's melodic rock style also enjoy the work of similar Australasian artists. The music of Split Enz shares a similar art-rock and new wave sensibility. Midnight Oil represents another powerful, socially-conscious Australian rock act from the same era. The pop-rock craftsmanship of INXS also finds a parallel in Dragon's hook-driven songwriting.