When The Cat’s Away headline Napier 150th Christmas Concert

Published: 15 October 2024

Last Updated: 30 October 2024

After months of planning, anticipation and rehearsals, the cat’s finally out of the bag!

Legendary female supergroup of the '80s, ‘When the Cat’s Away’, is making a triumphant return for a special one-off concert to mark Napier's 150th anniversary following the Harcourts Christmas Parade on Saturday, 7 December.

Best known for hits such as ‘Melting Pot’, ‘Free Ride’ and ‘Asian Paradise’ original band members, Debbie Harwood, Annie Crummer, Kim Willoughby and Dianne Swann, will light up the Soundshell for an unforgettable afternoon filled with nostalgia and all the iconic hits that defined a generation.

Vocalist and founding band member, Debbie Harwood, who is Napier born and bred, says it’s incredibly special for the band to come together for such a significant occasion, following the passing of their beloved band member, Margaret Urlich.

“I am so excited to be coming home for a rare When the Cat’s Away concert. It’s going to be a beautiful celebration and I couldn’t think of a better place and reason to perform,” Debbie says.

“Sadly, our dear friend Margy can’t be with us, but we’ll be singing for her too with a set list of much-loved songs including some of hers. When we walk on stage the crowd’s smiling faces bring us pure joy every time. I can’t wait for that feeling again – it’s magic!”

Like the cat that got the cream, Napier City Council Event Manager, Kevin Murphy, says he’s thrilled to welcome When the Cat’s Away back to Napier for their first concert in the Bay since the Mission Concert in 2008.

“This band has deep ties to our community, making their return especially fitting as we celebrate Napier’s 150th anniversary. Music has always been an essential part of Napier’s identity, and this commemoration wouldn’t be complete without a concert. I expect it will bring back great memories for a lot of people.”

When The Cats Away will be supported by a nine-piece band who, Debbie admits, is astounding in its own right.  Four of the players were in the original 80s line-up of When The Cat’s Away.

• Brett Adams – guitarist (The Mockers/Cat’s Away/Tim Finn)
• Gary Verberne – guitarist (DD Smash/Legionnaires/Cat’s Away)
• Barbara Griffin – keys (Holidaymakers/Cat’s Away))
• Mike Russell – trumpet (Netherworld Dancing Toys/ Midnight Oil/Cat’s Away)
• Nick Atkinson – saxophone (Supergroove)
• Anthony Grey - keys
• Hayden Wharewaka - drums
• Brinnie Nepia - bass
• Gail Tipene – backing vocals

The festivities will kick off at 2:30pm, featuring local bands Spitfires and Deep Fried Funk as the opening acts.

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