Soundtrack to Your Studies - 1971

The University of Auckland’s Orientation celebrations included two of NZ’s hottest bands - The Underdogs and The Human Instinct. The Human Instinct were regulars at Granny’s nightclub, which had recently taken up the spot that once held Bo Peep. The owners had a private club upstairs (Granpa’s) which they hoped would allow them to sell liquor to members. Instead they were fined repeatedly over the following years until they were put out of business.

Another of the acts at Orientation was the Frank E Evans Lunchtime Entertainment Band, who were regulars at the Jumping Sunday happenings in Albert Park. The gatherings had originally come together in Myers Park to protest against the ongoing war in Vietnam, but they’d become so popular amongst the local hippies and politically-inspired youth that they’d moved to the larger venue (conveniently across from the university). These events inspired Radio Hauraki to put on their own run of concerts in the band rotunda.

The music wasn’t quite so cool at that year’s music awards. The big winner was pop singer Craig Scott for his song ‘Smiley,’ while Chapta won the group award for ‘Say A Prayer.’

This was also the year that Elton John played one of the first big international shows to be held at Western Springs. His album Madman Across The Water was one of the most popular of the year, boosted by the single ‘Tiny Dancer.’

What was on the turntable while you were on campus? Suggest songs to add to our 1970s playlist, and you could win $100 Flying Out voucher.