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Herbs founded
Herbs was formed by Toni Fonoti (vocals/percussion), Spencer Fusimalohi (lead guitar/vocals), Fred Faleauto (drums/vocals), and Dilworth Karaka (guitar/vocals). Other members included Dave Pou (bass guitar), Phil Toms (bass guitar), and John Berkley (bass guitar). -
What’s Be Happen? released
What's Be Happen? was the first project Herbs released on Warrior Records in July before the controversial Springbok tour began. It features six original tracks, and the lyrics center around political and social issues such as apartheid and colonialism. The cover is a photograph of police confronting protesters and occupiers at Bastion Point in 1978. This article contains a dissection of the political nature of the lyrics. -
1981 Sweetwaters Music Festival
Herbs performed at Sweetwaters Music Festival in Ngāruawāhia. They sang a cover of "96° in the Shade" by Third World. -
Opened for Stevie Wonder
The band opened for Stevie Wonder at a Western Springs Concert. Over the years, the group toured with and opened for many famous acts, including Tina Turner, Neil Young, and UB40. (Photo of the band members at the time of opening for Stevie Wonder) -
Light of the Pacific released
Light of the Pacific was the second project released by Herbs, again on Warrior Records. The album features seven tracks, and one of it's most popular songs, "French Letter", was known for its anti-nuclear messaging. -
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Pacific Tour
Herbs played a short stint of shows in Tonga and Fiji. -
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Light of the Pacific Album Tour
Following the release of Light of the Pacific, the band embarked on a tour of towns and cities across Aotearoa, beginning in Hillsborough Tavern and finishing in Mt. Maunganui. -
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Pacific Asian Tour
Herbs went back on tour and played shows in Tahiti, Tonga, Papa New Guinea, Hong Kong, and Japan. -
Long Ago released
This eleven-track album was released by Warrior Records. It peaked to 39 in the charts upon its release. -
Queen Street Riot
Herbs played at the end-of-schoolyear concert that is known today as the Queen Street Riot. (This is the original poster for the concert) -
"Slice of Heaven" released
"Slice of Heaven", written by Dave Dobbyn for Footroot Flats: The Dog's Tale, featured Herbs on backing vocals. The song became very popular, and it is known today as an iconic New Zealand song. Dobbyn asked Herbs to provide backing vocals after hearing them play at the Queen Street Riot. (Photo is Dave Dobbyn and Herbs performing the song for a music video) -
Sensitive to a Smile released
Sensitive to a Smile was once again released on Warrior Records. It contains fifteen tracks, and "French Letter" appears once again as a song. -
"Parihaka" with Tim Finn released
"Parihaka" was written by Tim Finn and was released on his eponymous album. He wrote it after reading a book about the destruction of the village of Parihaka by military forces after they were peacefully protesting. Herbs features on the song with accompaniment and vocals. (Photo is Tim Finn with Herbs in 1983) -
Involvement with Shrimp on the Barbie
Herbs played a band in the movie Shrimp on the Barbie, and they performed "Mañana" by Peggy Lee and "Listen" from Sensitive to a Smile. -
Homegrown released
Homegrown was released with Tribal Records. It was recorded with Joe Walsh, who was a member of the America band Eagles. Due to Walsh's influence, the album features less of the reggae sound that the band was previously known for. -
"See What Love Can Do" with Annie Crummer released
This song was a cover of Eric Clapton's "See What Love Can Do", and Herbs member Charlie Tumahai sings along with Annie Crummer. It was a single for her first album, Language. -
"Till We Kissed" with Ray Columbus released
This song was originally released by Ray Columbus and the Invaders in 1965, but it's featured on Herbs Best of album and is once again evidence of Herbs' collaborative tendencies. -
13 Years of Herbs: The Best Of released
This album, released by Warner Music New Zealand, features eighteen of Herbs' most popular songs, including "French Letter" and "Slice of Heaven" with Dave Dobbyn.