Bowie's Waiata

In 1983 David Bowie was enjoying the biggest success of his career… The album “Let Dance” had gone to number one around the world and the subsequent “Serious Moonlight” tour was playing to huge, record breaking audiences. The show finally travelled down the South Pacific, reaching New Zealand in November 1983. Shortly before his first concert in Wellington, Bowie was invited to visit Takapuwahia Marae in Porirua (a sacred meeting place of the native Maori's). Becoming the first bonafide rock star to be officially welcomed onto a Maori Marae. 25 years later – members of the Ngati Toa tribe and professionals involved in the tour look back on the event that Bowie himself called…  “One of the most hospitable experiences of my life”… This documentary features a short exclusive song that Bowie wrote especially for the occasion entitled “Waiata” (a previously unheard original Bowie composition!) – as well as the reaction of Bowie backing singer Frank Simms after hearing a recording of the song played back to him for the first time in 25 years. Other contributors include legendary NZ music promoter Hugh Lynn, as well as Lenny Pickett, the musical director of “Saturday Night Live” in New York, who played saxophone on the Serious Moonlight tour. (Additional music written and recorded by Joff Winks www.joffwinksband.com )