JOHN MICHAELZ – WALK ON WATER.
John was born in Motueka NZ in 1965 and moved to Iceland at age 5. His father was a travelling evangelist so it seemed natural that the first music he discovered was all gospel – Andre Crouch, Johnny Cash, Elvis, the Golden Gate Quartet, Mahalia Jackson,The Blind Boys of Alabama, Randy Stonehill and Larry Norman.
At age 13 he saw his first rock concert, Bubbi Morthens and the Outsiders, and the seeds of the future were sown. After that all he wanted to do was play music. Shortly afterwards he formed his first band, Exodus, which featured players who later joined singer Bjork and formed Iceland’s famous Sugarcubes.
By age 14 all John was listening to were the two Bobs, Marley and Dylan, particularly inspired by Bob Dylan’s recent conversion to Christianity. John’s brother Willy Hanssen was by that stage a well-known Gospel singer/songwriter, signed to the UK’s Pilgrim label. In 1981 he invited John to join his band as a drummer and at the tender age of 15 John toured Australia, England, Scotland, USA, and Iceland playing with Willy’s band.
In 1987 John relocated to New Zealand where he formed a band that was to leave a solid mark on the country’s blues/rock scene. Tauranga’s Hard To Handle toured relentlessly and released one album before disbanding in 1993. He then formed the Stone Babies who similarly released only one album in their brief 2 year span.
A stint in Auckland followed, singing with reggae/rock band Kosher. Their only single “The Weekend” received heavy airplay and television exposure, and charted in 2000.
John returned to Tauranga in 2001 and has since been working on his solo career. In 2005 he released his first solo album “Some Songs” and last year his old band Hard To Handle reformed to record and release a live album, “Live at the Colosseum”.
But a disillusionment with the music scene had led John back to his Christian roots and for the past two years he has been working on a new set of Gospel songs. To record this he assembled a special band of musicians from throughout his career.
The result is “Walk on Water” Co- produced by Derek Jacombs, of well-known blues band Kokomo, it features 10 new songs, including a duet – “In Your Arms” - with New Zealand icon Shona Laing. It is both an exuberant celebration of vibrant rock music and a deeply-held statement of faith.
Hey bruzzie:) got your phone message... haven't spoken to any of the boys but gave them texts... if they don't play with you at the gig, then thats me!! I'll finally get to jam wit ya! LOL Chur brother
John, Listened to your new album today. Great work you have done. Good songs and music production excellent. Well done! All the best for the future. God bless you Noel.
Hi John Thanks for being a friend! We're playing the Colosseum, Tauranga - Fri, July 17th Onstage 9pm $15 Entry.. hope you can make it! Best wishes, Si, Al, Derek :)
Hey John just heard about your album release on Sat.Would love to be there to see my all time favorite live band but alas we are playing a gig here in NP.will get Grant to get me a copy of the CD. You guys doing any other gigs-keen on one at the surfrider club down here? Ask Brilleaux about it. Best of luck Marcus.
MErry christmas. Hope u all have a great time. Give my brothers a big kiss and hug from me. Going to Canarie Island for the holidays. MmM coktails and tanning. They boys will be on Iceland with there dad so me and Jonbi decided to have some sun this christmas and fly to Las palmas....Hafdís Priscilla
Hey Burt Wonderful to make contact again, and thanks for the memories... ... I'll never forget how scary Oxford Street seemed after we'd seen "The Shining" together. hhhhhhhhhhhheeeeeeeerrrrrrrreeee'sss....TO THE 21ST CENTURY! Big love - Shona
Hiya sweetheart...still packing...move next fri, can't wait! Brand new house! with a lovely deck just made for drinking wine and eating on, you will have to come and visit and eat and drink with us!!
Am also looking forward to getting stuck into my album once the move is over...trace n bri just sooo cooooooool, love recording there...yours must be coming along?
Hi Nonni frændi hahhahahahahahahah ;) I have never heard that before ;) It..s so good to hear from you sorry about the late replay ;) Im not so good in replaying straight away ;) Um I havent met Bubbi after I came home from N.Z becaus Im not working at the same place were I saw him all the time but I will let him know when I do ;) Love u 2 and loved beaing with you guys in jan. Olli says hi ;) hug and kisses ;) Sara Natasha frænka ;)
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