Dunedin's Straitjacket Fits, led by frontman Shayne Carter are considered one of New Zealand's great rock bands. In 2005 - more than 10 years after they broke up - the band re-formed for a brief NZ tour and RNZ was lucky enough to record their performance at historic Dunedin venue Sammy's.
Straitjacket Fits at Sammy's in 2005 Photo: RNZ / Andre Upston
Between 1987 and 1994 Straitjacket Fits combined noise, pop and sexy angst into some unforgettable tunes. They were at the vanguard of a new wave of bands on Dunedin's Flying Nun record label.
By the 1990s, along with label-mates, The Chills, they were considered the most likely band to achieve mainstream success abroad. And they very nearly did, releasing three well-regarded albums and managing a stint with major American label Arista.
But it wasn't to be, and the band called it quits at the Big Day Out in 1994.
The legacy and influence of Straitjacket Fits (Shayne Carter, David Wood, John Collie, Mark Petersen, and formerly Andrew Brough) has only grown with time and they are acknowledged as one of the great New Zealand rock bands of the modern era.
Straitjacket Fits reformed in May 2005 for a brief tour. RNZ Music recorded the final triumphant homecoming gig at Sammy's in Dunedin - the classic venue reopened especially. Join us in the faded grandeur of this former theatre and pool hall to hear soaring atmospheric rock songs including She Speeds, Done, If I Were You, Dialling A Prayer & Life In One Chord.
