Brian Ringrose

Brian learnt most of his music on the flue, achieving all the grades and started on his Letters. The guitar seemed to be more fun and more lucrative thatn the flute, so took over.

Brian played in a few school bands then in a band called the Downbeats that eventually became Ray Columbus and the Invaders. Brian also played in a 1960s band called Dave Miller and the Byrds that had reasonable success in New Zealand.

On his return to Christchurch, Brian played in several pub and club bands, and was asked to join the band on the TV programme Opportunity Knocks. This started a 15-year association with television as a session musician working on such programmes as Opportunity Knocks, A Week Of It, McPhail and Gadsby, That's Country, Patry Rigger TV Series, Play School, Chatterbox, What Now and several telethons.

During the same period, Brian also became involved with writing radio and TV jingles and has produced more than 500 of these.

This led to some recording production and he has produced or worked on a large number of albums, mainly in the country field, for artists including: Barry Croft, Roger Tibbs, Noel Burns, Reg McTaggart, Suzanne Prentice (Gospel Album), Patsy Rigger (TVNZ Album), Trevor Dawe, Vicki Galloway, Tracy Gardyne, The Minstrel.

Brian has produced several albums, and received a gold disc for one "22 Golden Guitar Greats" for sales of over 50,000 units in New Zealand.

He has performed in many places overseas and was musical director for Tracey Gardyne for a trip to Charters Towers in Australia for a large country festival.

Brian was lead guitar for the backing band at the Gore Gold Guitars for 10 years, and has worked on several sound tracks for corporate and tourist videos.

Currently Brian works in the corporate world doing floor shows and after dinner spots/dances etc. He does a lot of concerts for various clubs, including Lions, Rotary and Country Clubs. He also does a bit of public speaking.

Brian also has a business with Tessa Grigg producing music for pre-school children. He has written or recorded more than 600 songs for this market, including more than 30 albums. The music and ideas are exported all over the world.

While this is a niche market, their sales so far are well in excess of 250,000 units, a feat he never achieved in the country or pop world!

Brian has recently been presented with an award for services to the music industry over the last 50 years by a Christchurch festival celebrating 50 years of Rock and Roll.

He is having his hands in concrete at Gore Gold Guitar this year as recognition for his involvement in country music as a performer and recording producer.

He has also just released his album called “Now and Then”. Copies will be available at the festival.