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Headrush

Headrush are Antony Pickard, Luke Smillie, Stephen McDaid and Andy Genge – the Christchurch based four piece covers band that powers through the hits, the dance grooves, and the songs you know and love! Want to hit the right note with your event? Provide some outstanding entertainment by experienced and quality professional musicians armed with an incredible repertoire. Headrush perform in all musical styles from the fifties to the future. With close to 100 years of combined performance, these players can tailor their show to suit your event: be it your wedding, party, corporate function, venue, or any public or private special occasion. All four multi-instrumentalists have a breadth of musical knowledge that spans the chart toppers, from country, soul, blues, jazz, progressive rock, soul, fusion and even pop. If your audience is discerning and deserving, put on a good show – arrange for Headrush to take care of the entertainment, it’s what they do well! Book Headrush; the Christchurch covers band for hire for corporate events entertainment, balls, conferences, parties and weddings.

Andy Genge - Guitar, Vocal                                                       One of the top blues based guitar players in the country, Andy is renown for his good ear and performance wisdom. If you want to see a top notch guitar player in your home town then come to see him work his magic onstage – his sense of groove and tone have made him the choice of guitarist for Midge Marsden, Annie Crummer, the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra, New Zealand festival events just for starters. He has a long history with Christchurch bands The Bubblemen, Studio 54. Andy is a member of the funk/groove band Oval Office, who have recently released their 2nd album in New Zealand and Japan. Andy is quick to adapt and deliver. Solid, slick and sharp, he is a masterful musician who inspires others with his innovative skill.

 

Antony Pickard – Lead Vocal, Guitar/Harmonica

 

With a potent blend of charisma and energy you can’t fail to be roused when you see Antony perform. His voice is effortless, and his background comprehensive. When Ant sings it could be to rock out, it could be to croon. With over twenty years of band performance in Aotearoa (Slam, Get Back with the Beatles, Kick, Kingpins) Ant also toured South East Asia on the Hyatt circuit for five years with band Ultra. An original writer on the side, Ant contracts singing for ads on radio and TV and is currently the voice of Les Mils. As a front man he is outstanding – his ability to judge a crowd, his versatility and dynamic onstage persona make him a silver tongued hit with audiences every time.

 

Stephen McDaid - Bass Guitar, Vocal                                                                                    Irish born Stephen first performed professionally in his Father’s country bands at the age of 12. Since becoming a resident of NZ in 2006 he has performed solo originals and with Christchurch-based acts such as Ariana Tikao, Crank, The Bubblemen, Good Company, The Elevators, Lincoln Drive, Unlimited Speed Zone, Carmel Courtney, and as guitarist for artists like Lisa Baxter. Before moving here he was involved (and still is) in the entertainment industry back in Ireland, playing as a solo artist and with a variety of original acts on both guitar and bass. He also works teaching, in sound and management, an in sound production for events. He is a highly skilled performance artist who straddles all styles of music and is currently recording his first solo album.

 

Luke Smilie - Drums, Percussion                                                                                “I like to groove” – pretty much sums up Mr Smilie. Luke has played for over 25 years both in Aotearoa and around the globe as sideman for Mary Coughlan, Oakley Grenell, Mark Vanilau. Luke is also a member Oval Office and Christchurch based reggae band One Drop Nation. A graduate of Christchurch’s Jazz School, Luke loves these roots but says he favours playing ‘everything’. The consummate professional, Luke is mellifluous, engaging, and has been described by fellow musicians as visionary.

 

Will Travel Throughout New Zealand

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