Al Hunter


After over a decade making a name for himself in Auckland clubs as a singer of blues, R&B, and rock and roll, Al Hunter made a crucial decision. In 1980 he decided to devote himself to his first love, country music.

It may not have seemed a good career move at the time, when post-punk bands were filling inner-city venues. But by staying true to his instincts, Hunter became one of New Zealand’s most respected singers. 

I Dont Wanna Go to Work Today
Al Hunter performing Neon Cowboy on Episode 2 of Dixie Chicken (1987)
Al Hunter and Jodi Vaughan performing on Episode 2 of Dixie Chicken
The Singer (1993)
Cruise Lane and backing choir in the band room at the Embers, 1972. Left to right, Paul Lee, Shirley Hunter, Claude Radics, Kaye Wolfgramm, Peter Kershaw, Tony Pilcher, Josie Rika (front), Al Hunter, Pauline.
Photo credit: Peter Kershaw collection
Gary's Song - live on 23 August 2013 at The Old Lodge Hall, Hokitika
Al Hunter on the South Island's West Coast with Auckland-based, US-born pedal-steel guitarist Glenn R Campbell, touring with the Warratahs, Winter 1993
Photo credit: Photo by Chris Bourke
Ian Morris and Al Hunter, 1989
Photo credit: Photo by Chris Bourke
Al Hunter at The Gluepot, October 1992
Photo credit: Photo by Alan Fon
Pagan publicity photo
The Al Hunter Band on the set of Saturday Live, late 1980s. Left to right: Red McKelvie, Bruce King, Al Hunter, Cath Newhook, Alastair Dougal
Al Hunter
Cold Hard Winter (1997)
Al Hunter Band performing Going Up the Country, live at the Gluepot, 1990s.
Chapeaux, as pictured in Hot Licks, March 1974. Al Hunter at left. 
The Al Hunter Band on the set of Saturday Live, late 1980s. Left to right: Red McKelvie, Al Hunter, Bruce King, Cath Newhook, Alastair Dougal.
Al Hunter wins award for Best Country album at the 1994 NZ Music Awards for The Singer
The 1987 album Neon Cowboy
Al Hunter, 2001
Bryan Staff, Chris Bourke, Al Hunter and CBS Records' Tony Smith in the late 1980s
Photo credit: Photo by Murray Cammick
Cruise Lane in the Embers courtyard, 1972. Left to right, Paul Lee, Peter Kershaw, Tony Pilcher, Al Hunter, Kaye Wolfgramm, Claude Radics.
Photo credit: Al Hunter collection
Al at the 2001 APRA Silver Scrolls
Al Hunter
Al Hunter, Dave Dobbyn and Alastair Dougal at the Rip It Up 100th issue party, October 1985
Photo credit: Photo by Murray Cammick
Publicity shot for Neon Cowboy, 1987
In the late 1980s the Al Hunter Band takes shape in the Shakespeare Tavern, Auckland. From 1989, with Bruce King on drums, they would hold court at the King's Arms. From left: Cath Newhook, Alastair Dougal, Red McKelvie (front) and Al Hunter.
Photo credit: Simon Grigg collection
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