Ross France


Although Ross France’s name is not widely recognised in the annals of New Zealand music, his story winds through some of the most notable events, not only in our music but our politics and culture.

France grew up in Blenheim, and by the time he reached high school he was, “writing songs and getting little bands together to record them,” with himself on vocals. When he moved to Wellington to study law in 1973, the musical dream took shape.

Ross France, 2018.
Diatribe - Too Lazy EP (1983, Warrior)
Merata Mita and Diatribe - Treaty Song from the documentary Patu! (1983) about the 1981 Springbok tour protests
Merata Mita and Diatribe - Treaty Song.
The Storm touring party – and an unimpressed local – Botanic Gardens, Wellington, late 1974. Ross France centre in sunglasses.
Photo credit: Hilary Watson/Denis O’Reilly collection
Storm on tour, with Ross France standing on right, Botanic Gardens, Wellington, late 1974.
Photo credit: Hilary Watson/Denis O’Reilly collection
Diatribe, from left: Rafer Rautjoki, Ross France, John Berkley, Peter Kirkbride, Chris Whyte.
Diatribe, 1983: Ross France (lower left), Peter Kirkbride, Rafer Rautjoki, Chris Whyte, John Berkley.
Photo credit: Simon Grigg Collection
Seven Deadly Sins: Ross France, Wayne Baird, Fiona McDonald, Manu, Dennis “Choc” Tuwhare, John Scott, Rafer Rautjoki.
Herbs - Azania Come (1981) - written by Ross France
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Warrior Records

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