As most of you will know Chris Knox suffered a debilitating stroke in June this year. Monday marks the release of a remarkable album of re-recorded Knox songs entitled, in the direct fashion Chris favours, Stroke. It features a galaxy of alternative music stars from here and overseas. Graham Reid has already reviewed it here, and it sounds fantastic.
This post is to encourage you to buy the album, which will be in stores on Monday, but you can order it now through this great new site dedicated to Chris. If you are in Auckland go along to the launch nextFriday which will be a stellar night. All proceeds from the album and the gig go to supporting Chris and his family.
Its a tough job to place Chris in the New Zealand cultural landscape- but if I can be so bold to say he is the father of alternative music and a talented songwriter and cutting edge low-fi guru, who ambled into mainstream consciousness via TV roles and a loaf of bread (well, more importantly THAT song and its connection to a loaf of bread).
But more than that Chris is a guy who has helped so many people- be it to play or record music or to follow their other artistic dreams. The picture above comes from when he played at my civil union earlier in the year. It was an hilarious performance that had fans and confused relatives alike laughing and singing along.
Here’s a chance for everyone to give a bit back to Chris when he needs your help. To add to the videos and messages that are coming along- here is another kind of tribute. Chris’ song Its Love was used by Heineken for a beer commercial last year, and it created a whole other kind of video tribute. I am not sure who this guy is, but he gets it. Enjoy.
Congratulations on your civil union! I once saw him live, lovely man, the crowd enjoyed it. I think I’ll buy his album.
Awesome, can’t wait to hear the album.
Of course Chris began his music career in Dunedin as the frontman for The Enemy. Showing my age a bit, I was a devotee and still treasure a badge he gave me with “who’s at the bottom of your swimming pool” written on it (work it out for yourself). That was during my punk phase.
Chris is still considered a legend in Dunedin. I’ll be buying the album and though I can’t be at the launch, I’ll be there in spirit.
Oh, and NZ On Screen’s Chris Knox Collection is very cool (as is their Norman Kirk vid).