The Blerta Years

The band Blerta began in the 1970s and included some of the country's most talented people. This documentary charts their history as they led a revolutionary charge in culturally challenged NZ

Produced and presented by Keith Newman

A podcast cover for "The Blerta Years" with a black and white photo of a group of musisians, standing in front of a wall. It has blue top and bottom margins.

RNZ exclusive

This podcast is only available on the RNZ website and apps, ad‑free and uninterrupted.

BLERTA is Coming

All episodes:

BLERTA is Coming

Episode 1
In the summer of 1971 the nation was plastered with brightly coloured posters announcing 'BLERTA is coming'. Who or what BLERTA was remained unclear until an antique bus covered in psychedelic images and an entourage of up to 50 minstrels and multimedia pioneers trundled into town.
BLERTA kids show at Pukekura Park, New Plymouth on the first North Island tour, 1972. Corben Simpson (vocals), Bruno Lawrence (drums), Alan Moon (hammond organ), Beaver vocals and Chris Seresin keyboards.

Chaos in Christchurch

Episode 2
BLERTA, a madcap merging of rock and jazz musicians, actors, film makers and cultural revolutionaries was determined to offload its shock troops on the population of New Zealand at the dawn of the '70s.
BLERTA’s lead singer Corben Simpson on the first national tour, 1971.

Dance All Around the World

Episode 3
With Dance All Around the World becoming a Kiwi anthem and the hippy entourage of musicians, actors, movie makers and cultural revolutionaries criss-crossing the country with their wildly anarchic stage shows, the BLERTA phenomenon was well established in the nation's psyche.
Episode image

This is the Life

Episode 4
After a two year break from New Zealand BLERTA, Bruno Lawrence's Electric Revelation and Travelling Apparition, headed home to the Waimarama commune to prepare the best they had to offer for the final tours.

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