PETER SOWDEN – Drums

Peter began his music career while still at high school by forming his own band with several school friends and playing the ‘supper extras’ at various dance halls around Christchurch. He quickly became recognised for his drumming ability and in 1956, the year that rock and roll music first reached these shores, Peter was approached by Max Merritt who was putting together a band ( The Meteors) to play at the Christchurch Teenage Club being set up by Max’s parents and local entrepreneur Trevor King. Max Merritt and the Meteors quickly became one of New Zealand’s leading rock and roll groups with their own radio show and a recording contract and toured the country extensively, playing the theatre circuit and at major rock and roll events. The Meteors were to go through several personnel changes over the next few years before settling on the stellar line up of Max – lead guitar and vocals, Peter – drums, Billy Kristian – bass and Peter Williams – rhythm guitar. The group’s success continued and in 1962 they were offered the residency at the new Top Twenty nightclub in Auckland. It was at this stage that Peter decided to leave the band and focus on his ‘day job’.

 It wasn’t long however before he was lured back to the music scene to play with Dave Millar and the Playboys, the resident group at the popular Christchurch dance hall the Laredo Lounge and then formed his band Peter Sowden and the Embers for a season at the newly opened Safari night club.

In 2005, after a hiatus of almost 40 years, Peter teamed up with former Ray Columbus and the Invaders guitarist Brian Ringrose and formed ABOUT TIME  with Trevor Wright – bass, Jim Phillips – saxophones, Don Mills – keyboards and a group of leading New Zealand vocalists who include Peter Williams (the Meteors), Norm Bland (Village Gate), Kelly Ensor and Pat Kearns.

ABOUT TIME mainly performs at private and corporate events as well as at their hugely popular ROCKIN’ IS OUR BUSINESS dance parties.

Career highlights – too many to mention!