Spotlight on... with Janne GuitarGirl

I first saw Tim perform a few years back when he had a gig in Tauranga and I was immediately impressed by his smooth vocal performance and his masterful playing of the guitar.

So I was not surprised to learn that English-born Tim has lived in New Zealand for most of his life and did his first gig in Tokoroa when he was only 13.

He played in the Waikato band 'The Politicians' before fronting 'Kiwi Bandits' which toured USA and Europe in 1989, returning to play regularly in Auckland at nightclub gigs, and regularly on cruise ship 'The Fairstar'.

Tim recalls playing alongside many Kiwi singers; Frankie Stevens, Ritchie Pickett, Shane, Tom Sharplin, Marc Hunter, Graham Brazier and Midge Marsden to name a few of the greats.

He also supported bands 'Hello Sailor', 'DD Smash', 'Pseudo Echo', 'The Narcs', 'Sharon O'Neill', 'Coconut Rough', 'The Mockers' and many more.

Tim had a busy time in the 1990s recording three albums 'Relationships', 'Breaking Hearts' and 'Wondering Why' and he featured several times on NZ television.

This versatile musician also plays the role of 'John Lennon' in the 'NZ Abbey Rd Beatles Tribute Band'.

He has released another three CDs featuring classic hits, and has recorded another two featuring his own original songs. The most recent 'Before My Time', features English saxophonist Howie Casey, who played on Paul McCartney's album 'Band OnThe Run'.

Nowadays, Tim performs around the country both as a solo artist and with 'The Tim Armstrong Band' with fellow musicians Nigel Sanderson and Don McClumpha.

Tim will be performing this Sunday, July 2, at 'The Matua' pub from 3-6pm, so come along if you want to catch this talented artist.