New Zealand-Australian artist Mark Williams will honour his 50-year career with a celebratory concert in Sydney later this year.
The current singer for New Zealand's famed Dragon since 2006 – who are touring later this year as part of Good Things Festival – Mark's career began in the mid-'70s where he quickly produced two NZ #1 songs: 'Yesterday Was Just The Beginning Of My Life' (1975) and a cover of Buddy Holly's 'It Doesn't Matter Anymore' (1977).After moving to Australia in the late '70s to avoid his newfound fame in his homeland, Williams enjoyed a productive '80s mostly as a session singer, collaborating with the likes of The Church, Tim Finn, Eurogliders, Renée Geyer, and Jenny Morris. He also co-wrote the original 'Home & Away' theme song in 1988.
An attempt to relaunch his solo career in the late '80s saw Mark signed to the famed Albert Productions (home to AC/DC and The Easybeats), where he collaborated with storied Australian songwriters Harry Vanda and George Young, the trio writing 'Show No Mercy' – a song that would saturate Australian radio waves and sporting events throughout the early '90s (and remains a classic hit almost 35 years later).
Williams recorded a cover of Cyndi Lauper's 'Time After Time' with Tara Morice for the 'Strictly Ballroom' soundtrack in 1993, while he was a vocal coach on 'Popstars' in 1999 mentoring Bardot (including Sophie Monk).
Earlier this year, Mark supported Boney M on their farewell dates. "I recently had the honour of supporting Boney M as a solo artist on their hugely successful tour across Australia and New Zealand, with sold out shows every night," he says.
"It inspired me to create a new performance that re-establishes my presence as a solo artist and celebrates 50 years in this industry – a milestone for any artist.
"Many might recognise my face but not know my name. Although nowadays I'm more well-known as the lead singer of Dragon, most people aren't familiar with the backstory of how I got here, or the journey that made me the artist I am today. Now, I have the chance to showcase my own voice again."
Set to open the Sydney show will be Mark's daughter Taylor B-W.
Tickets are on sale.
Now And Then': Celebrating 50 Years of Songs, Stories and Soulmates takes place at The Bridge Hotel (Sydney) on 23 November.
