Biography
Emerging in 1978 from Auckland’s storied Zwines venue, the Terrorways ranked among New Zealand punk’s most notorious outfits. The group first assembled under the name Rooter, its original lineup consisting of vocalist John “No-One” Hunter, guitarist Peter “Mesmer” Hoffman, bassist Jonathan “Jamrag” Griffiths and drummer Kerry “Eddie Clanger” Buchanan. Pure Zwines in spirit, the quartet relied on raw energy and adrenaline while possessing only rudimentary musical ability. Often intoxicated and barely coherent, Rooter nonetheless projected a magnetic presence that divided club patrons. Griffiths exited after three months; following several interim players, Zwines regular Chris Orange took over on bass. Police interventions became routine at Rooter performances, and the accumulating notoriety eventually compelled a name change to the Terrorways in early 1979.
The new identity offered little relief, for the band quickly became the favored act of the violent skinhead crew known as the Boot Boys. The followers’ escalating mayhem forced several clubs to close, and the well-publicized link between the group and its audience frequently resulted in performance bans. When Gary Hunt replaced Eddie Clanger on drums, the Terrorways’ instrumental competence improved markedly, yet their earlier reputation still overshadowed them. On December 1, 1979, a frustrated ensemble played its last show. Two tracks contributed to the landmark AK-79 collection—“She’s a Mod” and “Never Been to Borstal”—now constitute the band’s sole surviving legacy.
The new identity offered little relief, for the band quickly became the favored act of the violent skinhead crew known as the Boot Boys. The followers’ escalating mayhem forced several clubs to close, and the well-publicized link between the group and its audience frequently resulted in performance bans. When Gary Hunt replaced Eddie Clanger on drums, the Terrorways’ instrumental competence improved markedly, yet their earlier reputation still overshadowed them. On December 1, 1979, a frustrated ensemble played its last show. Two tracks contributed to the landmark AK-79 collection—“She’s a Mod” and “Never Been to Borstal”—now constitute the band’s sole surviving legacy.