They wrote a string of hits that most Kiwis, and many Australians could sing along to word-perfect - April Sun in Cuba, Are You Old Enough, and Rain.
But the rock 'n' roll story of Dragon has as many tough times and tragic incidents as it does celebrations and hit singles. A new documentary talks to remaining founder member Todd Hunter, as well as tracking down past members like Robert Taylor and Ray Goodwin, old managers, and associated personnel, to paint a vivid picture of their history.
Mixing together talking heads with interview footage (with lead singer Marc Hunter sparkling bright as ever in grainy 70s and 80s clips), performance footage, photos, and of course, those hits, it takes the 40-year story from Taumarunui to Sydney, across Australia, the United States and back again.
Mixed into the great bad-boy myth is the sadder reality of drug-addiction, overdoses, ructions, the toll of fame and the disintegration of their live shows.
The story of Marc Hunter ranting about John Wayne on stage in Texas is a New Zealand rock history gem, as is the tale of how their first hit, This Time, was created.
