Whittaker’s death brings back Gisborne memories

The Last Farewell . . . Kenya-born balladeer Roger Whittaker, who died earlier this month, enjoyed his time in Gisborne in 1973 when he performed two concerts in one day, This is a Photo News picture of Whittaker talking live on Radio 2ZG with Arthur Toms.

The death of Roger Whittaker last week  has saddened local fans with some remembering the Kenyan-born British balladeer performing two concerts in Gisborne in 1973.

Whittaker, 87, died in Toulouse following a lengthy illness but his death was only recently announced on his official website.

He performed two concerts in Gisborne on the same day as part of a 26-show New Zealand tour before heading to Australia for seven concerts. Such was his popularity, combined with limited seating (700 capacity) at the old War Memorial Theatare, it was decided to have two concerts in Gisborne.

Māhia sisters Elaine and Patricia Wairau — known as The Reflections — were his support act.

Whittaker spoke of the theatre situation in a front page story in The Gisborne Herald on March 16, 1973. He said Gisborne people should demand a new theatre with the capacity to seat 2000 people.

While here he also spoke for 45 minutes with Arthur Toms live on radio station 2ZG.

Gisborne man Hamish Barwick recalls a story told to him by his father Don about Whittaker visiting Barwick’s Auction Mart.

“My dad got a nice surprise when he popped into Barwick’s Auction Mart and bought an Ansonia clock,” he said.

Herald photographer Paul Rickard, when he heard of Whittaker’s death, recalled taking a photograph of him relaxing in the pool at the Sandown Park Motor Hotel.

Whitaker was born in Nairobi and went to the University College of North Wales to study zoology, biochemistry and marine biology before embarking on a music career.

In The Herald article, he recalled asking a professor for advice and was told: “Have a try at show business and if you haven’t made it in 10 years, I shall still have a place in the university for you.”

Whittaker went on to sell more than 50 million records with hits such Durham Town, The Last Farewell, New World In The Morning and I Don’t Believe In If Anymore.

He earned over 250 silver, gold and platinum awards and was the subject of This Is Your Life in 1982.

Whittaker married Natalie O’Brien in 1964 and they had five children.