US band to helm fundraiser for stroke-hit godfather of NZ rock

Uber-cool New York band MGMT will DJ a fundraising night in Auckland for recovering Kiwi musician Chris Knox.

The 56-year-old, known as the godfather of left-field New Zealand rock, had a major stroke last month and was admitted to Auckland City Hospital.

He was discharged about two weeks ago and has since been undergoing speech therapy and work on relearning motor skills.

His partner, Barbara, for whom Knox wrote the song Not Given Lightly, referred calls to family spokesman and friend Ray Martin, who is compiling a blog charting Knox's progress.

Mr Martin said Knox's recovery was going "as well as can be expected".

On his blog, Mr Martin said Knox's reading seemed to be improving. The some-time film critic was also enjoying trips to Auckland beaches, the occasional DVD and thrashing his friends in poker.

Mr Martin said work was under way on a compilation of Knox's best songs, covered by artists including The Magnetic Fields, David Kilgour, The Bats and The Mint Chicks.

Proceeds from the album will go towards the musician's recovery.

MGMT, one of last year's biggest bands thanks to hit singles Time To Pretend and Kids, will DJ at the Bacco Room on July 20. Tickets cost $20.