Swamp Thing duo to film live album

Local Michael Barker and Grant Haua will be recording their first live album and DVD this month.Photo/File

Talented Bay of Plenty musicians Michael Barker and Grant Haua are preparing to take another step in their careers.

Barker and Haua, who form the popular two-man band Swamp Thing, will film their first live album and DVD at The Okere Falls Store, off State Highway 33 near Rotorua, on May 31.

After forming three years ago, the band has released two successful albums and have attracted a large fan base.

They've also toured in cities across New Zealand and Australia.

Now, they want to act on their fans calls for a live album and DVD.

"We've been really fortunate to have such a great fan base, and we want to show that were listening and will bring them what their asking for," Barker said.

Barker, a Rotorua local, said filming their live performance will be a chance for their fans and the audience to get involved and have their faces seen.

A video of the audience will appear on the screen behind the band when they perform, he said. He hoped the live album and DVD would be a success.

"We just hope it goes really well and promotes our band a bit more," he said.

Barker said the band was unique because of Haua's extremely unique voice. Barkers own ability to play the drums, keyboard and sing simultaneously was also a point of difference.

The live performance will be held May 31 from 7pm. Tickets are $15 or $10 for children under 12 or pensioners. To purchase tickets call (07) 362 4944.