Rotary rockers on road to dream goal

Rotorua's Rotary Sunrise Rockers launch their first album tonight. Photo / Tracey Robinson

Move over AC/DC, there's a new rock 'n' roll band making headlines.

Rotorua's Rotary Sunrise Rockers release their debut album tonight, before heading to Australia's Sunshine Coast to perform at one of the largest Rotary conferences in the Asia Pacific next week.

The five-member band, who met through the Rotary club of Rotorua Sunrise, have been performing together for about six years and are looking forward to taking the next step in their musical careers.

The band's drummer, Noel Lamberton, said the band had been working on their first album, which includes four original songs, since last October.

He said there had been a lot of demand for the band to put out an album.

"We've been approached about it quite a lot. We just hope everyone likes it and it gets us that exposure we need."

Lamberton said making music was his passion and after 40 years of playing the drums, he still can't get enough of it.

"I love it, making music and playing alongside some great musicians, it's a good time."

Tonight the band launch their album at the Belgian Bar on Arawa St at 8pm.

Mr Lamberton is hoping for a good turnout. "If 100 people show up, I'll be rapt."

He said the band was inspired by such artists as AC/DC, Queen, The Beatles and The Eagles. The ultimate goal for Lamberton and fellow band members Piripi Curtis, Richard Anaru, Roger Cunningham and Andrew Martin would be to perform at the Rotary International Convention in Chicago, the biggest event of its kind.

Next week they take one step closer to that goal when they perform at the Australian conference.

Tickets to tonight's album launch are $10 or $20 with a copy of the album. Door sales are available.