The Monday Q&A: Geoff Horne on his musical beginnings, pies and the Doobie Brothers

Geoff Horne has been in love with music since a young age and has been on the stage with the likes of The Doobie Brothers. Photo / Supplied

Every Monday, the Chronicle fires 10 questions at a Whanganui local. This week Logan Tutty talks to Geoff Horne, a musician and member of the band The Transistors.

Talk to us about your upbringing and how you ended up in Whanganui?

Well, I was actually born in the UK, however spent most of my life based in Auckland. After a work contract in Wellington ended unexpectedly, I was offered the opportunity to put my feet up for a bit here in Whanganui. Unfortunately shortly after I arrived, I suffered a rather nasty health scare and found myself sticking around. I consider myself pretty much back to full strength now.

How old were you when you discovered your love for music?

I was 7 when I was pushed along to piano lessons by my folks; however, I think it was at around 11 that I heard my first electric guitar live.

I just fell in love with that "twang" and couldn't wait to lay my hands on one. Shortly afterwards, I fell in with a bunch of like-minded school friends and we ended up on TV's Opportunity Knocks followed by a few other appearances. And that was it, I was going to be a rock star, even though my Dad had other ideas when I proudly announced I was going to leave school to follow the dream.

What is it you love about performing?

It's a real buzz experiencing something I've created or at least contributed towards creating being enjoyed by others. It enables me to share something of myself with people.

What was it like rubbing shoulders with music royalty - The Doobie Brothers?

A fabulous experience. Walking out on that stage to join the Doobies in front of a few thousand people was out of this world. I think the best part though was seeing that they were all normal, down-to-earth guys just like everyone else.

You can only listen to three albums for the rest of your life, what are you choosing?

Wow, that's a tough one. I guess if I had to narrow it down to three it would be Goodbye Yellow Brick Road from Elton John, The Captain and Me, Doobies of course, and probably Queen's A Night At the Opera. There are a few others that would be close; Stevie Wonder's Songs In the Key of Life, Doobie's Stampede and the Stones' Exile On Mainstreet would be up there.

What are some of your favourite places you performed at over the years?

Well of course Auckland's Civic Theatre with the Doobies was the best; however, I've always enjoyed performing at the Vintage Weekends here in Whanganui. It was at the 2019 event that we quite by accident uncovered The Transistors' sound.

Talk to us about this journey you are on trying to find the best pie in Whanganui?

Being a foodie from way back and having once had the girth to reflect that, I think we do some pretty decent pies here in Whanganui and I wonder whether we could somehow bring this identity to the city in general. How about if Whanganui, as well as being known for its art culture, could also be well-known for its meat pies.

What advice would you give to your 25-year-old self?

Don't listen to anyone who tells you who or what you are.

Do you have a goal or something on your bucket list you want to achieve in the next 10 years?

I think to be able to keep writing, recording and performing for as long as I can. Plus I hope to travel again once our borders can be opened up.

What are some of the things you love about your new home in Whanganui?

I definitely don't miss the Auckland traffic and I do like the temperate climate here. People seem to be a lot more laid-back as well and, having worked extensively overseas, that's really nice to come back to.