Shona Laing shot to overnight stardom when coming runner-up with her song '1905' on the NZ television talent show 'New Faces' on 29 November 1972. She'd just turned 17 years old and was in the Sixth Form (nowadays Year 12). Phonogram released '1905' in 1973 and it reached No. 1 on the N.Z.B.C. Top Ten chart in February and peaked at No. 4 on the NZ national chart and was certified gold. Shona's song-writing and recording career experienced international success in 1987 with two of her singles: '(Glad I'm) Not a Kennedy' (which reached No. 2 in NZ) charted No. 9 in Australia and No. 14 in the US; and 'Soviet Snow' charted No. 32 in the US.

Accolades have included NZ Music Awards (1973, 1974, 1987, 1988); Tokyo World Popular Song Festival's Outstanding Composition award (1973); Pater Awards in Australia (1985); the APRA Silver Scroll (1988, 1992); induction into New Zealand Music Hall of Fame (2013); and the Independent Music NZ (IMNZ) Classic Record Award (2020). Shona was also featured in the exhibition "50 Years Later, Shona Laing: A Pictorial Journey Through A Life of Music" held at the Waihi Arts Centre and Museum from 30 January - 7 February 2021.

The following captures aspects of Shona's musical career in New Zealand and overseas, illustrated with images and articles available on DigitalNZ. For a list of Shona's record/CD releases, see Discogs: Shona Laing Discography: Vinyl, CDs, & More.

BACKSTORY

1.  Shona's childhood & teen years in Lower Hutt

2.  Overnight stardom with song '1905' on TV talent           show New Faces in Nov 1972

Shona auditioned for Studio One's New Faces talent quest in Sept 1972

New Faces audition tape led to recording contract with Phonogram Records, Sept 1972

After Shona auditioned for the New Faces talent show in early September 1972, the producer Chris Bourne had contacted John McCready at Phonogram Records (previously known at PolyGram Records and Philips Records). He showed McCready the tape of Shona's audition singing 'We're gonna change the world'. Impressed, McCready rang Shona and followed up on 25 September with a letter proposing initially to record an album and enclosed a copy of the contract that would require her parents' permission and signature. Shona then visited McCready at his office where she sang her songs for him to choose which ones would be recorded on the album; and they then agreed to having  a recording and songwriting contract.

In a blog post of his memoirs, McCready later recalled:

"I had Shona perform what she liked from her own compositions and I was stunned by the beautiful and meaningful songs sung with heart and feeling. After a dozen or so songs Shona fell silent. I said, “Have you anymore?” “No” she replied; then after a long pause said “I have one more, but you would hate it.” “Sing it anyway,” I said. Shona launched into singing "1905".  WOW! What a song.  When she finished I told her that in my view that was her best song and if we agreed a record contract I would want that to be the single. We agreed a recording and songwriting contract. Shona went on to reach the final of New Faces..."

Source: John McCready (18 Oct 2009): Music and Media Stories blogpost: Life is a song: Extract from My Memoirs: Signing Shona Laing 

Runner-up with '1905' on New Faces' final episode televised on 29 Nov 1972

Shona's name was amongst the seven finalists for the New Faces competition announced on Wednesday 22 November 1972 for the final show being held the following Wednesday (29 November). By then, she had turned 17 years of age on 9 October. (See: Papers Past: Press (23 Nov 1972): "Finalists for “New Faces” (Vol CXII, Issue 33081, p. 4)) The winner of the final was Steve Gilpin with Shona (who'd sung '1905') as runner-up. (See: Papers Past: Press (1 Dec 1972) “New Faces” final had wide variety" Vol CXII, Issue 33088, p.4)). Afterwards, Steve continued with his solo career; then worked with bands and founded Mi-Sex in 1977. (See: Wikipedia: Steve Gilpin)

3.  recording & performing career launched with              '1905'

Shona's single '1905' backed by 'There are no words' was produced by Dale Wrightson of January Productions and directed by Phonogram artist-manager, Jay Boelee. The record was released on the Vertigo label and peaked at No 4 on the NZ charts in February 1973. '1905' also topped the local Top 10 in Christchurch for two weeks in succession. See: Papers Past:  Press (22 Feb 1973), Top Ten (Vol. CXIII, Issue 33157, p.4). See video: NZOnScreen: 1905: Shona Laing, Music video - 1972 and record track: Youtube: Shona Laing 1905 (1973). The song was also one of 20 international tracks released on the 'Top of the Pops'' album by Philips in 1973. See: Discogs: Top of the Pops. 

                                >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

The following information about Shona Laing and her recordings and performances on TV and live shows in NZ and overseas has been compiled from the following sources:

• DigitalNZ: https://digitalnz.org/ : Images, video, audio, and articles about Shona contributed by DNZ's content partners.

• Discogs: Shona Laing: https://www.discogs.com/artist/297959-Shona-Laing

• Setlist.fm: Shona Laing Concert Setlists & Tour Dates: A list of venues and dates which has been retrospectively and progressively compiled by individual contributors for the years 1973 - 2019.

• Papers Past: https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/ : Digitised newspaper and magazine interviews with Shona and articles and advertisements about her performances.

                                                                                                                                          >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Seventh-Former Shona began recording debut LP & performing during 1973

Seventh-Former Shona began recording her first album 'Whispering Afraid' at HMV's studio in Wellington with producer Dale Wrightson, fitting her studio work around her school studies. She also began performing at televised events and shows held in NZ. 

Shona left high school to pursue musical career from Sept 1973 -

In early September 1973, Shona performed at Joe Brown’s Country and Western Show by when she had finished high school. Following an interview with Shona on 8 September in Christchurch, the Press reported:

She has just left Hutt Valley High School (where she was a prefect); her attractive, friendly face is now a household image, her song, “Show Your Love,” is on everybody’s transistor, and she has already been labelled as “New Zealand’s Carole King,” which she laughs at. Shona Laing is now a performer. “It’s what I’ve always wanted to do. I used to play the guitar for hours and I’ve never really stopped. I couldn’t stop, even if I wanted to. Even if I was finished as far as the public was concerned I’d still be writing my own songs for myself and my friends.”

Source: Papers Past:  Press (13 Sept 1973), 'Shona Laing', ( V. CXIII, Issue 33329, p,5)

Second single 'Show your love' released, Sept 1973

Songs included on compilation albums of NZ and overseas artists

• Shona's songs 'Show your love' and 'If only' were included on NZBC's '20 Studio One Hits Volume 2' LP which was released by PolyGram in 1973. See: Discogs: 20 Studio One Hits Volume 2.

• Shona's song 'Someone To Be With' was included on the compilation album 'Nicely Together' with international artists which was released on the Philips label and marketed by Phonogram in NZ in 1973. See: Discogs: Nicely Together. Song is on YouTube: Shona Laing -Someone to be With.

• Shona's song 'You Are The One' and her singing 'If You Could Read My Mind' originally recorded by Gordon Lightfoot were included on a compilation album of NZ artists 'Allsorts' released on the Fontana label and marketed by Phonogram in 1973. See: Discogs: Allsorts.  Her song is on: YouTube: Shona Laing - You Are The One .  

Entered New Faces 1973 competition

Shona entered NZBC's 1973 Studio One New Faces with her song ‘If Only' but was not placed and the winners were Bulldogs Allstar Goodtime Band. Her song can be listened to on YouTube:: Shona Laing - If Only.

Won two Recording Arts Talent Awards (RATA) in Oct 1973 

• 15 Oct 1973: Shona won two Recording Arts Talents Awards (RATA) at the ceremony held in Auckland. She was awarded 'Breakthrough Artist' for '1905' and 'Artist of the Year'.  She was also nominated for 'Female' artist. (Source: Aotearoa Music Awards; Archive) The RATA awards were introduced in 1973; whereas previously the Loxene Golden Disc Awards had been awarded since 1965. The RATA awards were determined by a panel of judges, whereas the Loxene Awards had been determined by public vote. After various name changes, the awards are currently known as the Aotearoa Music Awards (AMA).  (See: Wikipedia: Aotearoa Music Awards) 

• 1973: Two songs '1905' and 'Show your love' were included on the compilation album '20 Golden Rata Award Hits' released on the Music For Leisure label in 1973. (See: Discogs: 20 Golden Rata Award Hits.)

Performed during Westport's centennial celebrations at pop festival on 21 Oct 1973

Shona was invited to perform at Westport's pop festival held at end of its centennial celebrations. See review of the concert archived on Papers Past:: Press (23 Oct 1973), '"Westport centenary"(Vol CXIII, Issue 33363, p.16)

Represented NZ at Tokyo & won a prize for song 'Masquerade' in Nov 1973

Shona was chosen by John McCready (Phonogram Records) to represent NZ at the Yamaha Tokyo International Song Festival held at the Nippon Budokan from 16 - 18 November 1973. In a blogpost from his memoirs, John McCready (op cit) wrote: 

From Yamaha Tokyo I received an invite to enter one of our artists in The Tokyo Song Festival and I decided to send Shona. In discussion with her we came up with the idea of combining two of her songs into a concept work and this became “Masquerade”, her Tokyo entry. Shona won the major prize.

Shona sang 'Masquerade' which was voted the outstanding song of the Festival in which 30 competitors from other countries took part, and she was presented with the trophy by Lobo. 'Masquerade' was later released as her third single, which was backed by ’If You Could Read My Mind’, and reached No. 11 in November 1973. Shona's fourth single 'Someone to be With'/'Lady Dipton' didn't chart.

Guest star during Kamahl's tour in NZ, 25-28 Nov 1973

Debut album 'Whispering Afraid' released late 1973 & went gold

Shona began recording her debut album 'Whispering Afraid' at HMV's studio in Wellington during 1973 whilst in the Seventh Form. The recording took several months to enable her to fit her studio work around her school studies. The LP's ten tracks, which included the A-side of her first three singles and the B-side of her fourth single, were produced by Dale Wrightson and released on the Vertigo Label. The LP had a fold-out cover with the album's lyrics on the inside, which was designed by Dale with the photography by Sal Criscillo. (See album's credits at: Discog: Shona Laing: Whispering Afraid.) The LP sold 1300 copies in its first week of release and went gold.

Second album recorded in Sydney & five singles released in 1974/75

• Shona's second album 'Shooting Stars Are Only Seen At Night' was recorded over six weeks in early 1974 at the EMI Studios in Sydney whilst she stayed at a hotel. The 12 tracks, which included Bruno Lawrence on drums, were produced by G. Wayne Thomas, and released on the Philips label. The fold-out cover with lyrics was designed by Larraine Hall with photography by Nicholas Van Der Ley. (See album's credits: Discogs: Shona Laing: Shooting Stars Are Only Seen At Night) 

• Five singles were released on the Philips label in 1974-1975 of which six of the ten songs were on the LP. The two 1974 singles were: 'Happy song'/'Now I know', and 'I'm crying too'/'Shooting Stars'. The 1975 singles were: 'I love my feet'/'It's all for you'; and 'Don't you think it's time'/'A room' (of which the only one from the album was 'A room'). 'I'm crying too' was also re-released backed by 'Find a better way' which was not on the album. (Source: Discogs: Shona Laing.)  During that period, Shona's only single to appear on the New Zealand Charts was 'I love my feet' which entered the charts on 2 May 1975 at No. 39 and charted for one week. (See: Charts.org.nz; Shona Laing (I love my feet (Song))

• The song 'I'm crying too' also appeared on the NZ album '20 Solid Gold Hits: Volume 8'' which comprises 20 tracks of NZ and overseas artists compiled by Music for Leisure in Wellington. See: Discogs: 20 Solid Gold Hits Vol 8.

• Two songs 'Show your love' and 'If only' were included on '20 Studio One Hits Volume 2' released on the Music For Leisure label in 1974. See: Discogs: '20 Studio One Hits Volume 2'.

Performances in NZ & Tokyo, & another RATA award during 1974 - early 1975

• During 1974 and early 1975, Shona performed on TV programmes and at various concerts held in NZ.

• Won Top Female Vocal performer at the RATA Awards held in Christchurch on 30 August 1974. A video of Shona performing her song 'Masquerade' can be viewed on Youtube: Shona Laing - Masquerade (RATA Awards) 1974 . The song 'Masquerade' was included on the compilation album' 12 Big Kiwi Hits'  released on the Philips label in 1974. See: Discogs: 12 Big Kiwi Hits. 

• Performed with Steve Allen on his song 'Brothers and sisters' which was later released in 2023 on his compilation album 'The Steve Allen Collection".  (Soundtrack: Elsewhere: Steve Allen and Shona Laing: Brother and Sister (1974?))

• Chosen to represent NZ again at the Yamaha Tokyo World Popular Song Festival held in November 1974 where she sang 'Rainbow' from her second album. When at Tokyo, Shona met Roberto Danova, an Italian music producer based in London, who encouraged her to further her musical career in London.. He invited her to join his Red Bus Company, a Wardour Street show business agency in Soho, City of Westminster, London.

• Three songa were included on compilation albums released in 1975: 'I love my feet' was included on two albums:'Hits Of '75-Volume One' and 'Ripper! 20 Original Smash Hits'.  Show Your Love' was included on 'Retrospect 36 Hits Of The 70's'.  'Happy Song' was included in the 5-album box set 'Pop Pourri'.

4.  Shona moved to London, April 1975 - 1982/1983

Shona decided to take the advice of London-based music producer Roberto Danova, whom she'd met in Tokyo, to pursue her musical career in London. The year of Shona's return to NZ has been written in various articles as either 1983 or 1982, with Shona stating 1982 during an interview held on 5 May 2020: RNZ: Livestream: Taite Music Prize 2020  (See: Videoclip at 24:26 min)

Aspects of her overseas experiences were shared by Shona in the following interviews:                                                                         > Murray Cammick's interview held on 7 May 2013 & updated 2 April 2020: "AudioCulture: Shona Laing",                                     > Gary Steel's 1997 interview with Shona recounted on 7 April 2020: "Shona Laing – The Monster Witchdoctor Q&A",               

Performing, recording, sightseeing, & songwriting, 1975-1976

Shona performed at folk clubs and restaurants; began recording her third album for Phonogram; sang with Cliff Richards on his TV programme "Its Cliff and Friends"; went sightseeing to the Middle East; and worked with Manfred Mann's Earth Band on their 11th album for two years.

London manager Chips Chipperfield & Essex Music publishing deal, 1977 - 1978

After sightseeing in the Middle East, Shona "returned to England, with punk rock music suddenly all the rage, her career looked on permanent hold. Her stay in the Mother Country had always been close to the breadline, and Laing had often wondered how she was going to pay the next rent instalment. But this was ridiculous. Her self-confidence sunk to a new low, and she found herself waitressing in cafes. Against all odds, Laing eventually signed a management deal, and recorded another album..."

Source: Interview with Shona by Gary Steel (Evening Post 1987) reproduced in the Witchdoctor; Shiny New Things (8 May 2014): "the return of Shona's star.

Shona co-wrote songs with Roberto Danova recorded by other artists

Shona co-wrote songs with her London-based music producer Roberto Danova which were recorded by other artists. Tracks included:

• 'Look What You Get (When You Give Your Love)' and 'Hi Hi Hi' recorded by Scottish disco-pop singer Kelly Marie on her album 'Make love to me' released in 1978.

• "In London' recorded by Australian-born Irish singer and composer Johnny Logan and released on the B-side of his debut single 'No, I Don't Want To Fall In Love' in 1978; and then on his debut album (which was named 'In London') in 1980.  Following his win at the Eurovision Song Contest on 9 April 1980, the song was released with the B-side 'Sad Little Woman' (also written by Shona and Roberto) in June 1980 and charted in Belgium (peaked No. 29) and West Germany (peaked No. 70).  See YouTube: Sad Little Woman.

• 'My beautiful you' (also co-written with Peter Mac Lamy) was recorded by Roberto Montecristo as B-side of his 'Gimme Gimme' single released in 1978.

• 'Man With the Accordion' was recorded by Johnny Logan and also released on his 'In London' album in Ireland in 1980 which was named 'Johnny Logan' in the UK and Europe. See Youtube: The Man With the Accordion .

• 'Man With The Accordeon' (spelt differently) recorded by Irish singer Gloria on her album ' Irish Startime' released in 1979.

• 'Africano', which was translated by Chrisse Johansson, was recorded by Finnish singer Lea Laven on her 'Sanat Murenevat' album released in 1984. See YouTube: Africano.

Shona signed EMI contract & released singles & LP 'Tied to the Tracks', 1980-1981

• Shona signed an EMI singles contract and recorded the single 'Don't tell me' / 'Across the Irish Sea'. It was released by EMI in 1980 and was on BBC Radio I's A-Playlist for 5 weeks. As the pressing factory was on strike at the time, there was a delay in records being available in shops.

• EMI then funded the album 'Tied to the Tracks' which was recorded over five weeks at Rockfield Studios in South Wales, with the final mixes carried out at Marquee Studios in London. There was a delay in releasing the album due to a strike in the pressing factory. However, two singles on the album - 'Whistling waltzes' / 'No fixed abode' and 'Overboard' / 'Timmy's Goin" Down' - received radio play in London and the North of England. The single 'Don't tell me' backed by 'No fixed abode' was also released during 1980 in Canada on the Harvest label. During 1981, the 'Tied to the Tracks' album was released in the UK, Netherlands, Canada and Australia; followed by NZ in 1982. (For list of the album's tracks and credits, see Discogs: Shona Laing - Tied To The Tracks) 

• EMI also released the single 'Bundle of nerves' / 'I Ching' in 1981 whose tracks were not on the album. Shona singing "Bundle of Nerves' is on YouTube: Bundle of Nerves.

• Siitä Sait = When You Give Love' composed by Shona with lyrics by Pertti Reponen was recorded by Finnish singer Tuulikki Eloranta on her album 'Kun Rakastuu' released in 1981.

Shona represented Gt. Britain at international song festival held in Bulgaria, 1981

During 1981, Shona represented Great Britain at the international Golden Orpheus Song Festival in Bulgaria. The festival, which was held mid-year in summer at Slanchev Bryag ("Sunny Beach"), a resort town on Black Sea, was held annually from 1965 until 1999. The Golden Orpheus was awarded to East German singer Dagmar Frederic. (See Bridgeman Images).

Shona later stated during an interview with Karyn Hay: " ...in '81 I represented Great Britain at a song festival in Bulgaria. The East German woman won it... it was very dramatic in that 70s orchestral [way]. My guitar got smashed on the way, so I didn't even have the safety of hiding behind my guitar."  (Source: RNZ interview with Karyn Hay (23 Jan 2021): The Weekend: Shona Laing: 5 years later.)

Joined Manfred Mann's Earth Band for two years to record band's 11th album, 1981-82

Keyboardist Manfred Mann heard Shona's song ‘Don’t Tell Me’ being played in Britain on Radio 1 during 1981. He wanted to record a cover version by his group Manfred Mann's Earth Band and got in touch with Shona. Subsequently, Shona met Manfred and sang some of her songs which led to him inviting her to join Manfred Mann’s Earth Band.

Shona spent the next two years with the group in the studio rehearsing and recording ten tracks on their 11th album, ‘Somewhere In Afrika’. She also co-wrote the song 'War dream'. One of the band members, Steve Waller, who was on vocals and guitar, sang on three of the tracks with Shona: ‘Eyes of Nostradamus’, ‘Third World Service' and 'Demolition Man’. Shona also performed on the single ‘I Who Have Nothing’.

Another band member was lead singer Chris Thompson, who was born in England and raised in NZ, who sang on four tracks, including 'Redemption Song (No Kwazulu)' with Shona. During that time, Shona learned about using synthesizers and sequencer recording machines. She was paid a wage for working eight hour days, five days a week on the album which was released on the Bronze Records Ltd label in 1982.  (Source: Gary Steel (7 April 2020), "Shona Laing – The Monster Witchdoctor Q&A", Witchcdoctor)

The album was released in Germany in October 1982 (peaked No. 8), UK in February 1983 (peaked No. 87), followed by Europe (Norway (peaked No. 14 in Sweden) and the US (peaked No. 40).   (See Wikipedia: Somewhere in Afrika.) In a later interview, Manfred described Shona as a great singer with a great voice.  (Source: Music New Zealand: Shona Laing)

5.  Shona returned to NZ in late 1982

Recording of Manfred Mann's Earth Band's album completed

Shona left Manfred Mann’s Earth Band after the recording of the album was completed and before the band went on tour, so that she could return to NZ for a month's holiday  She ended up deciding to stay in NZ. Shona stated in a later interview, 'I was just supposed to come back for six weeks because my dad had had a triple bypass,. But I got use to be back in New Zealand - you know, the open skies - and thought I'd stay." (Source: PressReader: The New Zealand Herald (21 Nov 2013), "Glad I'm not a Kennedy")  

Later, during a 1987 interview, Shona commented that after finishing recording the album with Manfred Mann,

I came home for a holiday and thought, ‘I don’t really want to go back...I think I’d actually got quite depressed in England. It’s very grey, a very black kind of place. And it was post-Falklands, and there was that kind of fervent nationalistic… I found it quite disturbing in lots of ways. And heaps of talk about the nuclear issue. The idea that it could happen at any second. It just became really depressing. It was also a time when the gig with Manfred finished, which was sort of mutual in lots of ways I’d gone in there when female singers were kind of fashionable, and I’d had enough of it, it was a boy’s band. I was being restricted quite a lot vocally, and it just seemed there wasn’t anything for me there at that time.

Source: Gary Steel (1987), "Shona Laing – The Monster Witchdoctor Q&A" Witchdoctor (republished 7 April 2020).

The year Shona returned to NZ has been variously written as 1983 and 1982. During an interview held in 2020, Shona stated she had returned to NZ in 1982: RNZ (5 May 2020): Livestream: .Taite Music Prize 2020 (see: Videoclip at 24:26 min). Meanwhile, Manfred Mann's Earth Band  toured the UK and Europe from 4 February - 14 April 1983: See Manfred Mann's Earth Band : Tour Archive: 1983 .

Initially lived at Wellington for a year & performed at shows; then moved to Auckland

Marriage to NZ actor

Shona became married to NZ actor Peter McCauley whom she'd met in England. During her interview with Gary Steel (ibid), about her returning to NZ after working with Manfred Mann's Earth Band, Shona had commented:

Peter, my man, came back at the same time. He was working in theatre. So it seemed like a good time for a change. There also seemed to be a lot of good music happening here. ’When I came home I just felt comfortable here. It was being home that made me realise how much I had missed the place." 

Peter McCauley was born in Auckland on 8 March 1950 and had graduated from Toi Whakaari: NZ Drama School in 1973 with a Certificate in Acting. (See; Wikipedia: Peter McCauley) After appearing in films and TV series in NZ, he'd visited England during which he met Shona. Tim Shadbolt (who became Mayor of Waitemata in 1983) officiated at their wedding. (Source: Michele Hewitson:  "Interview: Shona Laing", NZ Herald, 11 Feb 2012)  

Shona appeared in NZ movie 'Shaker run' during 1984 which was released in 1985

Performed at '25 Years of Television' show, June 1985

Shona was one of the artists who performed during the variety show for '25 years of Television' which celebrated 25 years of local TV in NZ. The show was held at the Michael Fowler Centre, Wellington in June 1985. See clip on YouTube: Shona Laing - 1905.

New album 'Genre' recorded with Pagan Records in 1985

During 1985, Shona signed to the newly formed Pagan Records, a New Zealand-based independent record label. Pagan Records had been been founded that year by Trevor Reekie as a division of the Mirage Films owned by Larry Page. Shona began recording twelve tracks for her fourth album 'Genre' with producer Bruce Lynch at the Mandrill Studios in Parnell, Auckland. See list of tracks: Discogs: Shona Laing - Genre which can also be listened to on Youtube: Shona Laing: South.

'Genre' album & three singles, including 'Not a Kennedy', released in NZ in 1985

Pagan Records first release was Shona's single 'America'/'Sally Gap' in June 1985. It entered the NZ Singles Chart on 28 June 1985 and stayed two weeks, peaking at No. 44 (See Official Aotearoa Music Chart: Official Top 40 Singles.)  For a video of Shona singing 'America', see: AudioCultureNZ: Shona Laing - America (1985). This record was followed by the single 'Y(ou're) One In A Million' backed with an instrumental version which was released in September and did not chart. See: YouTube: Shona Laing - One In A Million and Youtube: Shona Laing - One In A Million (Instrumental). The third single from the 'Genre' album was "Not a Kennedy'/'Haunted' which did not chart in NZ.

Inspiration for writing 'Not a Kennedy'

Shona was inspired to write the track "Not a Kennedy' after seeing a television news programme with US politician Edward (Ted) Kennedy during his presidential campaign. Shona recounted her memory later in 2013:

"He was standing in the presidential race and that was the first time I'd seen him, and he just looked so puffed up and horrible, and I actually just said those words out loud: 'God, glad I'm not a Kennedy.' And bells went off, whistles rang and I went straight out to the shed to write it, and it was done and dusted in half an hour. It poured out." 

(Source: NZ Herald  (21 Nov 2013), "NZ Herald Legacy Award - Shona Laing: Glad I'm Not a Kennedy",

In a later interview held in 1987 with Chris Bourke who'd asked about her song-writing, Shona commented: "I actually said to Peter [McCauley, her husband] ‘I’m glad I’m not a Kennedy’, and that came from that."  (Source: AudioCulture: Chris Bourke, "Southern Comfort: Shona Laing in the Nuclear Age". First published in Rip it Up (Oct 1987)

'Not a Kennedy' released in NZ & Australia, & won three Pater Awards in Oct 1985

Shona's single 'Not a Kennedy'/'Haunted' was released in NZ but did not chart. It was then released in Australia and was nominated for a 1985 Pater broadcasting award given by the Australian Academy of Broadcast Arts & Sciences. The Esso PanPacific Song division of the 1985 Pater broadcasting awards was held in Melbourne on 26 October 1985. In the category of New Zealand Finalists: Best new pop song (Professional), Shona's 'Not a Kennedy' was nominated along with her 'Neat and Tidy' song on the 'Genre' album. See announcement of NZ finalists: Papers Past: The Press (14 October 1985: NZ finalists in song contest (p.14). On 26 October 1985, it was announced that the winning Best New Pop Song (Professional) was 'Not a Kennedy'. which also won two other Pater awards: Song of the Year and the Popular Music Division. As well as the awards, Shona also received Aus$1000. See: Papers Past: Press (30 Oct 1985), "Shona Laing, Sir Robert carry off ‘Pater’ awards", (p.25).

'Genre' was finalist for 'Album of the Year' at New Zealand Music Awards, Nov 1985

Shona's album 'Genre' was a finalist for Album of the Year' at the New Zealand Music Awards held on 11 November 1985 at the Michael Fowler Centre in Wellington. The award was won by Netherworld Dancing Toys for 'Painted Years'.

Shona performs on records during 1986

Shona was a backing vocalist on the song 'Talk to Me' released by Car Crash Set on their 12" EP  'Another Day' on Reaction Records label in 1986. See: Discogs: Car Crash Set  – Another Day.

Shona's song  'Shipping Lanes' was included on the NZ album 'Pacific Messages' (1986) released on Ode Records label. See: Discogs: Pacific Messages' 

Shona sings on movie soundtrack & performs at concerts, 1986 - 1987

4.  '(Glad I'm) Not A Kennedy' international hit, 1987

'Not a Kennedy' remixed & retitled '(Glad I'm) not a Kennedy' in 1987

When Australian music publisher Chris Gilbey heard 'Not A Kennedy' on the 'Genre' album, he shared the track with Virgin Records. During 1987, Gilbey arranged for the track to be remixed by London producer Peter Wilson who travelled to Sydney's Studio 301 and was joined by Shona. The remixing was done over 3.5 weeks and included samples of speeches by President John F. Kennedy and images of Kennedy and his wife Jacqueline and children. A 12 inch mix was also done by British producer Martin Rushent and arranged by NZ-born producer Bruce Lynch. (Source: Article by Gary Steel on Shona Laing (Rip it Up, October 1987), reproduced in the Witchdoctor: Shona Laing- The monster,  21 Nov 2013)   

In a later interview, Shona explained about the inclusion of Kennedy's speeches. "The song famously includes snippets of poignant speeches from former American President John F Kennedy that fit so perfectly you'd think it was planned that way. But Laing says that idea was suggested by a random dude who just happened to be hanging out in the studio that day. And the rest, as they say, is history."  (Source: Puschmann, Karl (2 April 2020), "Shona Laing on winning the IMNZ Classic Record award for South and making (Glad I'm) Not a Kennedy", The New Zealand Herald.)

To read the lyrics, including Kennedy's speech, see Genius: Shona Lain:g: (Glad I'm} Not a Kennedy

(Glad I'm) not a Kennedy' charted in Australia, NZ, US & Sweden

Australian radio played the remixed single '(Glad I'm) not a Kennedy' which peaked at No 9 in June 1987.  In July 1987, Festival Records included '{Glad I'm) not a Kennedy' on its compilation album 'Various - 12' which featured 12 international artists. See list of tracks: Discogs: Various - 12.

The single '(Glad I'm) Not a Kennedy' entered the NZ charts on 24 July 1987 and stayed for fourteen weeks, peaking at No.2. (See Official Aotearoa Music Chart: Official Top 40 Singles) The song was released internationally as a 7'' single with different backing songs and as a 12'' record '(Glad I'm) Not a Kennedy'/'Neutral and Nuclear Free' by Pagan. The single '(Glad I'm) not a Kennedy' also reached number 14 on the US Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart and the Top 20 in Sweden. (Source: AudioCulture: Chris Bourke, "Southern Comfort: Shona Laing in the Nuclear Age". First published in Rip it Up (Oct 1987))

5.  Released LP 'South' & SINGLES, & TOURED IN 1987-1989

• Shona recorded her new album' South' at Mandrill Studios in Auckland and Studios 301 in Sydney. The cover was designed by Richard Allan with photography by Kerry Brown. One of the eleven tracks, '(Glad I'm) not a Kennedy', was from her 'Genre' album. To promote the album Shona performed the folowing four tracks live in Studio 8 at Avalon for TVNZ's Radio With Pictures: 'Neutral and Nuclear free', 'Soviet Snow', 'Drive Baby Drive' and 'South'. See: YouTube: Shona Laing - "South" album live performance (1987)   The 'South' album entered the NZ Charts on 16 October 1987, stayed for 7 weeks and peaked at No. 16.  (See Official Aotearoa Music Chart: Official Top 40 Singles)  The 'South' album was also released internationally in 1987. When released in the USA, the tracks 'Cover Of Darkness', 'Poles Apart' and 'Neutral And Nuclear Free' were replaced with tracks from her earlier 'Genre' album: 'Neat And Tidy', 'The Migrant and the Refugee' and 'Day Trip' retitled as 'Your Reputation'.

• The single 'Drive Baby Drive' was released in NZ and overseas with different versions on the backing side. 'Drive Baby Drive'/'Somebody found you' was released in NZ (entered the charts on 13 Nov 1987, charted for two weeks and reached No. 45). (See Official Aotearoa Music Chart: Official Top 40 Singles). 'Drive Baby Drive' with the B-side track 'The Bishop' (which was also produced by Shona) was released in Europe and Australia (where reached No. 65). For a video of Shona singing  'Drive Bay Drive', see Youtube: Shona Laing Drive Baby Drive HD

• 'Drive Baby Drive' also appeared on the compilation album 'Hit City 1987' with 18 tracks by NZ and overseas artists released in Australia on the Festival Records label in September 1987. See: Discogs: Hit City 1987. 

• The single 'Soviet Snow'/'South' was released in Australasia, and 'Soviet Snow'/'Drive Baby Drive' was released in the United States. 'Soviet Snow', which was about the Chernobyl disaster, was popular on student radio airplay and reached  No. 32 in the US.  See video: NZOnScreen: Soviet Snow.

• '(Glad I'm Not a Kennedy' was included on album 'Absolute Music 3' (1987) with 24 tracks by international artists released on EMI label. See: Discogs: Absolute Music 3)

• '(Glad I'm) not a Kennedy' also appeared on the compilation album 'Godzone Beat' with 12 tracks by NZ artists  released on the Warrior label by WEA Records in 1988. 

• The single 'Caught (Between The Devil And The Deep Blue Sea)'/’Highway Warriors’ was released by Pagan in NZ in 1988.

See: Discogs: Shona Laing: for versions of albums, singles and EPs released, including the country and year.

Song-writing inspiration

In October 1987, Shona was featured on the cover of Rip It Up (Issue no. 123). See image in article by Murray Cammick, "Rip It Up: the New Zealand covers, 1986-1998", Audioculture (11 May 2019, Updated 11 Nov 2025). Shona shared the following information about her song-writing during the interview with Chris Bourke::

Chris Bourke asked, "With songs like ‘Kennedy’....you must find it easier to write about specific issues or people, rather than personal things." Shona  had responded, "Yes, I probably do – especially now that I’m [she laughs] a married woman! I’m very happy with my man, so there’s not a helluva lot to write about from an emotional point of view.... I get into a kind of musical mode. Sometimes I’ll just go out to the shed and write a drum pattern and work on a bass line and build it from there. Other times someone might say something in the course of a conversation that rings a bell, as with ‘Kennedy’. I actually said to Peter [McCauley, her husband] ‘I’m glad I’m not a Kennedy’, and that came from that.""  

Source: AudioCulture: Chris Bourke, "Southern Comfort: Shona Laing in the Nuclear Age". First published in Rip it Up (Oct 1987).

Shona toured Australia with Midnight Oil, Oct-Nov 1987

Shona went on a month's tour in October - November 1987 with guitarist Gary Verberne as a duo support act for Midnight Oil in Australia. Previously, Gary had played guitar on several of her songs, including the 1987 album 'South'. After the fourth day of the Midnight Oil tour, Shona was interviewed by Chris Bourke for a 'Rip it Up' article about her album 'South'; the international reaction to ‘(Glad I’m) Not a Kennedy’ which had also reached the Top 20 in Sweden; and touring with Midnight Oil.  (Source: AudioCulture: Chris Bourke, "Southern Comfort: Shona Laing in the Nuclear Age". First published in Rip it Up (Oct 1987). 

Song-writing inspiration

In October 1987, Shona was featured on the cover of Rip It Up (Issue no. 123). See image in article by Murray Cammick, "Rip It Up: the New Zealand covers, 1986-1998", Audioculture (11 May 2019, Updated 11 Nov 2025). Shona shared the following information about her song-writing during the interview with Chris Bourke::

Chris Bourke asked, "With songs like ‘Kennedy’....you must find it easier to write about specific issues or people, rather than personal things." Shona  had responded, "Yes, I probably do – especially now that I’m [she laughs] a married woman! I’m very happy with my man, so there’s not a helluva lot to write about from an emotional point of view.... I get into a kind of musical mode. Sometimes I’ll just go out to the shed and write a drum pattern and work on a bass line and build it from there. Other times someone might say something in the course of a conversation that rings a bell, as with ‘Kennedy’. I actually said to Peter [McCauley, her husband] ‘I’m glad I’m not a Kennedy’, and that came from that.""  

Source: AudioCulture: Chris Bourke, "Southern Comfort: Shona Laing in the Nuclear Age". First published in Rip it Up (Oct 1987).

Shona won Aotearoa Music Award, 1987

Shona won "Most Promising Female" and was also nominated in three other categories: "International Achievement"; "Te Tino Waiata o te Tau Single of the Year", and "Songwriter" for '{Glad I'm) Not a Kennedy'. The video of "(Glad I'm) Not a Kennedy" produced by Kerry Brown and Bruce Sheridan was nominated for 'Best video'. Source: Aotearoa Music Awards: Shona Laing 1987.

Shona featured on TV2's 'Radio with Pictures', 8 Nov 1987

See article promoting Shona's appearance on TV2's "Radio with Pictures": Papers Past: Press (7 Nov 1987), "Five-song special" (p.22)

Recordings released during 1988

• Shona was a vocalist on the track 'Dawn Parade' released by NZ group Last Man Down on their album 'Parting Shots' on Ode Records in January 1988. (Source: Discogs: Last Man Down - Parting shots) The album was recorded at Progressive Studios in Auckland.

• The single '(Glad I'm) not a Kennedy' also appeared on the compilation album 'Godzone Beat' with 12 tracks by NZ artists released on the Warrior label by WEA Records. 

• Shona's single 'Caught (Between The Devil And The Deep Blue Sea)'/’Highway Warriors’ was released by Pagan in NZ.

 See: Discogs: Shona Laing: for versions of albums, singles and EPs released, including the country and year.

Shona performed in NZ & France during early 1988

During an interview held in early January 1988, Shona spoke about living in NZ and her music including forthcoming show in Blenheim, accompanied by her husband and their dog, and performances to be held in France in late January. 

 "....When singer-songwriter Shona Laing tours New Zealand she always takes her border collie, Matthew, and one of her priorities is looking after him. Both Ms Laing and her husband, Peter McCauley, are staying in Blenheim. The performer, whose single “Glad I'm not a Kennedy” reached No. 2 on the charts, was performing in the city with the group Herbs. Originally from Titirangi Shona Laing has performing commitments in France later in January....

Source: Papers Past:  Sue Lancaster (9 Jan 1988): "Shona Laing—glad she’s a New Zealander", Press, (p.33)

Shona and the Herbs front TVNZ series "Signs of the Times", April-May 1988

On Sunday 10 April 1988, TV2 began screening the six-part series "Signs of the Times" fronted by Shona and the Herbs. TVNZ's Religious Programme Unit in Christchurch had produced the programme which included "videos featuring artists such as Bob Dylan, Paul Simon, Sting and Prince, and groups including U2, Genesis and Midnight Oil. These and many other featured bands and artists all have a concern for the world’s people, which is reflected in songs with subjects like racism, war, the use of drugs, and communication breakdown...“Signs of the Times” combines live studio based performances with overseas video clips. Programme one looks at the Earth’s resources and how they are misused in today’s world of rich and poor."   Source: Papers Past: Press (9 April 1988), "Programme uses rock music to look at issues", (p.19).

Re-released 'South' in US & had first US tour, July - Aug 1988

• In 1988: Shona's album 'South' was re-released in the United States and the track 'Soviet Snow' about the Chernobyl disaster became popular on college and alternate radio stations on America's East Coast. This led to Shona and her band, including guitarist Dave McArtney, being the opening act for Engllsh synth-pop duo Erasure during their U.S. tour from 13 July  - 7 August 1988. See: Papers Past: Press (8 July 1988), "American interest prompts tour by Laing", (p.23) and review of show held at Utah on 30 July 1988: Laura McGee (1 Aug 1988), "Erasure show earns more than a little respect", Deseret News. The tracks Shona sang are listed on: Setlist.fm:  Shona Liang setlist at Park West, Park City UT. USA, 30 July 1988.

• 21 Oct 1988: the track 'Kennedy' by Shona Laing was listed on 'Hitmakers Top 40 CD Sampler' Volume 12 released by Disctronics H in the United States. See the tracklist of 18 songs with Shona's as the 15th on Discogs: Hitmakers Top 40 CD Sampler Volume 12, October 21, 1988, 

• 1988: Shona's song "Soviet Snow' also appeared on the promo CD: 'Discover Hits Post Modern' released in the United States. See the tracklist of 15 songs with Shona's as No. 7 on: Discogs: Discover Hits Post Modern CD Sampler 1.

Signed Atlantic Records New York contract & began recording LP in London, 1988

Shona was offered a recording contract by Atlantic Records in New York and went to London to record an album. However, difficulties arose after the person who signed Shona left Atlantic and Shona was initially unable to access the six tracks that had been completed. As explained by Shona in a later interview:

“Eight months of legal negotiations. The tracks were incidental though, it wasn’t really over the material, it was about whether I ever worked again or not...[.W]e had to pay back some money, which I have never heard of before in my life...It also highlighted their main reason for terminating the situation was that we would have been over budget had we finished, which is absolute crap.”   

Source: Papers Past: Murray Cammick (1 June `1992), 'Shona" Rip It Up (p.18)

Awarded APRA Silver Scroll for 'Soviet Snow', Oct 1988

Won Aotearoa Music Award, 1988

At the 1988 Aotearoa Music Awards, Shona won "Best Female Vocalist". She was also nominated for "Album of the Year" for 'South' and "International Achievement". Also, Shona, Stephen McCurdy, and Graeme Myhre were nominated for "Best Producer" for the  'South' LP.

Appeared on TV2's Ready To Roll Countdown, Nov 1988

Backing vocalist during 1989

Shona was one of the backing vocalists on the song 'Something Good' sung by Dianne Swann for her single released in 1989. See Discogs: Dianne Swann  – Something Good.

6.  Recordings & MUSICAL ACCOLADES, 1990s

Two songs appeared on US movie filmed in 1989 & released in 1990

Song included on NZ compilation 2-CD set released by EMI in 1990

Shona signed to Sony label after Atlantic Records contract ended

When Shona's recording contract with Atlantic Records was terminated, she was signed to the Sony label. Paul Ellis, her former manager, was now Sony's Head of A&R (artists and repertoire) and Michael Glading was the Managing Director.

"Unfortunately, halfway through recording, with six tracks done, Atlantic pulled the plug. Laing had been rapt with their progress and had no idea what the problem was. "I couldn't get anyone on the phone. I booked a flight to New York and tried to talk to them about it, and it still didn't happen. So I went and stayed with a mate in California, in order to try and figure out what to do next. And they weren't gonna let me work. So Michael Glading, at Sony here in New Zealand, and Paul Ellis who was managing me, they bailed me out. And we got Pete Smith down to New Zealand from London and finished the record here."

Source: NZ Herald (21 Nov 2013): : Legacy Award - Shona Laing: Mercy of Love

Released two LPs, '1905-1990 A Retrospective' & 'New on Earth', during 1991-1992

• 1991: Greatest hits album '1905-1990 A Retrospective', which was suggested by Sony's Managing Director Michael Glading, was released on CD on the Columbia label. Following an interview with Shona, Helena Preest wrote in the Press, "Difficulties with Atlantic Records were preventing her recording any new material, so Laing embarked on a "labour of love" to select 19 songs for one album from over 60 recorded tracks..."  Source: Papers Past: Preest, Helena (21 June 1991), "Retrospective LP pleases Laing", Press (p.2).

  See: Discogs: Shona Laing: 1905 - 1990 (A Retrospective). It entered the NZ charts on 28 June 1991 at No. 39 and stayed on the charts for nine weeks, peaking at No. 19. (See: Official Aotearoa Music Charts: Top 40 Albums)

• 11 May 1992: Rock album 'New On Earth' was released on CD on the Columbia label. The eleven tracks included five songs that had been selected earlier for the LP not released by Atlantic. See interview with Shona: Papers Past: Topp, Nevin (8 May 1992) "The 'shocking' new Shona Laing", Press (p.25). For a list of tracks see: Discogs: Shona Laing - New on Earth. The LP entered the NZ charts on 22 May 1992 at No. 34 and charted for 14 weeks, peaking at No. 4. (See: Official Aotearoa Music Charts: Top 40 Albums) The LP was also released in Australia, Europe and the United States.

    See MusicNZ: Shona Laing for images of album covers and list of tracks.

Personal circumstances when working on 'New on Earth' LP

Shona had already written the tracks for her 'New on Earth' album when her "1905-1990 A Retrospective' album was released in 1991. Following an interview with Shona in June 1991, Helena Preest (op cit) had written,

"Laing's plans include a "full-on" concert tour of New Zealand before Christmas and a new album, tentatively titled "New On Earth", to be released early next year... The songs for the "New On Earth" album have already been completed. "It's pretty powerful stuff," she said, "and very English." Laing gave the music the curious classification of "heavy metal/folk". "I write so the musical style suits the subject matter," she said. This gave rise to a wide-ranging variety of sound. "Shona delving" was the explanation given for the subject matter of "New On Earth". There is nothing "throwaway" in the music, she said." 

In a later interview held in 1992, Shona had commented about the issues faced in making her 'New on Earth 'album:

Laing’s “New on Earth” is a collection of personal songs that looked as if they weren’t going to get recorded. While making the album, Laing had to switch labels halfway through the project. An aborted State-side deal sent her scrambling for a new label. She wound up with Epic Records/Sony Music and finished “New” five years after she’d begun. "I had to really muster my strength. This was definitely a labor of love,” said the New Zealand singer/songwriter during a recent phone interview. She was also ending a marriage while working on “New".

Source: Daily Press (4 Dec 1992):  Shona Laing & her labor of love',

Singles released in NZ, 1992

• 1992: Single 'Walk Away (42nd Street)' entered NZ charts on 17 April 1992; stayed 9 weeks; peaked No 14.  See: YouTube: Shona Laing - Walk Away (1992; 

• 1992: Single 'Fear of Falling' entered NZ charts on 14 Aug 1992; stayed for 3 weeks; peaked No. 26. See: YouTube: Shona Laing -  Fear of Falling (1992)  a

• 1992: 'Thief to Silver' entered the NZ charts on 6 Nov 1992; stayed for 3 weeks; peaked No. 35. See: YouTube: Shona Laing - Thief to Silver. In August 1992, Shona had successfully applied for funding from New Zealand Music on Air to produce the music video for 'Thief to Silver' and received $5000. There had been 33 applicants for the August allocation and she was one of the eight who were successful. See: Papers Past: Press (28 August 1992), "NZ performers gain video funding" (p.20).

Songs released overseas, 1992

• 1992: Maxi single 'Walk Away (42nd Street)' was released with three tracks in Europe and Australia. Tracks 2 and 3 were: 'Just Before It's Too late' and 'Rainbow' (of which Shona produced the latter). See: Discogs: Shona Laing - Walk Away (42nd Street).

• 1992: 'Epic Audio Buyways 905/'92' sampler CD was released by Sony in September in the US and included two of Shona's songs 'Fear of Falling' and 'Freeze Frame'. The compilation contains a narrative introduction to and excerpts of the songs listed. See tracklist:  Discogs: Epic Audio Buyways 905/'92 

• 1992: 'Love You Love Me Aloha' written by Shona was recorded by General Lafayette (Roberto Danova) and released on his album 'Love Is A Rhapsody'.

Performed with guitarist Gary Verbene at shows in NZ during 1992

• 11-12 January 1992: Whitecliffs Family Music Festival: Shona backed by guitarist Gary Verberne played at the festival held near Coalgate in Selwyn District of Canterbury. See: Papers Past: McClatchy, Valerie, (13 Jan 1992, "Weather and Whitecliffs warm up over weekend", Press, (p.9).

• 16 February 1992: Wine and Food Festival of Canterbury: Shona performed with a five-piece band, includiing Gary Verberne, to introduce her songs from her forthcoming album ' New on Earth'. The week beforehand she had been in New York filming a videotape to promote 'Walk Away (42nd Street)', the first single of the new LP. The filming was directed by Rewa Harrie and Karyn Hay, and due to be completed with additional filming at Spirits Bay near Cape Reinga.  See: Papers Past: Press: (14 Feb 1992, "Band to support Laing at festival", (p.23).

• March-April 1992: "Two Guitars" NZ tour: Shona toured as a duo with Gary Verberne for five weeks. (See: Papers Past: Murray Cammick (1 June `1992), 'Shona" Rip It Up (p.18))  Both were on the cover of the June 1992 issue of New Zealand Musician magazine.

Toured in U.S. after 'New on Earth' LP released there in August 1992 

After her 'New on Earth' LP was released in the U.S. on the Epic label in August 1992, Shona toured there accompanied by Gary Verberne. They were the opening act for American singer and song-writer Peter Himmelman who had released his latest album 'Flown this acid world' on the Epic label. 

A promotional EP 'Looking Down On The Sky (A Tour Sampler)' was released on the Epic label with separate tracks by Shona and Peter. Shona's songs were 'Fear Of Falling' and 'Walk Away (42nd Street)' which was co-written with US musician and audio engineer/producer Bill House who was a former guitarist with Little Richard. See: Discogs: Peter Himmelmann / Shona Laing – Looking Down On The Sky (A Tour Sampler).  

During the US tour, Peter was interviewed about his song-writing and the article included that he and Shona would be performing that night at the Coach House in San Juan Capistrano, California. (See: Mike Boehm (21 Nov 1992), "Relatively Speaking : Peter Himmelman writes music about things close to him--Including family members", Los Angeles Times.).

A couple of weeks later, Shona was interviewed about the tour:

It will be just Shona Laing, her acoustic guitar and fellow guitarist/collaborator Gary Verberne on stage. Her songs, full of tenderly told injustices and hope for the world, take up the rest of the space. She brings the leg of her tour with serious, almost-pop musician Peter Himmelman to Richmond’s Flood Zone for a concert Monday night...Laing has recorded seven records in her homeland and one, 1988’s “South,” released in America. Some of the material on “New” is material for earlier albums that didn’t come together until this year. She’s happy with it and herself. “I feel a responsibility to my songs. With this album, I feel like it is a great record, also because of the great people involved. I think I had to do it. The result is successful,” she said.

Source: Daily Press (4 Dec 1992):  Shona Laing & her labor of love',

APRA Silver Scroll awarded for 'Mercy of Love' during 1992

In 1992, the APRA Silver Scroll was awarded for Shona's song 'Mercy of Love' from her LP 'New on Earth'. The song was released as a single during 1993 but did not chart in NZ.  See video: YouTube: Shona Laing - Mercy Of Love

Sony Electronic Press Kit released 1993

After the release of the 'New on Earth' album and singles, Sony Music began compiling interviews and performances by Shona recorded from 13 July 1992 onwards which was then issued as a Press Kit during 1993. See: YouTube: Shona Laing's 1993 Electronic Press Kit issued by Sony Music AudioCultureNZ (25:23 mins) 

Performances held & recordings during 1993

During 1993, KBCO 97.3 FM in Boulder, Colorado released a compilation album of tracks recorded live in its studio, including  Shona Laing's 'The Mercy of Love'. See tracklist: Discogs: KBCO Studio C Volume 3.

Nominated for Aotearoa Music Awards during 1993

Shona was nominated in three categories for the Aotearoa Music Awards: Most Promising Female, International Achievement and Te Pukaemi o te Tau Album of the Year for 'New on Earth'..  See: Aotearoa Music Awards; Archive

Toured in NZ during 1994

During January 1994, Shona performed at the Blue Mountain Rock Festival held near Woodville during January 1994. For list of acts, see: NZHistory: Rock music festivals 1970-2010, (Manatū Taonga — Ministry for Culture and Heritage), updated 1-Sep-2025).  A retrospective article about the performers at the 1994 Festival held on 14-15 January includes a video of Shona singing 'Glad I'm) not a Kennedy', which can be viewed at  AudioCulture: Colin Hogg (19 Sept 2014), 'Mountain Rock".            

'Shona' LP released & entered NZ charts, August 1994

• LP ‘Shona’ was released on the TriStar Music label after seven weeks of recording. It entered the NZ charts on 5 August 1994 at No. 43, charted for 5 weeks, peaking at No. 35. (See: Official Aotearoa Music Charts: Top 40 Albums) The thirteen tracks included 'Hard and Fast' which Shona wrote after her marriage had finished. This information was shared In a retrospective review of the LP by Steve Ward who wrote: 

 "Another excellent album, the more melancholy feel perhaps reflects what she was going through in her relationship at the time.  Her marriage had just broken up and the track ’Hard and Fast’ covers this. To quote Shona, "Phil Collins wrote a whole album about it, l just did the one song". She admits that she did set out to record a softer album and in this she succeeded." 

(Source: Steve Ward )Jan 2020). ”Shona Laing Discography: Part 2”, Platform End: The Manfred Mann Fan Club Newsletter (Vol 2, No 20, p.3)

• LP's track 'Kick Back' was also released as a single but did not chart. See video of 'Kick Back' on Youtube:: Shona Laing - Kick Back (1993) which was released in the third and final of Shona Laing’s three NZ On Air funded videos.

Promotional CD & CD box set released during 1994

• Promotional CD 'Shona Laing' was released in the United States with four tracks: 'Kickback',  'Rome', 'Heat And Smoke' and 'Heartless Bones' on the TriStar Music label. See: Discogs: Shona Laing. Shona was also featured on the cover of "Billboard" weekly publication by the editor.

• Three CD box set 'Genre / South / New On Earth' was also released in NZ on the Epic label. See: Discogs: Shona Laing: Genre ● South ● New On Earth'

Nominated for Aotearoa Music Award in 1994

• Shona was nominated in the category of 'Most Promising Female'. See: Aotearoa Music Awards; Archive

Performance at Rangiora on 10 Dec 1994

• On 10 December 1994, Shona held a concert at Victoria Park in Rangiora as part of its Christmas celebrations. See: Papers Past: Press (9 Dec 1994), "All-day fun at Rangiora", (p.30) and advertisement on p.30.

Shona featured on Radio Active 89FM's Uncharted: Programme 111 in 1995

• In  1995, Shona was featured on an episode of Radio Active 89FM's Uncharted: Programme 111 where she talks about her song 'Cold Country' which was released on her album 'Shona.'  The episode was included on NZ On Air's 17 track promo CD which was released in April 1995. See: Discogs: Kiwi Talk Disc - A Companion To Kiwi Hit Disc 13.

Shona headline act for Garden City Festival of Flowers' Sunflower Carnival, 18 Feb 1995

New Zealand rock singer Shona Laing will be the headline act for the Garden City Festival of Flowers' Sunflower Carnival. Ms Laing will perform at Victoria Square on February 18, while the judging of Canterbury's biggest, boldest, tallest, and quirkiest helianthus takes place. Ms Laing's solo act will be the highlight of a gala featuring local  musicians and entertainers. The Garden City Trust's Patricia Proctor said it would be the biggest floral carnival seen in Christchurch.

Source: Papers Past: Press (3 Feb 1994), "Singer Laing tops bill at sunflower festival" (p.4)

Shona toured NZ with her "One Woman Show" during March-April 1995

During 1995, Shona undertook a three week tour with 18 shows between Hamilton and Invercargill. When interviewed by Nevin Topp she was due to perform that evening (7 April 1995) at the Ngaio Marsh Theatre in Christchurch.

"...Laing has been busy performing individual shows, including a number in Christchurch. Currently she is on her first nationwide tour in three years, the big difference being that it is a onewoman show. The last time she did such a tour was with Gary Verberne, a former Christchurch musician, providing accompaniment. These days it is her alone on stage, offering more flexibility and intimacy. "It's just me and my guitar on my own," she says. "There are a few monologues between songs to entertain people. The monologues are in line with the songs that are being presented." An attempt is made to relate things in today's terms, she says. She is also taking her time to write new material and "wait for the thunder to motivate me back into the industrial arena". The tour lasts a solid three weeks, and includes 18 dates from Hamilton to Invercargill..."

Source: Papers Past: Topp, Nevin (7 April 1995), "Laing hits album will include remixed '1905'", Press (p.28) 

Nominated for Aotearoa Music Award in 1995

Shona was nominated in the category 'Te Pukaemi o te Tau Album of the Year' for her album 'Shona'.

Relocated to Waihi & personal relationships reflected in song-writing & performances, mid-1990s

During mid-1990s, Shona relocated from Auckland to live at Waihi. With regards to her personal relationships, Shona shared in later interviews that after six years of marriage she was no longer with Peter. (See: Michele Hewitson (11 Feb 2012): "Interview: Shona Laing", NZ Herald). Whilst Shona continued with her musical career, Peter continued his film and television work. (See: NZOnScreen: Peter McCauley. When touring NZ in July 1996, Shona said in an interview she was bisexual and in a relationship with a woman. (Source: Peter: Dragicevich (18 July 1996, "Shona Laing shows her love", Express: New Zealand's Newspaper of Gay Expression, p.13).  Her song-writing and the shows she performed in began to reflect an increasingly feminist perspective.

Released live album 'Roadworks' & received NZ Music Cultural Award during 1997

• Live album 'Roadworks' was released on the Columbia Records label. (When doing shows, Shona had played live acoustic versions of songs she recorded over the years. These songs  were recorded and released on the album.) 

• New Zealand Music Cultural Award was received by Shona for her contribution as a singer, songwriter, and artist to the NZ musical scene.

• 5 CD box set 'Eighties Complete' of international artists was released by EMI Music Australia which included Shona's song '(Glad I'm) Not a Kennedy'. Her song was Track 17 on Volume 4: 1987-1989.  See: Discogs: Eighties Complete.

Performances & songs on others' LPs, 1998 - 1999

7.  MUSICAL ACCOLADES & Albums released, 2000s

Three of Shona's songs on APRA Top 100 New Zealand Songs Of All Time, 2001

 In 2001, to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Australian Performing Right Association (APRA), members and invited academy voted for their top 100 NZ songs from a list of 900 songs that had been compiled. Three of Shona's songs were voted onto the Top 100: No. 24: '(Glad I'm) not a Kennedy'; No. 48: '1905'' and No. 98: "Mercy of Love'. The song voted No. 1 was 'Nature' written by Wayne Mason in 1969 and recorded by the Fourmyula.  See: Wikipedia: APRA Top 100 New Zealand Songs of All Time.

APRA then released compilation CDs and albums:

• 'Thirty Songs: - The Top 30 songs were compiled as 2 x CD set  which was distributed as a limited edition of 500 at the dinner to celebrate the occasion. Later reissued by Sony as 'Nature's Best'.

• 'Natures' Best' -  In January 2002, the Top 100 songs were released on three album's which were named after the top ranking song 'Nature's Best' by the Fourmyula.  Shona's No, 24 '(Glad I'm) Not a Kennedy' appeared on LP 'Nature's Best';  No. 48: '1905' ('Nature's Best 2'); and No. 98 'Mercy of Love' ('Nature's Best 3').  See: Wikipedia: APRA Top 100 New Zealand Songs of All Time.

 Songs included on compilation albums of NZ artists

• 2000 - 2003: Kiwi Classics CD was released in several volumes by EMI of which the following included tracks by Shona:

  Volume 5: the 18 tracks included '(Glad I'm) not a Kennedy'. See: Discogs

  Volume 6 : the 20 tracks included '1905'. See: Discogs

  Volume 8: the 20 tracks included 'Show your love'. See Discogs

  Volume 10: the 18 tracks included 'Masquerade'.  See: Disocgs

• 2001: 'Pagan Gold': The compilation album by Pagan Records with 19 tracks by various artists includes Shona's '(Glad I'm) Not a Kennedy' as track 3. For tracklist, see: Disocgs: Pagan Gold.

• 2002: 'Godzone (The Biggest New Zealand Hits) (Volume One)' was released by Warner as 2-CD set with 33 tracks which included '(Glad I'm) Not a Kennedy" as track 6 on CD 1. For tracklist, see: Discog: Godxone.

• 2002: 'Absolute Bliss - 19 Essential New Zealand Classics' was released by Festival Mushroom Records Ltd as a CD with 19 tracks including Shona's '(Glad I'm) Not a Kennedy' as track 17.  See: Discogs: Absolute Bliss

Compilation 2-CD 'The Essential Shona Laing' released in 2002

In 2002, the double CD ‘The Essential Shona Laing’ with 30 tracks was released on the Columbia label. See: Discogs: Shona Laing: The Essential.

TV interview on 'Give it a Whirl', 2003

Touring & recording with Mahinarangi Rocker, 2004-2005

• During 2004-2005, Mahinarangi Tocker invited Shona and other musicians to join her show “The Mongrel In Me” to premiere 22 new songs at festivals, including Wellington Festival of the Arts, WOMAD (World of Music Art and Dance) and WOMADelaide. Afterwards, Shona and the other musician were invited by Mahinarangi to produce an album.

• 2005: Mahinarangi Tocker's LP 'The Mongrel In Me' was released on 10 Oct and includes Shona Laing on vocals/piano.

Tauranga Tsunami Relief Concert: Holy Trinity Church, 8pm-11pm. Tickets $30. Fundraising concert featuring Nairobi Trio, Shona Laing and Laurette Mears.

Bay of Plenty Times

28 Jan, 2005

https://www.nzherald.co.nz/bay-of-plenty-times/news/whats-on-this-weekend/CODWVXLZUWHGS7TKX7O4JHGLDI/

Shona's '1905' included on EMI's 'Golden Kiwis' compilation 3-CD set, 2005

In 2005, EMI released 'Golden Kiwis - The Hits Collection' as a 3-CD compilation of 70 songs by NZ artists, including Shona's '1905".  For a tracklist, see Discogs.

Worked with schools: Music mentoring & Duffy Books, 2006 -

In 2006, Shona began working for the New Zealand Music Commission Musicians Mentoring in School Programme. She shared her skill and musical knowledge on songwriting, recording and performance with Year 7 - 13 students around New Zealand. During an interview with Jim Mora, Shona included her work with secondary school students: RNZ NZ Live: - Shona Laing (3 Nov 2006). During an interview in 2009, Shona commented that she believes she has learnt as much as she has taught:

"Mostly it's about song-writing, but when I went to Kelston Girls last year it was to prepare the bands for Rockquest. I sat there and told them what I thought, basically. If you are as positive as you can be, kids just respond amazingly. Listening to these kids really did refresh me. The writing skills ... when I started writing songs no-one was, but now it's something that we all do. The kids are so inventive; they are just so positive. They are not weighed down by all those doubts and apprehension."

       Source: Shane Gilchrist (7 Feb 2009), "Laing wins battle with life", Otago Daily Times)

Shona has also worked for the "Duffy Books in Homes” Scheme. The Alan Duff Charitable Foundation, which was formed in 1992, gifts books to primary and intermediate school pupils to encourage a love of reading at home from childhood into adulthood. It's Role Model programme has people (eg sportsperson, entertainer, author, or individual who has made a contribution to their community) visit schools to promote the message, ‘It’s Cool to Read and Cool to Achieve’. Shona has visited schools as a role model, as noted in the following 'Read all about it!" newsletters: 2009: Term Two;  2011 :Term Four; Term 4:  2012

Radio interviews during 2006-2007

Interviews included:

• 3 Nov 2006: RNZ: NZ Live (41:31 mins) about her career to date and initiatives with schools and sings three songs. 

• 17 Feb 2007: RNZ: Favourite Album (19:18 mins): Shona chose Bob Dylan's album 'Modern Times'. 

Song included on NZ compilation album, 2007

• 2007:  Shona's song 'Neutral and Nuclear' appeared the album 'Nuclear  Free Nation' which is a compilation of 17 songs by Kiwi artists released on the Handmade Records Label. See: Discogs: Nuclear Free Nation.

Released album 'Pass the Whisper', 2007

• 200: Album 'Pass the Whisper' was self-released on 1 November. The 12 tracks were recorded with the Sparrow Band and included 7 new songs, reworks of songs as acoustic versions ('Kennedy', 'Soviet Snow', 'Caught', and 'Shoulda Bin For You'); and the 'Happy Song' from the 70's that featured the drumming of Bruno Lawrence. One of the tracks was written for Shona by Mahinarangi Tocker: "My Love Be Still.' For a video of Shona singing the song, see: Youtube: Mahina & The Mongrels with Shona Laing My Love Be Still. The Sparrow Band musicians were: James Wilkinson (guitars, fretless bass, backing vocals); Jimmy Young (bhodran [i.e. bodhran], penny whistle, Northumbrian pipes); Denny Stanway (bhodran [i.e. bodhran], backing vocals); Ian Gilpin (drums); Nigel Masters (stand-up bass, percussion); and Mahiharangi Tocker (backing vocals). 

Touring to promote new LP during 2008 - 2009

Shona performed in various shows throughout NZ including the following locations. Some of Shona's past events are listed on Eventfinda's website. See: Eventfinda: Shona Laing  

Vineyards tour & RNZ promotional interview during Oct-Nov 2008

Shona and Monique Rhodes toured vineyards during late 2008. To promote the vineyard tour, they were interviewed on RNZ by Jim Mora on 24 October during which three of their forthcoming shows were mentioned: Ascension Wine Estate in Matakana (25 October); the Seifried Winery in Nelson (31 October) and a show at Blenheim. They also sang live in the studio: 'The River' (Monique), 'Madame Kiore' (Shona), 'Believe' (Monique), and 'Pride' (Shona). See: RNZ (24 Oct 2008): NZ Live - Monique Rhodes and Shona Laing (38:40 mins). 

Song-writing inspired by painting in-between touring

In early Feb 2009, when on tour with Monique Rhodes, Shona was interviewed by telephone from Wellington by journalist Shane Gilchrist. Shona commented on the tour and also discussed her latest album 'Pass The Whisper' released in 2007 and her song-writing inspiration which includes painting when at home in Waihi.

"...Laing lives in the south of the Coromandel these days, in Waihi; she has done for 15 years. Before then, she was based in Auckland...She's still working on songs; indeed, she sometimes has three or more on the go at the same time. She works out a lot of it in her head. "Quite often, I'll have something pretty well sorted before I sit down, but they don't get finished quite so readily as they used to. I might spend three months just looking for a word." And when she's at a loss for words, Laing sometimes turns to a relatively new-found medium: painting. "In lots of ways, it's a very personal thing. It's a lot like songwriting. I started off doing landscapes then got into quite impressionistic things. "It's quite a therapeutic thing. My partner at the time, her teenage daughter had left some paints behind and one day I just did some stuff."..."

Source: Shane Gilchrist (7 Feb 2009),  "Laing wins battle with life", Otago Daily Times

Shona appeared on "Give it a Girl" LP & live shows during 2009

During 2009, the LP "Girl it a Girl: A celebration of iconic artists and their songs (New Zealand Volume 1)" was compiled by Debbie Harwood and released by EMI.  The 18 tracks included Shona's 'Soviet Snow' and '(Gad I'm) Not a Kennedy'.  For tracklist see: Discogs: Give It A Girl.

Live shows 'Give it a Girl' were also held in New Zealand. A press release for one of the shows at Skycity Auckland on 3 September 2009 stated:

SKYCITY Auckland is proud to present a rare opportunity to celebrate some of New Zealand’s most successful singer/songwriters whose voices and songs have impacted the history of New Zealand music. Top New Zealand artists Margaret Urlich, Sharon O’Neill, Debbie Harwood, Annie Crummer, Shona Laing, Julia Deans and new talent Lisa Crawley are coming together in September for ‘Give It A Girl’ at SKYCITY Theatre...One of the featured artists, Debbie Harwood is helping bring the show to Auckland, “I have taken it upon myself to put these talented women together so they can perform their iconic songs to the people of New Zealand. This is a unique opportunity and I can’t wait!”

Source: Under the Radar: Gig Guide Give it a Girl

Shona's song 'One Child' included on 'Merry Christmas Baby' compilation CD, Oct 2009

8.  Performances, PERSONAL relationships & musical         ACCOLADES, 2010s

TV interviews and performances in NZ

Interviews about personal relationships and song-writing

Earlier in February 2012, to help promote the 'Give it a Girl" gig at Matakana, Shona was interviewed beforehand by Michele Hewitson, during which she shared information about her earlier years and personal relationships. Hewitson's article included the following about Shona:

 "She drove two hours from Waihi - where she lives with three very old cats, two middle-aged cats, and a young dog - to see me...She is philosophical about most things now. She was married, for six years, to the actor Peter McCauley...She lived, for 17 years, with a woman... She says she is no longer gay or straight but celibate, contentedly so. She thinks she will remain on her own. "Yeah. I think that the whole emphasis on partnerships is crazy." 

Source: Michele Hewitson (11 Feb 2012): "Interview: Shona Laing", NZ Herald 

Winner of NZ Herald Legacy Award & inducted into NZ Music Hall of Fame, Nov 2013

• 19 July 2013: Double CD 'Whispering afraid' / 'Shooting stars are only seen at night' released on the Frenzy label. See: Discogs: Shona Laing: Whispering Afraid / Shooting Stars Are Only Seen At Night.

• 22 October 2013: Shona was announced as the winner of the NZ Herald Legacy Award. The award pays tribute to those who have had an important and lasting impact on NZ's music industry. See video of the announcement and interview with Shona: The New Zealand Herald (22 October 2013): NZ Music Awards: NZ Herald Legacy winner: Shona Laing.

• 21 Nov 2013: Shona received the NZ Herald Legacy Award and was inducted into the New Zealand Music Hall of Fame during the 48th Vodafone New Zealand Music Awards held at Auckland's Vector Arena. Shona's induction recognised her significant contribution to New Zealand music over a four-decade career that began in 1972. See video of Shona's induction ceremony: Youtube: NZMusic Hall of Fame: Shona Laing induction. During the ceremony, a special tribute to Shona Laing was performed by Ruby Frost. See: YouTube: Ruby Frost 'Soviet Snow' and 'Glad I'm Not A Kennedy'.

• 2013: Four CD box set of 'Genre', 'South', 'New on Earth', 'Shona' and 'Roadworks' was released by Sony Music. See: Discogs: Shone Laing: Original Album Classics.

Performed shows & interviewed about career, 2014 - 2016

Memorial Art Wall at Waikino unveiled in June 2016

During April 1981, a flood wiped out many homes and businesses at Waikino, which lies along the Ohinemuri River between Waihi and the Karangahake Gorge. Gradually the township was rebuilt. A new pedestrian swing bridge, known as the Waikino Memorial Bridge, was erected to replace the swing bridge that had been swept away and was officially opened on 1 March 2014. A Memorial Art Wall was unveiled nearby on 18 June 2016. The Art Wall consists of six panels of which Shona (who had moved from Waihi to the Waikino district) and Con Kiernan created one panel.

See photo and description of the panel on the Memorial Art Wall: Flickr: Con Kiernan: Waikino's Future. For a photo of the Memorial Art Wall, see blogpost: Amypie71: Coming up close: Waikino Memorial and Bridge (2 Dec 2019)

Shona joined the Church Tour, 20 Sept - 1 Oct 2016

Shona's tours during 2016 also included the Church Tour which was organised by promoters Brent Eccles and Campbell Smith. From 20 September to 1 October, nine shows were held in churches and cathedrals in seven cities - Napier, Hamilton, Auckland, Tauranga, Hamilton, Dunedin and Christchurch. Shona performed with Sharon O'Neill, Debbie Harwood, and Hammond Gamble on collaborative and individual sets. Funds from the 2016 tour went to the charitable organisation, New Zealand Music Foundation, which had formed in 2012 and was rebranded MusicHelps in September 2025.

Find out more:                                                                                                                                                                                           > UTR: The 2016 Church Tourwhich includes publicity poster and information about the tour                                                    >  UTR (26 Sept 2016): Live Photos: The Church Tour 2016 - Holy Trinity Cathedral, Auckland                                                    >  Stuff.co.nz (29 June 2016): Legends Sharon, Shona, Debbie and Hammond come together for The Church Tour which              includes photos                                                                                                                                                                                      >  Music New Zealand (31 Aug 2016): The New Zealand Music Foundation joins the Church Tour                                                   >  Patrick Shepherd (1 Oct 2016), "REVIEW: Shona Laing, Sharon O'Neill and Debbie Harwood still worth a listen", Stuff.co.nz      has a review of the second to last show and includes a photo of Shona, Sharon, & Debbie performing at St Michael and All          Angels Church, Christchurch.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/waikato-times/news/hamilton-press/83731768/church-concert-a-kiwi-collaboration

Shona performs at shows & songs included on others' compilation CDs, 2017 - 2019

9. touring, ACCOLADES, & RECORDS RELEASED, 2020s

• April 2020: Shona toured on the “A Circus of Fugees Freaks and Nomads Tour” in NZ with The Sparrow Band. (Earlier in 2007, Shona had self-released the album 'Pass the Whisper' which was recorded with The Sparrow Band.)

• 5 May 2020: Shona was presented with the Independent Music NZ Classic Record award for her album 'South' released in 1987. This annual award acknowledges one New Zealand record released over 20 years ago on an independent label. It "aims to acknowledge New Zealand’s rich history of making fine albums that continue to inspire us and that also define who we are”. See: Independent Music NZ: Recipients of the Independent Music NZ Classic Record.

• 12 June 2020: Compilation CD album 'Hindsight' was released on the Frenzy label. The 21 tracks include a mix of Shona's hits, alternate versions, unreleased material, and new recordings. The track ‘Going Out’ was performed with Brave Sheep (see earlier video: Youtube: Brave Sheep) and ‘We’ll Sing In the Sunshine’ with Tom Sharplin. See: Discogs: Shona Laing: Hindsight. Shona held promotional shows, including at the Waihi Beach Hotel on Saturday, 5 December 2020 which was listed on Eventfinda: Shona Laing - Hindsight.

"I am extremely proud of my two new tracks on this album, 'The Mahatma's Army' and 'Vagrant Heart'. The four unreleased UK tracks from 1975 have stood the test of time and feature Alan Tarney, Trevor Spencer and Terry Briton, who were the hot ticket around London at the time, on backing vocals is Suzanne Lynch who was in London at the time. Also from my U.K period is the Manfred Mann's Earth Band single 'I Who Have Nothing' from 1980 which features me on keyboards and vocals."

      Source: Marbecks Record Shop: Shona Laing: Hindsight

Featured in exhibition at Waihi Arts Centre and Museum, 2021

Shona was featured in an exhibition held at the Waihi Arts Centre and Museum from 30 January - 7 February 2021. The pictorial display was entitled: '50 Years Later, Shona Laing: A Pictorial Journey Through A Life of Music'. See advertisement posted on  its website: https://www.waihimuseum.co.nz/blog/2021/01/06/50-years-later-shona-laing/  

The  memorabilia was compiled by Shona and also included material that had been gathered by her sister Virginia and their mother who passed away in 2019. 

The exhibition includes hanging banners interspersed with record covers, magazine articles including a 1973 Listener and a Royal Command Performance programme from the 1974 Commonwealth Games in Christchurch. There's many newspaper clippings, sheet music, awards, tour books, posters, faxes and photocopies of United States and Australian press. Photos are mostly of studio sessions showcasing her changing styles as well as some gig and tour shots.  Laing is an artist and includes some of her paintings. ''I call them songs on canvas".

       Source: Rebecca Mauger (14 Jan 2021): "Waihi Museum to host Shona Laing exhibition", Bay of Plenty Times

Shona was also interviewed by Karyn Hay about the exhibition: RNZ ( 23 Jan 2021): Summer Weekends: Karyn Hay, "Shona Laing: 50 years later"

Backing vocalist on Chills' LP 'Spring Board' released Feb 2025

• 28 Feb 2025: The Chills album ‘Spring Board: Early Unrecorded Songs' was released on which Shona was a backing vocalist on four songs. The Chills (an indie rock band that formed in Dunedin in 1980) had invited contributions from other musicians to rework 20 unrecorded songs written by lead singer/songwriter Martin Phillipps. Shona was one of the backing vocalists on: 'If this world was made for me'; 'Juicy creaming soda'; 'I'll protect you'; and 'I don't want to live forever'. The recording sessions were held between September - December 2023 during which Martin Phillipps became progressively unwell and passed away in July 2024 aged 61. The LP was finalised and released posthumously by the remaining members of the Chills (Oli Wilson, Erica Scally, Callum Hampton, and Todd Knudson) and the band's manager Scott Muir. The LP entered the NZ charts on 7 March 2025 for one week, peaking at No. 7.   

  Find out more: RNZ (3 March 2025), "'He had an amazing lyrical brain': The story behind the final album from The Chills"

Find Out More

• AudioCulture: Murray Cammick,  Shona Laing (Published: 27 May 2013; Updated: 2 Apr 2020)

• AudioCulture: Chris Bourke, Southern Comfort: Shona Laing in the Nuclear Age (3 April 2020; First published in Rip It Up, October 1987)

• AudioCulture: Mark Everton & Michael Higgins, Give It a Whirl: Shona Laing interview (20 May 2022; Video first published 2003)

• Eventfinda: https://www.eventfinda.co.nz/search?q=shona+laing&allPast=1  (Concerts listed from 12 Nov 2016 - 5 Dec 2020)

• New Zealand Charts: Shona Laing

• Setlist: Shona Laing (Concert setlists and tour dates from 3 July 1973 - 18 Oct 2019)

• Wikipedia: Shona Laing

This DigitalNZ story was compiled in November 2025