Alastair Riddell

In 1967, Original Sun Blues Band was formed by the original line-up consisting of Riddell on rhythm guitar and vocals, Ron on drums, Peter Kershaw on bass guitar and vocals, and Henry Jackson on lead guitar. The band was influenced by John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers and American blues, with the band's name a nod to Son House. After Peter and Henry left the band, the name was shortened to Original Sun and consisted of Alastair on guitar and vocals, Ron on drums, and Peter Cuddihy on bass guitar. The new line-up took on the more adventurous blues sounds of Jimi Hendrix and Cream. There are no known recordings of the band.

In 1971, while studying at Auckland University, Riddell formed the Psychedelic Art rock band Orb. They played some of Riddell's original songs, including "Seabird" which would later feature on the Space Waltz album. Orb consisted of Riddell on rhythm guitar, synthesizer, and vocals, Eddie Rayner on keyboards, Paul Emlyn Crowther on drums, Paul Wilkinson on lead guitar, and Peter Kershaw on bass guitar. They played the Art's Festival in 1972.[5]

In 1974, Riddell formed the glam rock band Space Waltz. The group appeared on the television talent quest New Faces and created a stir with their image. The did not win the finals, but attracted attention from rock fans. They were noticed by EMI and promptly signed to the label.[6] Their single "Out on the Street" was a number-one hit in New Zealand.[7][8]

The album Space Waltz, which was released by EMI in 1975, featured Riddell, Eddie Rayner, Greg Clark, Peter Cuddihy, and Brent Eccles, with backing vocals from The Yandall Sisters.[9]

In 1977, the single "Wonder Ones" / "Oh Ron" was released on the Mandrill label.

In 1978, the self titled album Alastair Riddell was also released on the Mandrill label.[10]

Riddell toured with The Alastair Riddell Band until 1979. The Alastair Riddell Band consisted of Riddell on lead guitar, synthesizer, and vocals, John Treseder on guitar, Gavin Beardsmore on bass, Noel Lamberton on drums and Ruth Hall on backing vocals .

He twice declined invitations to join Split Enz, the first time to replace guitarist Wally Wilkinson in 1975, and then again in 1977 when Phil Judd left the band, with Neil Finn subsequently taking the position.[11][12]

In 1983, he contributed electronic drums to the number-one hit "Poi E" by Pātea Māori Club. Incidentally, The Yandall Sisters who sang backup on the Space Waltz album appeared on another track of the album that the hit was on. Both "Poi E" and "Out on the Street" appear on the soundtrack for Taika Waititi's 2010 film, Boy.[13][14]