Hugh Lynn

This documentary looks back on the life of Hugh Lynn, a third generation entertainer – who’s enjoyed a long and varied career in the Australasian music industry. Lynn’s diverse occupations include motorcross rider, dancer, nightclub owner, band manager, and running Mascot recording studios. But he’ll always be best known as one of New Zealand’s most successful rock’n’roll promoters.

Lynn is credited with opened New Zealand’s first punk nightclub (it lasted two weeks) and then went on to work alongside international superstars such as David Bowie, Bob Dylan, Mick Jagger, Pink Floyd, R.E.M., Stevie Wonder and Neil Young.

His outdoor concerts broke attendance records and in 1988 he was recognised by the Recording Industry Association of New Zealand with an award for his outstanding contribution to local music.

In this feature for Radio New Zealand’s “Musical Chairs” series, Lynn reflects on his varied career as a “cultural entrepreneur” and discusses his role as manager of the band Herbs, his friendship with Eagles guitarist Joe Walsh, and why he decided to walk away from the lucrative world of concert promotion.

Hugh Lynn Musical Chairs 09 1st by samcoley

Title: “Musical Chairs; Hugh Lynn”
Commissioned By: Radio New Zealand
First Broadcast: March 2009

Equipment:

Marantz PMD660 Recorder
Beyer Dynamic M58 Microphone
Adobe Audition 3.0 Digital editor