The Newtones
Tony Peake was a crucial figure in the development of the Christchurch punk and post-punk scene. The punk, new wave and reggae records he imported through the University Bookshop were a vital source of new music for the city’s musicians and music fans.
The charismatic Tony Peake was also a performer but his early bands – the punkish Vandals and the more experimental Street of Flowers – never recorded. He left his mark with The Newtones alongside bass player Mark Brooks (another major player in the Garden City punk scene with The Vauxhalls) and drummer Graeme van der Colk (in his first serious band). After forming in mid-1980, they quickly became regulars in a thriving scene at The Gladstone.
Androidss, Newtones, Playthings, Ritchie Venus @ The Gladstone
Photo credit:
Design by Robin Neate - Christchurch City Libraries Collection
The lyrics to Christchurch Pt. 2 off the Paint The Town Red EP
Photo credit:
Mark Brooks collection
The Newtones – Mark Brooks, Graeme Van Der Colk, Tony Peake
Robin Neate's proof sheet of Newtones photos for the My World single, October 1981
Photo credit:
Photos by Robin Neate. Mark Brooks collection
The Newtones (Tony Peake, Graham Van Der Colk and Mark Brooks) planning an Abbey Road shot very early one morning on University Drive in Christchurch. The Abbey Road shot seems not have been taken, however.
Photo credit:
Photo by Maurice Lye. Courtesy of Mark Brooks.
Mark Brooks, Tony Peake and Martin Archbold
Photo credit:
Andrew Schmidt Collection
The Newtones - Graeme Van Der Colk, Mark Brooks, Tony Peake
The Newtones in the Quad at the Christchurch Arts Centre, March, 1981
Photo credit:
Photo by Gordon Bartram
Paint The Town Red
The Newtones head south
Photo credit:
Andrew Schmidt Collection
The Newtones with soundman, Fred Kramer. L to R: Graeme Van Der Colk, Mark Brooks, Fred Kramer, Tony Peake
Photo credit:
Andrew Schmidt Collection
Members:
Mark Brooks - bass, vocals
Graeme van der Colk - drums
Martin Archbold - drums