23 Facts About Dave Dobbyn

Dave Dobbyn was influenced by music from a young age, ranging from the Irish songs his father listened to, to the music of the church across the road, to the various radio stations he was able to pick up on the family radiogram.

Dave Dobbyn suffered extreme stage fright and played early performances standing at the back with his eyes closed.

The band's first release was the single "Lipstick Power", followed by "Bull by the Horns", thought to be about Dave Dobbyn overcoming the stage fright he sometimes experienced while performing with Th' Dudes.

Dave Dobbyn apparently had his eye on the larger Australian market and it was not long before he had a number one solo hit there.

Dave Dobbyn made negative remarks about the police which allegedly spurred on the crowd.

Prime Minister David Lange called a commission of inquiry and as a result, Dave Dobbyn was charged with inciting a riot.

When DD Smash eventually disbanded, partially to make room for the commercially expanding vision of Dave Dobbyn, they left behind them the hit singles "Outlook for Thursday" and the violin-tinged, hi perennial classic "Whaling".

When DD Smash folded, Dave Dobbyn began a successful solo career, by writing the soundtrack music for the animated feature film Footrot Flats: The Dog's Tale in 1986.

Dave Dobbyn released his debut solo album Loyal, a personal celebration of love and loyalty, in 1988.

Dave Dobbyn's follow-up was the Mitchell Froom-produced Lament for the Numb, which included members of Elvis Costello's one-time backing band.

In 1995 Dave Dobbyn became one of the first musical performers in the world to simulcast a performance on the Internet.

Dave Dobbyn took on the role of producer in fourth solo album, The Islander.

In 1999 Dave Dobbyn joined Jan Hellriegel and Toi Iti to co-write "Read About It", the theme song of the Duffy Books in Homes programme which is still performed by 100,000 children annually.

Dave Dobbyn's hit song "Loyal" from his debut solo album Loyal was used as an anthem for Team New Zealand's failed 2003 America's Cup defence.

Dave Dobbyn has produced albums for Australian singer Grant McLennan and contributed to albums by Jenny Morris, Gyan Evans, Wayne Gillespie and Bic Runga.

In 2000 Dave Dobbyn toured New Zealand with Runga and Tim Finn.

The tour included the lead off song "Just Add Water" from his 2000 album Hopetown, a record Dave Dobbyn has since referred to as "a cartoon album".

In 2005, Dave Dobbyn released his sixth solo album; Available Light.

In 2012 Dave Dobbyn was part of the all-star lineup for the Flight of the Conchords charity single "Feel Inside ".

Dave Dobbyn has received numerous musical awards from both the New Zealand Music Awards and the APRA Silver Scroll Awards.

Dave Dobbyn received a Lifetime Achievement award in 2001 at the NZ Music Awards.

Dave Dobbyn met his future wife, Anneliesje, at a Whangamata Th' Dudes New Year's show.

Dave Dobbyn said that this diagnosis, received in July 2022, has given him a 'wider appreciation of life'.