I only met Dave McArtney once last year, during a theatre production I was directing, in Auckland. His daughter, Moana was one of the characters (Tomasina) in the play, ‘pURe’. Dave sat in the front row, and watched his daughter perform, with pride. He was friendly, down-to-earth and gregarious. Well known for his musical abilities (on guitar/vocals), he was the founder, of the band ‘Hello Sailor’ in 1975, then ‘Dave McArtney and The Pink Flamingos’ formed in 1980.

He was a distinguished songwriter and musician, in his own right.

‘Gutter Black’, written and sung by Dave McArtney, is the theme song for ‘Outrageous Fortune’ (NZ comedy-drama television series) which broadcast from July 2005 – November 2010.

Dave contributed 38 years (of his life) to the music industry. He was 62- a father, husband, friend, icon, musician, songwriter, all-round ‘good guy’. Great smile, too.