Set to celebrate an impressive five-decade long career that has been marked by numerous achievements and praise, multi-faceted performer Mark Williams has announced ‘Now And Then’; a special 50th anniversary show for fans in Sydney this November.
Taking place just weeks before the iconic performer tours the East Coast, fronting Dragon at this year’s Good Things Festival, Williams’ 50th anniversary show is a moment for fans to revisit one of New Zealand’s biggest success stories. For Williams, it is an opportunity to celebrate 50 years in the industry, and to take the audience on a journey – from then, all the way to now.
Bringing a blend of funk, rhythms, soul and rock to the stage, Williams is excited to be presenting this brand new solo show that aims to give the audience an insight into the sorts of sounds that have defined him as an artist over such an expansive period of time.
“I recently had the honour of supporting Boney M as a solo artist on their hugely successful tour across Australia and New Zealand, with sold out shows every night. It inspired me to create a new performance that re-establishes my presence as a solo artist and celebrates 50 years in this industry – a milestone for any artist.
Many might recognise my face but not know my name. Although nowadays I’m more well-known as the lead singer of Dragon, most people aren’t familiar with the backstory of how I got here, or the journey that made me the artist I am today. Now, I have the chance to showcase my own voice again.”
MARK WILLIAMS
In 2024, Williams has kept busy on the road, not only touring the country and NZ with Boney M, but also performing sets at this year’s Gympie Muster, and on tour with Dragon – who also celebrated 50 years – in April. Previously, he has supported the likes of UB40, Toto, Jefferson Starship, Jimmy Barnes and more across a much-lauded career.
Early career successes in NZ were marked by #1 hits in ‘Yesterday Was Just The Beginning Of My Life’ (1975) and ‘It Doesn’t Matter Anymore’ (1977), which would eventually lead to the release of three studio albums for Williams before he moved to Australia.
Following his relocation to Australia, Williams clocked an impressive run of collaborations with the likes of Renee Geyer, Tim Finn, Jenny Morris, The Church and more. It was Williams’ landmark song ‘Show No Mercy,’ which reached the Top 10 of the Australian and New Zealand charts and achieved platinum status in 1990, that cemented his legendary status and became an enduring anthem that inspired major sporting events and teams throughout the nineties. As the frontman of Dragon, Williams has remained a constant presence on the Australian music scene; the band having released six studio records and EPs, along with multiple tours since 2006.
Joining Mark for his ‘Here And Now’ performance will be his daughter Taylor B-W. An artist in her own right, Taylor will be opening up the night with her own performance, and will be sharing the stage with Mark during his set.
MARK WILLIAMS 50th ANNIVERSARY EVENT
‘Now And Then’: Celebrating 50 Years of Songs, Stories and Soulmates
TICKETS
Saturday 23 November The Bridge Hotel Rozelle
supported by Taylor B-W
PRAISE
“New Zealand’s King of Pop”
THE SUN
“Williams is a walking, talking musical synthesiser. His instrument is honed to perfection.”
THE AUSTRALIAN
“Mark Williams should really have been born hollering: “Here I come, ready or not…” because by the age of 20, his afro, satin flares and eyeliner was pushing groove and ambiguous glamour onto a musical landscape dominated by earnest hippies, cookie-cutter family entertainers and pub rockers. Ask anyone who was a child when they first saw him on television – he was impossible to miss…”
AUDIOCULTURENZ
MARK WILLIAMS: Official Website | Facebook | Instagram
