‘Tres Hombres’ - one goal

A trio of friends will be getting into the country rock spirit with a goal of supporting the region’s young people into musical passions.

Gavin Coombes, Nigel Fairweather and Tristin Stacey are reuniting, and have already started growing beards, searching for sunglasses and donning bandanas before playing ZZ Top at this year’s Stars in Your Eyes competition.

“We’re keeping the song decision under wraps, but only the most diehard ZZ Top people will know the song”, Gavin says with a big grin.

“Over recent years we haven’t played so much together so we all saw this as a great chance to do something unique.

“We’re going to have to talk about whether I get a full-fledged beard or just a fake one to chuck on, or maybe a bandana will do.

“It’s a bit of a return to the stage as well, and we’re diving into the deep end fully in the public eye at the ASB Theatre, so it’s bigger than anything else so we’re really excited.”

And while the trio say that the choice of bandmates, song and benefitting cause – the Marlborough Youth Trust - was easy, the costuming and showmanship was taking some getting used to.

“I think the waiting and preparing is the hardest”, summarises Tristin. Once we’re on the stage I’ll just be thinking ‘Don’t fall over, don’t drop the drumsticks’ over and over and over again”.

“These two don’t actually need to dress up – Tristin has basically been living the lifestyle the whole time”, Nigel laughs.

“Tristin, Gavin and I have performed together quite a bit so Stars in Your Eyes is a worthwhile reason to play together again for good reasons on the big stage.

“Dietmar at Dodson Street Beer Garden has been a big motivator and encourager for us taking part – he’s an integral part of the community, a genuinely nice guy and an undercover rocker too.

“I’m growing a sympathy beard so while there’s some itchy feet to get on the stage, there’s also a whole lot of other itching going on as we get closer to the time.”