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Chris Knox

© Anne-Marie de Bruin

One of the most prolific artists over the years in the Kiwi music industry has been Chris Knox. In addition to his music, Chris is also known in New Zealand as a writer, cartoonist and film reviewer. But of course, this is Suite 101.com New Zealand Music, so we will only focus on the musical side of his career!

According to a bio of the Enemy/Toy Love at Kiwi Rock, Chris first formed the punk inspired Enemy in Dunedin with Alec Bathgate and Mike Dooley in 1977. The band was fairly successful in Dunedin and after a few line-up changes moved to Auckland where Phil Judd (Split Enz) joined for a short while.

The band then evolved into Toy Love and became one of the most popular Kiwi bands of their day. However, soon after a disastrous trip to Australia, the band sadly broke-up.

Chris Knox went on to build a solo career with many albums released. The latest, Yes!!, was released in September last year.

Chris also continues to review films for television and contributes various cartoons such as Max Media to the New Zealand Herald on a regular basis.

Tall Dwarfs is Chris' continuing project with Alec Bathgate. The band also releases albums every once in a while.

Chris is renowned for his music and writing talents and was a key element in the evolution of the Flying Nun sound, from the early eighties onwards.

For more information on Chris and the Tall Dwarfs, check out:

Chris info at Flying Nun

Chris's bio at Kiwi Rock

A fan's Tall Dwarfs page

Chris and Alec's article on the last Dwarfs album for Real Groove