As we mentioned previously the Mountain Mist Band came about due to our need for and desire to work with a live band. We have been very fortunate to have crossed paths with many talented musicians during our singing career and as with many things in life change happens and so it is with The Mountain Mist Band. Our Lead guitarist, Ian Anderson sadly passed away in July 2022 and our Steel Player, Andrew Paterson, has other commitments to attend to. Both will be sadly missed from the line up. The members that now make up The Mountain Mist Band are our very good friends Ivan Hoete, Tiny Heathcote and Richard Pinny. We are so pleased to have Tiny and Richard still with us and are very happy to welcome Ivan to the band. Ivan has had a very long association with New Zealand country music and is a sort after Lead guitarist. Welcome Ivan. Thank you for agreeing to play with us.
We are pleased to announce that we will once again have The Mountain Mist Band supporting us at the 2024 Bay of Islands Country Rock Festival.
The Mountain Mist Band, includes the following members:
Lead Guitar: Ivan Hoete
I began playing in bands in 1958 with my Uncles and over the years continued playing with my own family band until 2023 deciding then to retire the family band after 63 years. In 1974 I was also asked to play in backing bands for New Zealand country artists Rusty Greaves and Patsy Rigger. In 1985 I was asked to help out with the backing bands for the Auckland Country Music Association Awards and did so for many years after that. I have played in Showcase bands with the likes of Gray Bartlett and was a member of the Dennis Marsh band that toured New Zealand in 2003 and 2004. Along with my wife Naomi we are founding members of the Tuakau Country Music Club. I was the first club president 2000-2002 and am now club Patron. Although on longer playing full time I am happy to do freelance work for friends and family.
Bass Guitar: Brendon (Tiny) Heathcote
Born and brought up in Auckland, I was taught to play bass guitar by a friend who played lead guitar in a band called “LAZER”. They wanted a bass player and I was the only one out of about five of us friends who could keep in time and play in tune, so I got the job.
With some borrowed gear, and a lot of hard practice, we played our first gig three months later at Auckland University with about 20 songs in our repertoire.
This was the early 1970’s and band work was plentiful around Auckland, so we continued to improve and increase our repertoire, and play various pubs and clubs around Auckland.
As my experience increased, I then played with various bands leading to some recording work. In the mid 1970’s I played with a better known band called “NOAHZARK”.
I also played various festivals and toured around NZ. After starting a family, and needing a regular income, I gave music away for about 15 years.
About 10 years ago a friend introduced me to country music and encouraged me to play at their local club. It took some time to get back in the saddle, but I have really enjoyed the experience and I have met, played with and backed a lot of really nice people over that time.
Long may it continue, “KEEP ON ROCKIN’”.
Drums: Richard Pinny
I started playing at a young age with musical brothers and sister. I joined Country Duo Allan and Dianna Pepperal and played my first gig at age 12. We played around the Waikato as “The Winchesters” for about 4 years. At the age of 16 along with my brother, George, we joined with Ritchie Pickett and played more Rock’n’Roll style.
I played in many bands over the years and moved North to farm in the 1980’s and formed the bands “Top Secret” and then “Inertia”. I became involved in the local Country Music scene and became part of “The Mountain Mist Band” backing local country artists Annette Hawkins and Kim Copedo (Annette & Kim). I also had the pleasure to meet and back many great artists over the years. This included long time friend, Reg McTaggart, and too many others to mention. These days I play at the Little Tennessee Country Music Club and regular Jam sessions around the Paihia area. I also enjoy writing and recording some of my own songs.
