Indie agency takes out Battle of the Ad Bands

Shots were spilled, undies were thrown and an indie agency reigned supreme at last night’s Battle of the Ad Bands.

Some 400 fans rocked out at the annual event, where seven ad bands took to the stage to vie for the coveted No 1 spot.  

But it was Barnes, Catmur and Friends’ band, Friends Electric, who took out the top spot – despite having a drummer with a broken rib.

Barnes, Catmur and Friends creative managing partner Daniel Barnes sported a grey suit, a half-buttoned shirt and some slick shades.

The ad boss swung his hips and tossed his hair in a fashion reminiscent of Bill Nighy’s character in the film Love Actually.

Opening act Taxidermy (DDB) had the biggest fan base – the agency has some 100-plus employees. The band starred Daniel Barne’s son, Jake, and Pip Jenkins.

Taxidermy manager Chris Hancock saysthe band celebrated hard after taking out best original song for My Woman, My Whisky and Me, penned by copywriter Tom Cunlisse.

The Hathaways (Ogilvy), who according to bass player Brendan Boughen had been “decimated” by staff departures over the last 12 months, took the stage with a small band of four.

The quartet was saved by the immense stage presence of new vocalist Adam Stevenson, a suit from the Shopping Channel.

Mr Stevenson was a fine replacement for Damon O’Leary, whose departure to Sugar & Partners left fans deprived of his infamous pelvic gyrations. 

The Burning Sensations (Flying Fish) roused the crowd with a strong rendition of Eye of the Tiger. Lead singer Dale Dick disappointed groupies by ignoring repeated calls to take off his shirt.

Dr O (BCG2 and Mediacom) finished their set with the appearance of Dr O himself, flanked by two "nursettes", one of who had a freakish stare reminiscent of an Austin Power femmebots.

Pegasus (DraftFCB) supported their act with some blinging costumes and a large Pegasus installation on the stage, complete with red lazer eyes.

According to vocalist Carl Sarney, a creative at DraftFCB spent the weekend creating the paper mache creature, only to realise the stage was too small to showcase its moving wings.

The Chased (OMD) delighted with some funky moves and a three-piece brass section. The band was tipped to win after placing second last year, but failed to shine.

The winners:

Overall: Friends Electric (Barnes, Catmur and Friends)

Best costume: Carl Sarney "the clock guy", Pegasus (Draft FCB)

Best musican: Joe Lonie, Burning Sensations (Flying Fish)

Best vocalist: Adam Stevenson, The Hathways (Ogilvy)

“Most likely to get the groupies”: Jason Bock, Burning Sensations (Flying Fish)

Best original song:  My Woman, My Whisky and Me, Taxidermy (DDB)

Best wild card performance: Bright Eyes, The Hathaways (Ogilvy)

vyoung@nbr.co.nz