The Neighbours

The Neighbours were formed around the pairing of Ponsonby’s Sam Ford-led country rockers Local Heroes and Wellington musician Rick Bryant. The band toured extensively from their Gluepot Tavern base. They went through numerous line-ups, winning fans for their grunty R&B sound. EP The Only One You Need was followed by sole album Vocal at the Local, recorded live at the band's base, The Gluepot. British-born Trudi Green took lead vocals. Sax man Bryant left in mid 1983 to form Rick Bryant and the Jive Bombers, and focus on a soul-inspired sound.