Motel California Eagles tribute band plays at Whanganui's Relay for Life

Whanganui old boy David Thomas (right) with a previous Motel California line-up that includes current members Jayden Lee (left), Paul Smith (centre) and Paul Merriott (second from right).

Forty-five years of Eagles hits are coming Whanganui's way when Motel California plays at Relay for Life.

David Thomas, who grew up in Whanganui and frequently visits family still living here, says the Auckland-based Eagles tribute band is looking forward to playing at the Wanganui Cancer Society fundraiser at Cooks Gardens on Saturday, March 17.

"We're all semi-professional musicians and we play all over the North Island," Thomas said.

"It's a whole show, not just a few tunes. It covers 45 years of Eagles music and we play every one of their big hits. The Eagles are always popular and people sing and dance along and have a great time.

"I hope that Whanganui people will get behind it and support it. The show is very popular wherever we go. We very much support the Relay for Life fundraiser and hope it will raise awareness and funds."

The Motel California line-up playing at Relay for Life's Concert for a Cause includes guitarist Paul Smith who is the father of singer-songwriter Hollie Smith. Thomas plays keyboards and is the MC for the show. Other current members are Paul Merriott (bass), John Isemonger (guitar) and Glen Child (drums). Jayden Lee also sometimes plays drums with the band.

Concert for a Cause includes local bands playing between noon and 7pm, with Motel California playing from 7pm to 10.30pm. Tickets are available from the Royal Wanganui Opera House or, on Saturday, at the Cooks St entrance.