Musicians in spectacular tribute to one of best

Rex Kapua, Dave Barber on drums and Peter Pokaia on guitar at the tribute to the late Gary Lucre. Photo / Christine McKay

It's 12 months since Gary passed away, but the huge turnout by musicians from around the North Island at Merrylees Hotel was a special tribute, his partner Gerry Ronowicz, of Foxton, told the Dannevirke News.

"It's very emotional, but such a wonderful way to remember him," she said.

"Gary had been a musician all his life and he played with the greats, touring overseas with Sir Howard Morrison and he did all the Miss New Zealand shows.

"He was so very talented."

Gary also toured with the Drifters, Billy T James, Midge Marsden and Bullfrog Rata.

The tribute started in the early afternoon and the music and tributes flowed late into the night, something Gary well and truly deserved, friend and fellow muso Rex Kapua, from Hawke's Bay, said.

"We played together for six years with Prince Tui Teka, and Bunny Walters, travelling overseas as well and I got to know Gary very well," he said.

"We hung around with the legends of New Zealand music such as Herbs, Dragon and Hello Sailor too."

In the late 1980s the pair worked with Eddie Lowe and hung out with Tania and John Rowles.

"Gary was an absolutely lovely man to work with," Rex said.

"He was very fit, loved his music and was so talented.

"I really miss the dude, he was the hardest-working musician in the world.

"He didn't make a lot of money, but he made a lot of friends. He's a hard act to follow."

As the musos and lovers of great music packed out Merrylees Hotel for the tribute, an 8-year-old Dannevirke drummer stole the show early on.

Isaac Hook's performance on the drums was described as "cool and awesome".

The Hook family has been a big part of music in Dannevegas and Isaac looked set to carry on the tradition and his impromptu performance delighted his family, proud grandmother Monica said.