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When the Cat's Away (band)

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When the Cat's Away
OriginAuckland, New Zealand
GenresPop
Years active1985–1991, 2001–2002, 2023-2024
LabelsCBS, Peach
Past membersAnnie Crummer
Margaret Urlich
Debbie Harwood
Kim Willoughby
Dianne Swann

When the Cat's Away is a New Zealand female vocal group and covers band formed in 1985. They are best known for their cover of the Blue Mink assimilationist song "Melting Pot", which became a New Zealand number one hit for them in 1988.[1] In 2021, the band members were inducted into the New Zealand Music Hall of Fame.[2]

Background

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At the 1985 New Zealand Music Awards, Annie Crummer, Debbie Harwood, Kim Willoughby, Dianne Swann, and Margaret Urlich formed a female vocal group.[3] In 2004 Dianne Swann reflected on their start: "The idea formed to get together, have some fun and sing a bunch of songs that we like, learn some harmonies. I don’t think anybody pictured it as being as popular as it became."[4]

When The Cat's Away debuted at Auckland's Wildlife in September 1986. Soon after they were performing more frequently at bigger venues, before signing a two singles and live album deal with CBS Records.

In 1987, they released their debut single "Leader of the Pack", followed by "Sanctified", with neither charting. In May 1987, the group began a 30-date national tour, recording the album at His Majesty's Theatre. In June 1987, the group released the live self-titled debut album, consisting of cover versions of pop songs. The album peaked at number 39 and was certified gold in New Zealand. Debbie Harwood told RipItUp writer Chris Bourke "The Cats is a break from getting our own stuff played, recorded and on the radio. It's ‘the girls go out to play’ … we’re only there to have fun really – there are no serious messages, just singing our favourites."[4]

In November 1988, the group released a cover of "Melting Pot" which peaked at number 1 and was certified gold in New Zealand. The group toured extensively throughout 1988/89, becoming one of the biggest live acts in New Zealand at that time.[5] The group was awarded Listener Film and Television Awards for 'Entertainers of the Year' and 'Documentary of the Year' in 1988 and also took out the coveted 'Group of the Year' award at the 1989 New Zealand Music Awards.[3]

"Free Ride" was released in January 1990 and peaked at number 12. Soon after, Swann left the group, and the other members followed pursuing solo careers and other projects.

In 2001, the band reformed (minus Dianne Swann) and released a cover version of Sharon O'Neill's 1980 single "Asian Paradise". Shortly after that, O'Neill returned their gesture by performing with them on the nationwide Paradise Tour including over three nights at the Aotea Centre in Auckland. A live album was recorded during that tour and released as "Live in Paradise". The album peaked at number 7 and went platinum.[6]

In 2002, the group toured again, playing large outdoor shows and featured O'Neill along with Eddie Rayner and Noel Crombie from Split Enz and choreography from Rietta Austin.

In December 2021, the five members of the band were inducted into the New Zealand Music Hall of Fame at the Aotearoa Music Awards in recognition of their contributions to New Zealand music.[7][2]

A 2023 concert in honour of deceased member Margaret Urlich[8] was followed by a New Zealand tour in 2024.[9]

Discography

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Albums

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Year Title Details Peak chart
positions 		Certifications
(sales threshold)[10]
NZ[11]
1987 When the Cat's Away
  • Label: CBS
  • Catalogue: CAT LP001
 39
  • NZL: Gold
2001 Live in Paradise
(with Sharon O'Neill)
  • Label: Peach Records
  • Catalogue: 537030 2
 7
  • NZL: Platinum

Singles

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Year Title Peak chart
positions 		Certifications
(sales threshold)[1] 		Album
NZ[11]
1987 "Leader of the Pack" — Non-album single
1987 "Sanctified" — Non-album single
1988 "Melting Pot" 1
  • NZL: Gold
 Non-album single
1990 "Free Ride" 12 Non-album single
2001 "Asian Paradise" 16 Non-album single

Awards

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Year Nominee / work Award Result
1988 When the Cat's Away Listener Television Awards – Entertainment Programme Won[12]
1989 When the Cat's Away New Zealand Music Awards – Best Group Won[13]
1989 Ross McDermott/Annie Crummer ("Melting Pot") New Zealand Music Awards – Best Producer Nominated[13]
2021 When the Cat's Away New Zealand Music Hall of Fame inducted[14]

References

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  1. ^ a b "When The Cat's Away". Muzic.net.nz. Retrieved 14 February 2013.
  2. ^ a b Skipwith, David (17 December 2021). "L.A.B. and Teeks reign supreme at 2021 Aotearoa Music Awards". Stuff. Retrieved 18 December 2021.
  3. ^ a b "When the Cat's Away". Muzic. Retrieved 16 March 2017.
  4. ^ a b "When the Cat's Away". Audio Culture. Retrieved 16 March 2017.
  5. ^ "When The Cat's Away". NZ On Screen. Retrieved 14 February 2013.
  6. ^ "Class of 81". Eventfinder. Retrieved 14 February 2013.
  7. ^ Skipworth, David (2 December 2021). "Hall of Fame honour for When the Cat's Away". Stuff. Retrieved 5 December 2021.
  8. ^ "When The Cat's Away band members reunite for one-off concert". NZ Herald. 24 July 2023. Retrieved 4 March 2024.
  9. ^ "When The Cats Away Announce Four New Concerts". www.muzic.net.nz. Retrieved 4 March 2024.
  10. ^ "Debbie Harwood bio". Debbie Harwood. Retrieved 14 February 2013.
  11. ^ a b "When The Cat's Away discography". charts.nz. Retrieved 13 February 2013.
  12. ^ "1988 Winners – Listener Television Awards". Kiwi TV. Retrieved 14 February 2013.
  13. ^ a b "1989 Winners". NZ Music Awards. Retrieved 14 February 2013.
  14. ^ Skipwith, David (17 December 2021). "L.A.B. and Teeks reign supreme at 2021 Aotearoa Music Awards". Stuff. Retrieved 18 December 2021.
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