Dragon

Dragon is one of the most successful and enduring rock bands in Australian music history. Originally formed in New Zealand in 1973 before relocating to Australia, Dragon became a major force in the Australian rock scene, producing a string of unforgettable hits including “April Sun in Cuba,” “Are You Old Enough?,” “Rain,” “Sunshine,” “Young Years” and “Speak No Evil.”

With their distinctive combination of rock, pop, powerful songwriting and charismatic performances, Dragon became one of the defining bands of the 1970s and 1980s. Their music has continued to appeal to generations of Australian music fans, securing Dragon’s place among the country’s most recognisable rock acts.

The Formation of Dragon

Dragon was formed in Auckland, New Zealand, in 1973 by brothers Todd Hunter and Raymond “Ray” Goodwin, along with Graeme Collins and Neil Storey. The band’s original musical style was influenced by progressive rock, but Dragon gradually developed a more accessible rock and pop sound.

The band moved to Australia in 1975, where they quickly established themselves on the local live music circuit. Their energetic performances and distinctive songs helped Dragon build a strong following and attract the attention of Australia’s record industry.

Dragon’s Rise to Fame

Dragon’s breakthrough came in the mid-1970s after they established themselves in Australia. The arrival of vocalist Marc Hunter, Todd Hunter’s younger brother, became a defining moment in the band’s history.

Marc Hunter brought a powerful and distinctive vocal style to Dragon, helping the band develop the sound that would make them one of Australia’s biggest rock acts.

April Sun in Cuba

One of Dragon’s most famous songs, “April Sun in Cuba,” was released in 1977 and became a huge Australian hit.

Written by Graeme Gouldman and Dragon members Todd Hunter and Marc Hunter, the song combined an infectious melody with a distinctive rhythm and became one of the most recognisable Australian rock songs of the era.

“April Sun in Cuba” remains a signature Dragon song and continues to be a favourite at Australian live music events.

Are You Old Enough?

Dragon followed the success of “April Sun in Cuba” with another massive hit, “Are You Old Enough?”

Released in 1978, the song reached number one on the Australian singles chart and became one of Dragon’s defining recordings.

The song’s catchy chorus and instantly recognisable sound helped establish Dragon as one of Australia’s leading bands during the late 1970s.

Dragon in the 1980s

Dragon continued to evolve throughout the 1980s, embracing a more polished rock and pop sound while retaining the songwriting and performance qualities that had made the band successful.

The group experienced several line-up changes during this period but continued to produce major Australian hits.

Rain

Released in 1983, “Rain” became one of Dragon’s most successful songs. Written by Todd Hunter and Johanna Pigott, the song represented a new chapter for the band and became a major Australian hit.

“Rain” is now regarded as one of the classic Australian songs of the 1980s and remains one of Dragon’s most recognisable recordings.

Young Years

Dragon continued their success with “Young Years,” released in 1984. The song became another major Australian hit and demonstrated the band’s ability to remain commercially successful while adapting to the changing sound of popular music.

Speak No Evil

The band’s 1985 single “Speak No Evil” added another memorable song to Dragon’s catalogue. The track continued the band’s run of successful Australian releases during the 1980s.

Dragon’s Albums

Dragon released a substantial catalogue of albums throughout their career, including some of the most important Australian rock records of the 1970s and 1980s.

Sunshine

Released in 1977, Sunshine included some of Dragon’s most popular early material and helped establish the band’s position in Australian rock music.

O Zambezi

Released in 1978, O Zambezi became one of Dragon’s most successful albums and included the number-one hit “Are You Old Enough?”

Power Play

Released in 1979, Power Play continued Dragon’s commercial success and featured the band’s distinctive rock sound.

Body and the Beat

Released in 1984, Body and the Beat was a major success and included the hit singles “Rain” and “Magic.”

Dreams of Ordinary Men

Released in 1986, Dreams of Ordinary Men continued Dragon’s successful run during the 1980s.

Marc Hunter and Dragon

Marc Hunter became one of the most recognisable frontmen in Australian rock music. His powerful voice and charismatic stage presence were central to Dragon’s success.

Although Dragon experienced numerous changes in membership over the years, Marc Hunter remained closely associated with the band’s identity.

Marc Hunter also enjoyed a successful solo career, releasing several albums and singles outside Dragon. His contribution to Australian rock music remains an important part of the band’s legacy.

Todd Hunter and Dragon

Bassist, songwriter and producer Todd Hunter has been a constant presence throughout Dragon’s history.

As one of the band’s principal songwriters, Todd Hunter played a major role in shaping Dragon’s musical direction. He has also worked extensively as a producer and musician outside the band.

Todd Hunter’s songwriting partnership with Johanna Pigott produced several of Dragon’s most successful songs, including the iconic “Rain.”

Dragon’s Legacy in Australian Music

Dragon has made an extraordinary contribution to Australian rock music. Their catalogue spans several decades and includes songs that have become firmly embedded in Australian popular culture.

From the infectious energy of “April Sun in Cuba” and “Are You Old Enough?” to the atmospheric sound of “Rain” and the nostalgia of “Young Years,” Dragon has created a collection of songs that continue to resonate with Australian audiences.

The band’s ability to reinvent themselves across different musical eras has been an important factor in their longevity.

Dragon Today

Dragon has continued to perform for Australian audiences across the decades, with Todd Hunter remaining an important figure in the band’s continuing story.

Their music continues to feature on Australian radio, at festivals, corporate events, pubs and live entertainment venues throughout the country.

Dragon’s enduring popularity is a testament to the strength of their songwriting and the timeless appeal of their greatest songs.

Dragon for Events and Entertainment

Dragon’s extensive catalogue makes their music particularly well suited to Australian rock, nostalgia and live entertainment events.

With instantly recognisable songs such as “April Sun in Cuba,” “Are You Old Enough?,” “Rain,” “Young Years” and “Speak No Evil,” Dragon provides a musical connection to some of the most memorable periods in Australian rock history.

For audiences who grew up with Australian rock music, Dragon’s songs evoke the energy, excitement and spirit of an era when Australian bands dominated the charts and live music scene.

Dragon remains one of Australia’s most iconic rock bands, with a legacy that continues to entertain audiences across generations.