Early Years
Williams was born in Dargaville in the Northland region of New Zealand and at 16 started up a band called ‘The Face’ with classmates. The band went on to win the Northland heat of the National Battle of the Bands competition in September 1970, and finished third overall in the grand final held in Auckland in the new year.
One of the judges at the final was Lew Pryme, and he recognised the potential of the group and became their manager. A single "Hangin' Around"/"Mr Postman" was released in 1972 on Zodiac and a national tour followed. In 1973, Mack Tane left and he was replaced by Bruce Robinson, previously of the Pleazers, Troubled Mind and Flinders.
When the television show "Happen Inn" finished in 1973, a new show emerged. It was called "Free Ride" and was hosted by Ray Columbus. Lew convinced Williams to leave the Face and pursue a solo career at the time the new show was being launched. Whilst becoming a featured artist on the show, "Free Ride" will always be remembered for launching the career of Williams.
Read more about this topic: Mark Williams (singer)
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