Alastair Riddell's Space Waltz

Alastair Riddell's band, Space Waltz, was a short-lived one-album New Zealand rock act that hit gold with a #1 hit single in October 1974. They epitomized the mid-1970s heyday of glam rock in New Zealand, but their impact went far beyond this. Their generationally divisive nation-wide debut on the popular MOR television talent quest Studio One/New Faces demonstrated the power of mass media exposure and Riddell's controversial gender-bending image provided a cultural crossroads that greatly impacted the wider youth culture of Aotearoa New Zealand. The album's most famous track, 'Out On The Street,' is rightly regarded as New Zealand's glam rock anthem, but the wider album demonstrates a compositional and musical depth that goes far beyond glam rock and into the realm of sophisticated progressive rock, providing an unlikely and highly unique musical amalgam.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 144 pages
Publication date: 09 March 2023
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing Plc

Space Waltz, the musical ensemble formed by Alastair Riddell, emerged as a fleeting yet remarkable one-album rock act hailing from New Zealand. Their journey reached a pinnacle of success when they achieved a chart-topping hit single in October 1974 with the song 'Out On The Street.' However, despite this initial triumph, they were unable to replicate or surpass that level of achievement. While some may have relegated them to the status of a one-hit wonder, Alastair Riddell and Space Waltz continue to be celebrated as iconic representatives of the vibrant glam rock scene that flourished in New Zealand during the mid-1970s.

Yet, their impact extends far beyond this limited categorization. Their nation-wide debut on the highly popular MOR television talent quest, Studio One/New Faces, showcased the immense power of mass media exposure. Their captivating performance instantly garnered them a record deal with industry giant EMI, solidifying their status as emerging talents. Moreover, Riddell's daring and unconventional gender-bending image served as a cultural crossroads, profoundly impacting the broader youth culture of Aotearoa New Zealand.

In addition to their musical prowess, Space Waltz's album showcases a remarkable depth and complexity that transcends the boundaries of glam rock. While their most famous track, 'Out On The Street,' is rightly revered as New Zealand's glam rock anthem, the broader album reveals a compositional and musical sophistication that extends into the realm of sophisticated progressive rock. This unexpected and unique fusion creates a musical amalgam that is both captivating and unconventional, leaving a lasting impression on the world of music.

Space Waltz's brief yet impactful existence serves as a testament to the creative spirit and the enduring influence of rock music. Their journey, marked by a chart-topping single and a cultural crossroads, continues to inspire and captivate audiences, reminding us of the power of artistic expression and the enduring legacy of musical pioneers.

Weight: 154g
Dimension: 127 x 198 x 9 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781501389511