Richard O'Brien: Writer and Musician

Most Kiwi's know Richard wrote and composed the music for 'The Rocky Horror Show' a cult spectacular that has brought joy and entertainment to many millions of people around the globe.

Richard O'Brien at Mount Maunganui's Lightwave Gallery. (Photo by Ken Wright)

Richard is a generous man both creatively and personally.

The design of his new home north of Tauranga speaks of generosity.

There are large areas both inside and outside that can be shared by friends and family; areas that echo Richard's love of people and entertaining.

Last year we welcomed Richard's lovely German born wife Sabrina to the Bay of Plenty and they were married recently in a private wedding ceremony attended by family and friends.

When Richard and Sabrina visited the 'Steampunk exhibition' at Mount Maunganui's Lightwave Gallery Richard good naturedly allowed gallery owner Ken Wright to take photos of him seated amongst the wonderful otherworldly art works that make up the exhibition.

It's great that Richard and Sabrina have settled in the sunny Bay of Plenty.

There is a long list of hugely creative and talented people living in Tauranga and the Bay of Plenty producing work representing all areas of the arts. Many of these local creatives have national and international reputations.

It's important that we celebrate the 'makers' in this world when unfortunately we sometimes see the all too easy work of mindless 'breakers' both here and abroad.

It's up to us to support and nurture the work of these talented people not only for the economic benefits that they bring but because of the way they enrich all of our lives. 

by Pete Morris (2014).

Pete Morris is an occasional painter and an art lover. He is a freelance writer with a particular interest in promoting the arts in Tauranga and the Bay of Plenty.