Mark Williams

Mark Williams was born in Dargaville, in the Northland region of New Zealand. At the age of 16, he formed a band called 'Face' with classmates. In September 1970, The Face went on to win the Northland heat of the National Battle of the Bands competition and finishing third overall in the national grand final held in Auckland.

In 1973, a new show emerged. It was called "Free Ride" and was hosted by Ray Columbus. Mark left the band Face and pursued a solo career at the time the new show was being launched. Williams was well suited for the television role, which allowed him to perform in front of a national audience, gaining exposure. Late in 1974, Williams was signed to EMI Music by Alan Galbraith.

and he released his debut solo single, "Celebration"/"Let Love Come Between Us", and in May 1975, released "Yesterday Was Just the Beginning of My Life". Which peaked at no1 Mark’s debut self-titled album was released in June and peaked at number 2 and the album was certified gold.

In November 1975, Williams released "Sweet Wine" which peaked at number 7 on the charts.

Early in 1976, Lew Pryme took Williams on a promotional visit to Australia. Upon his return to New Zealand Williams' second album "Sweet Trials" was released in March 1976 and peaked at number 14 and "If It Rains" was released and peaked at number 25.

Late in 1976 the single "Taking It All in Stride" was released and peaked at number 14. Marks' third album, "Taking It All In Stride" was released in June 1977 and was certified gold. It contained the single "It Doesn't Matter Anymore" which peaked at number 1 then, "A House for Sale" was released as the third and final single late in 1977, peaking at number 13.

In 1977, Mark ventured to Australia and during the 1980s, Williams established himself as a session singer in Sydney singing many radio and TV commercials and become a back up vocalist on albums by major Australian talent including; Eurogliders' Absolutely, The Church's Heyday, Renée Geyer's Live at the Basement and Jenny Morris's Body and Soul.

In 1985, Williams formed a band called 'Boy Rocking' with Harry Brus and Mark Punch. The group was signed to CBS and released two singles.

In 1987, Williams recorded the "Home and Away" theme song which was released as a single in 1988, also In 1988, Williams toured with Ian Moss on the hugely successful 'Matchbook' tour.

In May 1990, Williams released "Show No Mercy" which peaked within the top ten in Australia and New Zealand. and was certified ARIA platinum certification in Australia. He was chosen to launch the 1990 New South Wales Rugby League grand final.

The second single "Fix of Love" peaked at number 28 in Australia and Williams released his fifth studio album, Mark Williams ZNZ in August 1990.

In 1992 Mark recorded and released his sixth studio album, Mind Over Matter, and in1993 he recorded a cover of "Time After Time" for the Strictly Ballroom soundtrack.

In 1999, EMI Music released another greatest hits compilation, and between 1999 and 2000, he worked as a vocal coach on the Australian Popstars series on the Seven Network, including the female pop group Bardot.

In 2006, Williams was asked by Todd Hunter of the New Zealand rock band Dragon to join.

In a 2013 interview, Williams recalls “Todd [Hunter] gave me a call out of the blue, flew me over, sat me at the kitchen table and said ‘Hey, wanna join a rock and roll band?’”. Williams said he agreed instantly.

Since 2006, The band has toured Australia and New Zealand and has released four studio albums and two extended plays.

In 2010, Williams was inducted into the New Zealand Music Hall of Fame.

Mark Williams a true famous Kiwi Entertainer and all-around consummate performer...