The Seekers, Still Harmonious

The Seekers are the only chart topping band from the 1960's to still be touring with all their original members. This year marks their 50th anniversary and they are celebrating with a tour which includes New Zealand dates in November.

Band member Keith Potger is a self-taught musician, who credits the band's longevity to their amazing, loyal fan base. "We've been fortunate that the whole combination has been amazing," he says from his home is rural New South Wales. "Judith's beautiful harmonies, combined with (songwriter and producer) Tom Springfield's lyrics and our overall sound just touched people, and they have stayed with us all these years."

They have also brough in new fans, in the form of their families and children. "The lyrics of The Seekers songs are extremely relateable, so we have been very lucky," says Keith. "The woods are littered with one hit wonders, but our songs have meant a lot to a lot of people.

After 50 years together, The Seekers know what works well for their audiences, and touring feels like a working holiday with a family 'vibe.'

"We feed  off the energy of our audience," he says. "It's a really lovely two way street – we want to keep playing music to make people happy, an we love the feedback we get."

Keith is a self taught musician, withot formal training. "The lucky thing about the musicians I have worked with is that they are very generous with their time and skills," he says. "I have been able to learn from them all."

When asked about the difference between today's music and that which The Seekers produced, Keith says that music used to be more exposed, with less places to hide, in terms of production and distraction. "I saw Kris Kristofferson play not long ago, and it was just him, his guitar and his songs," he says. "That touches people."

Keith spends his spare time tinkering with music, or making things, usually from wood and leather. "I've been working on a guitar stand and leather strap recently," he says. "Who knows – if I hadn't been a musician, I may have been a chippy!"

The Seekers perform their greatest hit including Georgy Girl, I'll Never Find Another You and Morningtown Ride in Auckland, Hamilton, New Plymouth, Wellington and Christchurch in November. Visit theseekers50th.com for more details.