Holmes - Dave Dobbyn

The late 1990s marked a turning point in Dave Dobbyn's life; he turned 40, and decided to to quit drinking and pull away from the "occupational hazards" of rock 'n' roll, and bring a new focus to his personal and professional life. Paul Holmes interviews Dobbyn live from a rug shop in Parnell, Auckland, for the launch of new album The Islander. There's a definite edge to their exchange as Dobbyn challenges the broadcaster's description of him as a "victim" in his opening monologue. But Dobbyn is in an upbeat mood. The report closes with Dobbyn jumping on-stage to perform 'Waiting' — The Islander's opening track — to a noisy crowd.

He says he wasn't really an alkie, he'd just get to 9.30pm and abracadabra, he'd turned into a bore. So he stopped drinking. He's now addicted to sugar in his coffee — "don't look" he said as he dumped in about a tablespoon's worth — The New York Times cryptic crossword, reading the Bible for "Inspiration, comfort, ripping yarns".

– Dave Dobbyn describes his relationship with alcohol, The NZ Herald, 17 December 2011

Key Cast & Crew

Paul Holmes

Presenter, Interviewer

Dave Dobbyn

Subject