Time capsules and conga lines _{by Madelaine Empson}

LA-based Kiwi musician Greg Johnson is about to dig deep into an album that plays host to many of his most enduring radio hits and live favourites, including Don’t Wait Another Day, If I Swagger, Pleasure & Overdose, and more. Largely recorded at his 90s residence in Vine Street, St Mary’s Bay, Vine Street Stories turns 30 this year. Alongside the first-ever vinyl release of the album, the celebrations include a six-date national tour that stops at Old St Paul’s on Saturday the 26^th of April. We caught up with the beloved singer-songwriter, pianist, and trumpeter about the milestone and more.

How do the songs on Vine Street Stories resonate with you today – do they take on new meaning as the years go by, or serve as more of a snapshot of that chapter of your life?

Time is the least understood thing humans have to deal with, I think. It’s not linear that’s for sure! But with this record it actually does feel like a long time ago now. I have lots of very vivid memories from the making of that record, not least my flatmates all up and moving out as we recorded drums in the kitchen on a Monday morning [laughs]. The songs are like time capsules for me. Some of them I really haven’t thought about, let alone played, since we recorded the album and I was quite pleased with how a couple in particular have stood the time test. Screaming Inside is a tune I’ve never played live before and now I’m wondering why. Those Aren’t Real Tears is another I’m looking forward to resurrecting – in fact I’m hoping I can get Barry Saunders to come guest vocal on that one at the concert since he added so much to the original recording. Barry? Are you around?

You hosted a lot of legendary parties at Vine Street! Can you spill a story or two here?

I had an annual Boxing Day party that started to balloon after the first couple of years until the last one. It started around 11am so pacing yourself was important, but by 1am the entire back lawn had been totally worn off and Peter Urlich was leading a huge conga line around the house, so when noise control showed up and took the stereo it was actually kind of a relief.  I was like, ‘OK, time to hit the clubs now everybody, thanks for coming!’

What are you most looking forward to about bringing the Vine Street Stories 30^th Anniversary Tour to the beautiful Old St Paul’s?

I’m looking forward to playing the old church with all that lovely sound absorbing and enhancing wood. I usually play Meow in Wellington (a great rock ‘n’ roll venue) and I’m sure we will again, but it’ll be cool this time to be doing a seated show in such a large and salubrious space. I just hope they’ve left a little sacramental wine in the back for us to drink.