Craig has been singing country music for many years. In 1968 he joined the Rusty Greaves Band, working around Auckland and then joined Tom Williamson's band “The Sett”. In 1975 Craig entered ‘Opportunity Knocks’, getting a management offer from Benny Levin and Russell Clark. Various work followed around New Zealand, TV shows – “Besides the Sea”, “Ready to Roll”, and the Telethons.In 1978 Craig joined the “White Lightning Band” in Melbourne and the band lasted 10 years. In 1988 he was a finalist in “Starmaker” in Tamworth and won it in 1989. An album followed the single release, “Can we Try Again” and was judged the “Hoedown Album of the Week” Australia wide, on release. Three nominations off a debut single is still a record on debut at the Gold Guitar Awards in Australia.
Craig has had songs of his writing recorded by a number of artists including: Dennis Marsh, Reg McTaggert, Rex Dallas and Sandra Humphries. Much airplay was received in Australia, and from Buffalo New York to Taiwan.
In 1997 Craig and family moved back to NZ. Three singles have been released into Australia with favourable results.
43 Holes - About the band
The `43 Holes’ was founded in 2003 and is made up of Lead, Drums, Rhythm, Bass and Vocals. They have a repertoire of covers from Hank Williams to Alan Jackson and accent some originals such as “I Keep Holding on”. Craig Robertson is the band leader and the team has played in and around the Coromandel, performing hotel to charity gigs. Last year's highlight was the Paihia Festival in May, culminating in an invitation to perform again this year.
Craig Robertson is the Lead Vocalist and Rhythm guitarist, and has recently returned home to New Zealand after an extensive career movement in Australia. His current focus is now on song-writing and recording.
The Rhythm section is made up of Peter Ludlow from Auckland on Drums, with a long career in the field of blues. Peter is currently with a blues band, “Riverhead Slide”.
Murray Finer is a founder member, and Bass Guitarist, with a distinguished music career in blues. He also is the Bassman for the blues unit “Riverhead Slide”.
The ‘‘girls’’ are Heather Makiri and Wynne Kaina. They bring that female harmony and vocal highlight to this polished act. Both are accomplished vocalists in their own right.
Punch Makiri, Mandolin player and guitarist, is a vastly experienced musician, and a new player with “43 Holes”.
Craig and the band have had a busy 2008 setting up and playing a country music day once a month at the Brian Boru Hotel in Thames. Craig also accepted an invitation to appear in the 30th anniversary Starmaker showcase, an event he won in 1989, the only non Australian to win it.
There were also appearances on the Troy Cassar-Daly and friends show. Both were sold out events held at the Trek auditorium to crowds of 2400 each. He also appeared on the Gore gold guitar show at the Tamworth town hall. There were four other shows, which given their success, could see the band 43 Holes appear in Tamworth in 2010. The name alone has drawn some positive enquiries, and moves are afoot to get them all there.
