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The Top Hat story
The story of Napier’s Top Hat has been recounted in various printed news media over the years but never has the successful nightclub’s story been heard from the mouths of those involved in its operation.
That changed recently when Dean Mardon who owns Electric City music and who has produced various radio programmes for Radio Kidnappers enlisted the help of the Top Hat’s former owner and manager Bernie Meredith to tell the story of the Top Hat in his own words.
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The Top Hat Story
25 Mar 2016A look back at the glory days of Napier's 'Top Hat' nightspot, popular during the 1960s. Read more Video, Audio, Gallery
“Bernie was happy to have me produce the programme and gave me free creative control only checking on the accuracy of the various stories being told.” Dean said. The result is a 30-minute radio documentary filled with music from resident band Johnny & The Contacts. Along with interviews from Kevin Tasker who was the drummer with The Len Whittle Combo, Grant Galgey – singer, guitarist and keyboards with The Matloes and John Walker and John Lindsay both from Johnny & The Contacts.
Combined with Bernie Meredith’s account of how the night spot got started and all the great stories, the interviews make up a memorable programme with Dean Mardon’s narration linking everything together.
Some of the stories featured include: The Avengers Dance, Coca Cola In Hawkes Bay, The Beachcombers Dance, The Chicks Weekend, Mr Lee Grant.
The participants:
John Lindsay – Rhythm Guitar & Vocals with Johnny & The Contacts from 1963 – 1967. Photo: Supplied
Grant Galgey – Keyboards, Guitar & Vocals with The Matloes. Photo: Supplied
Bernie Merdith – Owner / Manger of The Top Hat 1961 – 1970. Photo: Supplied
Kevin Tasker – Drummer for the Len Whittle Combo in the mid 1960s. Photo: Supplied
