Mainly Spaniards

Mainly Spaniards were a 1980s New Zealand pop group led by guitarist/singer Richard James, who released an early 45, That's what friends are for, on the Flying Nun label. A follow-up was recorded but never released after James moved to Auckland to work as a schoolteacher in late 1983. He went on to perform and record in The Pterodactyls and The Letter 5. In 2008, he formed The South Tonight with John Kelcher, late of Flying Nun band Sneaky Feelings, and with other Christchurch musicians.

Origin: New Zealand Genres: Rock Pop

Years active: 1981-1983 Associated: The Pterodactyls, The Letter 5, The South Tonight

Members

• Richard James: Guitar, Vocals
• Nick Strong: Bass, Vocals
• David Swift: Drums, 1981-2
• Tony Green: Drums, 1982-3
• Mike Jeffries: Lead Guitar, 1981-2

Discography

• That’s What Your Friends Are For, 1981, FN014

Currently available on Flying Nun boxset FNCD500/1.

References

• Bannister, M. (1999) Positively George Street. Auckland: Reed Books. ISBN 0-7900-0704-5
• Dix, J. (1988) Stranded in paradise: New Zealand rock'n'roll 1955-1988. Wellington: Paradise Publications. ISBN 0-473-00639-1.