3 May 2017 Personal Stories

Ken Forster: 20th Century Troubadour!

Ken Forster, who attends Drop-in at our Support & Therapy Centre, is a man with an astonishing musical pedigree! For the best part of his adult life - as Ken McLaine - he has worked as a professional singer in New Zealand, Australia, the UK and Fiji, delivering superb and original performances of the latest popular songs in the ever-changing world of musical entertainment.

Having lived in New Zealand from the age of three, Ken’s initial musical influences were The Beatles, The Hollies and Crosby, Stills & Nash and their amazing harmonies. His first serious gig was fronting a band in Auckland and by 1967 he had signed with an agency, given up his day job and turned professional.

In 1968, he accepted an offer to perform in Australia on the Leagues Clubs circuit. TV and radio appearances then followed, leading to even more work for Ken and his duo, The Debonairs.               

Soon they became household names throughout the country.

Ken (second from left).

 

An opportunity to try his luck in the UK in 1971 resulted in work on luxury cruises throughout the Mediterranean. He also formed a four-piece band, playing gigs at Wakefield Theatre and Batley Variety Club, supporting name acts such as Morecambe & Wise, Roger Whittaker and pop group The Fortunes. 

Returning to New Zealand in 1977, his work with three and four-piece bands maintained his reputation as one of the country’s premier vocalists. 

After a brief period working in the UK, he returned to New Zealand in 1987 and a residency at a famous dinner-dance venue in Auckland.

Fiji was Ken’s next port of call, where he landed three weeks of solo work at a luxury hotel, enjoying good wines and food and a chauffeur-driven car at his beck and call.

Fiji.

 

In 2002, it was time for Ken to retire, but he never lost his enthusiasm and love of music. 

Unfortunately, he is now unable  to perform, but his music lives on in the form of an 18-track CD, available from the Hospice for £3.50, with all proceeds going to Kirkwood funds. 

Ken Forster, February 2017.

“I just want to say how much I appreciate the kindness and compassion given from all the staff during my stay at Kirkwood Hospice. Thank you all.” Ken Forster