Just watched a movie about these guys the other night. I'd never heard of them. Seriously love their music! I can see from the comments they are fondly remembered in NZ. I can see why. Love this song 🎵 ❤️
kiwi anthem. Early '90s the bowler in Dunedin just down the road from the cook, standing room only, the whole place singing this at the top of our voice - magic.
Bowler, Gardies, Cook, Robbie Burns, Cactus Jacks, all gone, so sad. The scarfies today don't know what they're missing, poor buggers. Poppas Pizza still rocking on Albany Street, you'll be pleased to know.
Brings back memories of EVERYONE singing this song in the local pub @ New Years in the 90s, pissed as only Kiwi's can be. Ahhh those were the days of innocence.
The best part about this is that even if you've never heard it before, if it's playing at a pub, you'll probably sing along regardless. Everyone knows the words, even if they don't.
I seen them may be 8 or 9 times they come from town not far from where my ma n pa live ..can't clearly remember any of the gigs but did have spectacular time
when we play this at our pub for the unvxd here in NZ Everyone sings and grins - its a beautiful thing - so remember doing a ton up Ngaranga gorge in a silver Valiant with this on the radio ........
2018. I was 16 when this come out. Been in Australia for 31 yrs, raised a family and still love this. My kids know it. The memories of the '80's in NZ... miss those days....
THE STORY BEHIND THE EXPONENTS’ SONG ~ Victoria ~ It all began as a bit of joke. The sound of her walking along in her high heels would be the first sign that she was about to appear at the edge of the nearby car park. Then there would be a scramble to the window so her, always unusual, wardrobe could be analyzed as she passed by - her face always coated with heavy make-up. One of those at the window was poet/songwriter Jordan Luck, a naïve Canadian born 18 year old, who would soon learn that the make-up covered bruises; the beatings from her boyfriend sometimes so bad that the make-up was also used on her arms and legs. Her name was Vicky - landlady and local madam. She was only 23 years old and the year was 1980. Luck (whose girlfriend lived in one of Vicky’s flats) began to get to know Vicky very well. He started to help around the property and she never seemed to mind him hanging around the place. He also got to see Vicky at her most unguarded moments - the violence she endured only disguised when she would go outside. Luck moved to Christchurch from Timaru in September 1981 and amongst his belongings was a verse from a song only known as ‘The Deb’s Flat Song’. Deb Coupland (who went on to own ‘The Wunderbar’ in Lyttelton) had lived on Hewlings Road in Timaru and was dating one of Luck’s friends. It would be in Christchurch that ‘The Dance Exponents’ would form; what would be their debut single to the world was not yet finished. Luck would later recall that it took a long time to write but once Vicky became Victoria, the rest of the song just flowed. By the time the ‘Dance Exponents’ took to the stage in their first gig on 15th October 1982 at the Hillsborough Tavern, ‘Victoria’ was ready to perform, and according to talent scout Mike Chunn, the song had the audience “riveted…they reached out and took the room…” and the band were signed to Mushroom Records that very night. ‘Victoria’ hit the New Zealand charts at #6 and remained there for 9 weeks. The band never looked back, eventually opening for such acts as The Rolling Stones and David Bowie. A year later, Luck returned to Vicky’s flat on Springfield Road, the traffic from Bealey Ave roaring away in the background. He was welcomed in for a cup a tea. She thanked him for the song and as she switched on the jug and added that she ‘…got rid of the bastard…’. It was a moment that Luck would never forget. Sadly, he has no idea where Vicky is today. ‘Victoria’ is #8 in New Zealand’s Top 100 songs of all time. Now the lead singer in the ‘Jordan Luck Band’, Luck became a face of encouragement during the aftermath of the 4th September 2010 earthquake. In front of an audience of 100,000 at the ‘Band Together’ concert in Hagley Park, Luck made the Cantab crowd fall in love with the city again when he sang the 1985 hit ‘Christchurch ( In Cashel Street I wait)’. Written in 1983 while waiting in Cashel Street for his girlfriend, he got thinking about Christchurch being built ‘…the whole swamp site, pukekos, and just the landscape of what Christchurch would have been like before it became a city and a place…’ Luck now lives in Auckland but Christchurch has always remained a special place to him. He was the first inductee in the New Zealand Music Hall of Fame and is a member of the ‘Order of Merit’ for his service to Music in 2012.
Really excellent post. I lived down the road from Jordan out in Woodbury at the back of Geraldine. I was in form 1 and he was in form 7 and we used to jump on the school bus on Cains Road, along with his 3 sisters who were very cute. I remember him reading a Beatles biography on the school bus. In a way the Dance Exponents become NZs Beatles, but with much better music!
I filmed these guys at the Albert Tavern in Palmy 1992. Heaps of students and jugs of beer flying through the air. Still have the footage somewhere. No camera phones in those days just me with my VHS handicam I smuggled in past the bouncers.
Yeah should have it in storage but because it's on VHS the tape may have degraded. I'll have a hunt for it but it will take a month or so as busy with work at the moment.
Nothing takes me back to my NZ days like the Exponents. Saw them live twice..once supporting Simple Minds. First time in the château bottom of ski field. Now that was rocking. Slept in car!
*rewatches* OH MY GOD you';re right!!!! I guess walking in those heels was a bit tricky. Or maybe she needed to make an entrance. No wait I know, Jordan had to drive the cab AND do his gig....
Heard this on Hauraki in the car a few days ago. Took only a quick search to find it. Awesome song. @ thisisthesledge you're totally right bro! you missed the light a joint part though :) Kia ora.
That's so weird. Never knew they were once called the Dance Exponents.....A lot of their tracks is just under 'The Exponents' 'now' (Never seen it under 'The Dance Exponents' name) Love this song. Doing the song challenge.
I actually heard a story that the older guy/customer/John (whatever the term is)was a taxi driver who agreed to let Jordan Luck play the driver when he was allowed to "star" in a Pop video. He was only approached on the street on the night the video was made. Oh how times have changed.
Why is it that some absolutely brilliant songs like this were not mega -hits ? ... lack of airplay ? ... lack of taste by the general music buying public ? ... Whatever it is, it's a bloody shame ... Wayne
wayne252525 probably because they were from NZ. we are hardly recognised. they were hated when they first went to Aussie cos of obvious reasons they could of been massive if they were keepin on going with no one leaving the band and getting back together but no band is perfect.
In 1992 they changed their name to "The Exponents" when they released "Something Beginning With C". So they were called "The Dance Exponents" when this was released.
![Roxy Music - More Than This (Lost in Translation) [HD]](/img/n.gif)
the only good thing about being on hold trying to call IRD
+Rob And Dave Dobbyn's Loyal.
hard bro
Churrrrr!
😂😂
You right 😂
Just watched a movie about these guys the other night. I'd never heard of them. Seriously love their music! I can see from the comments they are fondly remembered in NZ. I can see why. Love this song 🎵 ❤️
yeah these guys are wel loved in New Zealand
What movie?
Omg I need to see it. Loved this band along with my 30 yr old Aussie kids
Was on hold with winz singing this song at the top of my lungs and didnt realise i had been connected to a person god that was awkward
total with you my friend.
cheers n have a good day.
kiwi anthem. Early '90s the bowler in Dunedin just down the road from the cook, standing room only, the whole place singing this at the top of our voice - magic.
Or at the Fat Ladies Arms.... same same!!
Bowler, Gardies, Cook, Robbie Burns, Cactus Jacks, all gone, so sad. The scarfies today don't know what they're missing, poor buggers. Poppas Pizza still rocking on Albany Street, you'll be pleased to know.
no matter what bar in Aucks, CHCH or Wellington.... everyone sings.... great times
I concur with you
Lol, go NZ. And don't forget waikato, my home town
Hell yeah 👍🏾 🖤
That's the first time I've heard Auckland called 'Aucks'
@@simbadooo9055 really? It's pretty common
Been in Audttalia for 29 yrs. Love this
Brings back memories of EVERYONE singing this song in the local pub @ New Years in the 90s, pissed as only Kiwi's can be. Ahhh those were the days of innocence.
The best part about this is that even if you've never heard it before, if it's playing at a pub, you'll probably sing along regardless. Everyone knows the words, even if they don't.
Great memories of a great NZ band and one from my humble town of Timaru. I hope all are well and big shout to Lisa. Tim.
I went to one of their gigs, my uncle's friends with Jordan Luck, the crowd basically sang it for them (including me) it's a great NZ classic!
I seen them may be 8 or 9 times they come from town not far from where my ma n pa live ..can't clearly remember any of the gigs but did have spectacular time
when we play this at our pub for the unvxd here in NZ Everyone sings and grins - its a beautiful thing - so remember doing a ton up Ngaranga gorge in a silver Valiant with this on the radio ........
I remember singing this on the Victoria line on the tube pissed as a newt with a bunch of Kiwi ex-pats. We got a few cheers that night
I reckon that's why I knew this song before I emigrated to NZ in 2005. It's in my list for the Rock 2000
2018. I was 16 when this come out. Been in Australia for 31 yrs, raised a family and still love this. My kids know it. The memories of the '80's in NZ... miss those days....
THE STORY BEHIND THE EXPONENTS’ SONG ~ Victoria ~
It all began as a bit of joke. The sound of her walking along in her high heels would be the first sign that she was about to appear at the edge of the nearby car park. Then there would be a scramble to the window so her, always unusual, wardrobe could be analyzed as she passed by - her face always coated with heavy make-up.
One of those at the window was poet/songwriter Jordan Luck, a naïve Canadian born 18 year old, who would soon learn that the make-up covered bruises; the beatings from her boyfriend sometimes so bad that the make-up was also used on her arms and legs. Her name was Vicky - landlady and local madam. She was only 23 years old and the year was 1980.
Luck (whose girlfriend lived in one of Vicky’s flats) began to get to know Vicky very well. He started to help around the property and she never seemed to mind him hanging around the place. He also got to see Vicky at her most unguarded moments - the violence she endured only disguised when she would go outside.
Luck moved to Christchurch from Timaru in September 1981 and amongst his belongings was a verse from a song only known as ‘The Deb’s Flat Song’. Deb Coupland (who went on to own ‘The Wunderbar’ in Lyttelton) had lived on Hewlings Road in Timaru and was dating one of Luck’s friends. It would be in Christchurch that ‘The Dance Exponents’ would form; what would be their debut single to the world was not yet finished. Luck would later recall that it took a long time to write but once Vicky became Victoria, the rest of the song just flowed.
By the time the ‘Dance Exponents’ took to the stage in their first gig on 15th October 1982 at the Hillsborough Tavern, ‘Victoria’ was ready to perform, and according to talent scout Mike Chunn, the song had the audience “riveted…they reached out and took the room…” and the band were signed to Mushroom Records that very night. ‘Victoria’ hit the New Zealand charts at #6 and remained there for 9 weeks.
The band never looked back, eventually opening for such acts as The Rolling Stones and David Bowie.
A year later, Luck returned to Vicky’s flat on Springfield Road, the traffic from Bealey Ave roaring away in the background. He was welcomed in for a cup a tea. She thanked him for the song and as she switched on the jug and added that she ‘…got rid of the bastard…’. It was a moment that Luck would never forget.
Sadly, he has no idea where Vicky is today. ‘Victoria’ is #8 in New Zealand’s Top 100 songs of all time.
Now the lead singer in the ‘Jordan Luck Band’, Luck became a face of encouragement during the aftermath of the 4th September 2010 earthquake. In front of an audience of 100,000 at the ‘Band Together’ concert in Hagley Park, Luck made the Cantab crowd fall in love with the city again when he sang the 1985 hit ‘Christchurch ( In Cashel Street I wait)’. Written in 1983 while waiting in Cashel Street for his girlfriend, he got thinking about Christchurch being built ‘…the whole swamp site, pukekos, and just the landscape of what Christchurch would have been like before it became a city and a place…’
Luck now lives in Auckland but Christchurch has always remained a special place to him. He was the first inductee in the New Zealand Music Hall of Fame and is a member of the ‘Order of Merit’ for his service to Music in 2012.
Really excellent post. I lived down the road from Jordan out in Woodbury at the back of Geraldine. I was in form 1 and he was in form 7 and we used to jump on the school bus on Cains Road, along with his 3 sisters who were very cute. I remember him reading a Beatles biography on the school bus.
In a way the Dance Exponents become NZs Beatles, but with much better music!
I filmed these guys at the Albert Tavern in Palmy 1992. Heaps of students and jugs of beer flying through the air. Still have the footage somewhere. No camera phones in those days just me with my VHS handicam I smuggled in past the bouncers.
Yeah should have it in storage but because it's on VHS the tape may have degraded. I'll have a hunt for it but it will take a month or so as busy with work at the moment.
Yep. All good I can do that for you. Hopefully the footage is still o.k. If it is I'll transfer it to DVD.
Post it up on FB or pootube mate!
Baltic Sea, just how does one smuggle a fuckin great VHS recorder from the 90s into a pub past the bouncers!!!
I was there at the Albert that night as well... they were so good!! Saw them in Dunedin in 1995 as well. Brilliant.
watched them at the Hillsborough Ch Ch 1983, those were the days :)
I saw them at the Hillsborough too, what a great night
2023 kiwi in Australia for the last 30 something yrs. Always loved this song. My 30 yr old daughter agrees
Every now and then a song comes along and you just go ''holy shit'' from the first time you hear it.
This was one of my ''holy shit'' songs.
Nothing takes me back to my NZ days like the Exponents. Saw them live twice..once supporting Simple Minds. First time in the château bottom of ski field. Now that was rocking. Slept in car!
After high school was so desperate to get out of Dunedin, but years later it doesn't seem so bad.
***** Mainly because we all fled the scarfies :D
BolshieKiwi and the freaking....cold
I can’t wait to get with a bunch of kiwis in London and sing along to this while we’re all drinking a wee pint 🍺
When I go to London, same X
Haley Richardson Need to find some first....
Come to the black heart in Camden and ask for the kiwi bartender - I’ll make sure it’s on ;)
@@juliacornish9660 back home now...I’ll be back though. I do miss Camden. I miss the black heart too. Was my fave Camden pub!
These guys should have been bigger i swear
+Jon Gene you are so right
NZ's made it's own mind up
That can be said about every NZ band. So many amazing artists. Glad I learned so much in my two years of living in NZ.
Sundays are for washing and doing the hoovering. Oh yes! Major icons of my teenage years.
great Anthem. Unforgettable guitar intro
Oh!.... Is Victoria a lady of the night? How many times have I heard this song and not gotten that?
Saw them in concert in hamilton years ago
@@ianashby1449 Hey! I'm from Hamilton! City of the Future! Think maybe I saw them play too... More than 20 years ago though...
I think it was round 2005 I saw them at altatude
absolute classic, this song makes my playlist just that little bit better.
Freakin LOVE this song!
The last 2 labour leaders weren't fit to be prime minister and bill English can tell you what I'm gonna do.
Love this song proud to be New Zealander this is real music😎🤟
Took prayers be answered to England in 1982 & the poms loved it, they were before there time!!!!!!
New Zealand mjusic is great especially to old school stuff. I love it.
I remember them as The Exponents and incognito in jamming sessions in Chch.
Great tune.
I remember this Video & song long time Thank you Knees Tease for posting it. It will give me good Memories.
Golden song!
such a good song
Masterpiece!!!
Great snap of old chch. What's funny though is that she gets a cab from West Avon Apartments to the Dux.. across the road...
Is that the Dux? I thought it was the Canterbury Club... which is still just a short walk away. I must look more closely!
*rewatches* OH MY GOD you';re right!!!! I guess walking in those heels was a bit tricky. Or maybe she needed to make an entrance. No wait I know, Jordan had to drive the cab AND do his gig....
theoriginalsuzycat ha. I'm pretty sure that's the only door I ever used. Being a local architect you notice those details like a nerd ha ha.
I usually went in the back or through the garden! I hope it gets restored soon.
Heard this on Hauraki in the car a few days ago. Took only a quick search to find it. Awesome song. @ thisisthesledge you're totally right bro! you missed the light a joint part though :) Kia ora.
Beautiful
Great Radio New Zealand piece celebrating the 30th Anniversary of this great song. Find it, listen. It's gold.
i stayed with them(Dance Exponents) in christchurch just before they released this, it was a pretty amazing time
takes me back to fun summer days in Bleheim, go Rangers
That's so weird. Never knew they were once called the Dance Exponents.....A lot of their tracks is just under 'The Exponents' 'now' (Never seen it under 'The Dance Exponents' name) Love this song. Doing the song challenge.
Cool song 👍🇳🇿
Great stuff, an old fave
i stayed with them in christchurch in 82, just before this song was released
I lost this song and spent months trying to find it
I had the pleasure of seeing Jordan at Barrington Mall in 2017 and got to shake his hand!
I actually heard a story that the older guy/customer/John (whatever the term is)was a taxi driver who agreed to let Jordan Luck play the driver when he was allowed to "star" in a Pop video. He was only approached on the street on the night the video was made. Oh how times have changed.
Wish I had kept all the wall paper. The chill poster with the mint esp.
Love this song! Thanks for sharing :-)
best song eva.
Wish it was longer :P
The guitar in tis song really makes the track
I like to see a video with beautiful well-dressed people.
Nice one, Jordan.
Had a feeling the pimp is Al. I was back in chch recently .. Al's bar on Dundas St is gone, but the memories of performing there will always remain.
love the synth and keyboard in this one, go kiwi!
Cool tune guys, Eddie Simon
Remember the ''Blue Pub'' Methven, so cool....
Why is it that some absolutely brilliant songs like this were not mega -hits ? ... lack of airplay ? ... lack of taste by the general music buying public ? ... Whatever it is, it's a bloody shame ... Wayne
wayne252525 probably because they were from NZ. we are hardly recognised. they were hated when they first went to Aussie cos of obvious reasons they could of been massive if they were keepin on going with no one leaving the band and getting back together but no band is perfect.
StuckWithVic!
I'm Australian and never heard of them or their songs during that era, only Split Enz. They must've only been a local Kiwi band?
no im from australia and i love this song!
In 1992 they changed their name to "The Exponents" when they released "Something Beginning With C". So they were called "The Dance Exponents" when this was released.
Who is still here in 2024?
Before the bar tenders gave me a beatherlizer test and handed me over to the security guards.....
It was fun days back then.
Gluepot circa 82 , good times
+PocketInfo Those were the days when live music was everything
I drank at the glue pot.many years ago
On guitar played in key of A major makes it easier. Opening chord is a D with A and E to follow. Great song for an open mic.
NZ Baby ...
PJ's Nightclub, Christchurch circa 1982. Anyone else here recall it? If so, you're a long, lost friend.
There is a girl called Victoria on my floor at Uni and I often hear this song in my head when I walk past her door.
You know what that means!
If you went to Victoria Uni I'd say it was a sign mate
blaziken25 Sing the Song to her
Does anyone know where I can find an instrumental of this?
The 80s great times
Just met the bassist's (John Gent) son at a pub!!!
Does anyone remember Basement
Geraldine band, right? When Jordan was still at high school...
nz nz oh yeah
Yer Im abroad also. Been teaching the brits
about Garage parties and trying to teach them real drinking songs too, like Bliss.
Did ya win mate?
@@BayLeafff Sadly not :(
😻
One of the best things my ex wife did for me was introduce me to the Exponents......oh yeah, and the kids! 😄
I remember that brian harrison was the owner i think formerly from the lyttleton hotel
the paper bamboo lampshades ha ha... who DIDN'T have one..
Just wondering were they still call the Dance Exponents when this song came out? When did they drop the dance part to their name?
In the early 90s.
OK thanks!
Is that you Slink?
Sweet as
ol skoll kiwi rock massive..........
2:21
I think...maybe... I was one of the vocalists hehe *blushes*
Sounds like Molly similes from the movie uptown girl
lol the bass guitarist is my uncle lol
wow they really sound like the JAM (and thats not a bad thing) m52
These guys should get a Victoria Cross for this great Kiwi anthem
i always thought this song said "toya" what do you want from him. . .
You are 37 years old?
A simpler time
singer is my stepdads nephew
Classic kiwi
31 years :-/
R&V
*Dances*