Marty Kristian

Marty Kristian became a founder member of The New Seekers a vocal harmony group who enjoyed enormous worldwide success in the early 70’s. Their biggest hit was ‘I’d like to Teach the World to Sing in Perfect Harmony’ which reached number 1 across the globe selling in excess of 7.5 million copies.

Marty Kristian and New Seekers appeared in front of Her Majesty the queen at The Royal Command Performance. They Represented the U.K. in the Eurovision song contest in 1972 coming second by a few votes with the hit ‘Beg Steal Or Borrow’.

The New Seekers were regulars on Top Of the Pops performed on all the variety shows of the day including the legendary Morecambe & Wise Christmas special. They toured all over the world and have to admit were even invited to sing at President Nixon’s inauguration. They had Numerous no 1 and top 10 hits totalling 36million sales .

They included songs such as I’d Like To Teach The World To Sing , Never Ending song Of Love, Beg Steal Or Borrow’ Circles’ Look What They’ve Done To My Song Ma,’ ‘I get A Little Sentimental Over You’, ‘You Won’t Find Another Fool Like Me’ to name a few.

TALK  1     “ I’D LIKE TO TEACH THE WORLD TO SING “

This talk begins with an introduction  to the 60’s and 70’s discussing the music and fashions of the day and a brief resume of who the NEW SEEKERS were with brief  video clips of some of our hits.

Recount the popularity of the SEEKERS with Judith Durham  and discuss their eventual demise and the subsequent birth of “THE NEW SEEKERS” .

• Coming to England – almost joining cast of “HAIR – How New Seekers came together  – audition –  management –  personalities   – the story behind our first hit.
• Success with number one records .
• Representing U.K in the Eurovision song contest and coming second by a couple of points .
• The highs and lows we experienced  – classic show business stories.
• Meeting Royalty and performing in front of the Queen at the Royal Variety Concert.
• Top of the Pops and performance on all U.K variety shows including the legendary Morecombe & Wise Christmas special.
• America – Shows & TV – even performing at Nixon’s inauguration .
• Recording the peace anthem of the 70’s “I’d Like To Teach The World To Sing “ which sold 7.5 million records and the story of the Coca Cola jingle.

TALK  2     IN PERFECT HARMONY- OR WAS IT?

The talk begins with a very brief resume of the Hits and who the NEW SEEKERS were for those that may have missed the first talk

Marty’s  early years and journey into show business – winning song contest  -I eventually carved a career as a singer touring Australia.

The Go Show  – Olivia Newton John, – Bee Gees and other famous personalities

Funny anecdotes performing in Australia.

Leaving university – First Hit record.

Meeting David Bowie’s manager Amusing David Bowie encounter

Meeting a Clairvoyant who predicted my future  in minute detail.

Change of group members.

Success and the heady days – William Morris Agency – American & World tours.

The legendary Rip Off

Conflicting ambitions, personalities and interests within the group which ultimately led to its demise- new adventures and a positive outcome.

TALK  3     NEW SEEKERS – NEW HORIZONS

Recounting some of the amazing places we were able to see during our touring years.

Amusing anecdotes

Tour Manager – Las Vegas

Flying   3 near misses – ending with humorous story

Touring with other well known groups  – video clips.

New Seekers encounter with Arab sheik

Leaving the group – “Around the world in 80 days” on Concorde  as Philius Fogg & Paspertou –  Ernie Wise as Phillius fogg and me as Paspertou

Art & Sculpture – Marty presenting his murals to the Queen Mother
Where are they now – brief resume of what happened to the definitive members and Marty’s  ongoing journey.