The Warratahs are a long-running band from Wellington, New Zealand. In 2016, they won Best Country Music album for Runaway Days at the New Zealand Music Awards. In 2025, the band was inducted into the New Zealand Music Hall of Fame.
Contents
Band members
Early line-ups
Barry Saunders – vocals/guitar
Wayne Mason – keyboards/vocals
Nik Brown – fiddle
John Donoghue – bass
Marty Jorgensen – drums
Clint Brown – bass
Rob Clarkson – drums
Mike Knapp – drums
2007 line-up
Barry Saunders – vocals/guitar
Alan Norman – keyboards & accordion
Nik Brown – fiddle & mandolin
Mo' Newport – drums
Sid Limbert – bass
Tours
The Warratahs have toured and performed with a variety of artists including Bob Dylan, Billy Joel, Lucinda Williams, Leann Rimes and Jackson Browne.
The Warratahs also toured with The Carter Family featuring June Carter Cash, Anita Carter and Carlene Carter in addition to the Highwaymen, which featured Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson and Waylon Jennings.
2025 New Album Release
The Warratahs released a new album in 2025 on Southbound Records entitled Burning Daylight.
Discography
Compilation appearances
The group have appeared on a few compilations since their inception. The following is a list of these albums that have featured tracks by the Warratahs.
Godzone Beat (1988, Warrior Records) – "Maureen"
New Zealand: Our Land, Our Music (1995, EMI) – "Cruisin' on the Interislander"
Pagan Gold (2001, Pagan Records) – "Maureen"
The Very Best of Kiwi Country (2001, EMI) – "Hand of My Heart" and "Maureen"
Featured appearances
The Warratahs have also appeared on albums recorded by other artists. The following is a list of albums by other artists that the Warratahs have appeared on.
The Gypsy Pickers and Friends (2004) by the Gypsy Pickers (Rimu Records) – "West Coast Bound"