The Warratahs were formed in Wellington in 1985. They played a two year residency at the Cricketer's Arms Tavern in Tory St playing mostly a 1950's style of acoustic country music with songs and influences from Hank Williams, Jimmy Rodgers, Hank Snow etc.
The band built up a large and loyal following and more original songs started to appear on the repertoire.

The band released 2 more albums - 'Wild Card' and 'Big Sky' plus a 'Best of' album which went platinum. By this time they had been touring continually for 8 years - the touring came to a stop but the writing continued. Singer/Songwriter Barry Saunders released 2 solo albums in that period - 'Weatherman' and 'Magnetic South' - the latter winning the NZ Music Country Album award.
 

They also started touring and in 1987 came down to the Gold Guitars where they won the 'Best Group' title.
Later that year 'Hands of My Heart'- the first single - was released. It received national airplay and became a hit. Two months later 'Only Game In Town'- their first album - was released. The album clocked up gold sales and spent 26 weeks on the charts.
 

The band continued to tour extensively and went to nearly every corner of New Zealand. By this time 'Maureen'- the Barry Sunders penned song - had become a second single from the album and received a lot of airplay.
 The Warratahs then started working in Australia, mostly Sydney and Melbourne, to a great response and a steadily building following.
They then released their 2nd album - 'Too Hot To Sleep' - featuring the singles 'St Peter's Rendezvous' and 'Bruno's Last Ride'.
Touring continued and tours with Billy Joel and Johnny Cash (twice) followed.
 

'99 was time to tour again. Alan Norman joined on piano and accordion and the band hit the road with Sam Hunt on The Drivin' Wheel Tour to find the following was as strong as ever. They plan to start a new album in July.

ALBUMS
Only Game In Town
Too Hot To Sleep
Wild Card
Big Sky
The Best Of The Warratahs

SINGLES
Hands Of My Heart
Maureen
St Peter's Rendezvous
Bruno's Last Ride
Fools Paradise
Drivin' Wheel

BARRY SAUNDERS ALBUMS
Long Shadows
Weatherman
Magnetic South