Discover the Heartbeat of Country Music
The Saddleblasters
American Roots Country Blues
The Saddleblasters are a New Zealand country and western trio with strong links to the classic Kiwi country music scene, dating back to 1989.
The band first formed during a Northland tour when John Grenell and Dave Maybee were travelling together. During the trip they were given a cassette of songs by then little-known Northland songwriter Neil Hersey.
Dave says both he and Grenell were impressed by Hersey’s songwriting and invited him to perform several shows. Hersey soon became a permanent member and the group’s principal songwriter.
The band’s dedication to authenticity and storytelling is evident in every note, making them a recognised fixture in the country music community.
Meet the 2026 Band
Each member of The Saddleblasters brings a unique flair and expertise, creating a harmonious blend that defines our signature sound. We are now a 5-piece and perform in various combinations to suit the occasion.
Dave Maybee
Lead Vocals & Guitar
Neil Hersey
Vocals and Guitar
Redgie Valente
Bass Guitar
Betty Diprose
Accordion & Vocals
Ray Diprose
Percussion & Vocals
The Saddleblasters' Discography
The Saddleblasters music combines classic American country influences with stories and landscapes from New Zealand.
Most of the band’s recordings were made between 1989 and 2006, primarily in Dave Maybee’s studio in Raglan.
The recordings remained unreleased until 2021–2022, when they were issued through Blue Country Records / DO IT Records.
Most of the songs were written by Neil Hersey. The recordings feature:
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John Grenell – lead vocals
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Neil Hersey – songwriter, guitar, vocals
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Dave Maybee – guitar, production and engineering
Aupouri Angel (2021)
Single. First commercial release from the archive recordings. Lead vocals by John Grenell.
I Won’t Ever Get Over You (2021)
Digital single released ahead of the album.
Wild Stallion (2022)
Third digital single.
I Won’t Ever Get Over You (2022)
Short digital EP built around the title track.
Ride Again (2022)
Debut full-length album compiled from the previously unreleased recordings.
From Then Until Now
Opening for The Highwaymen (1991)
John Grenell and Dave Maybee opened for the legendary American country supergroup The Highwaymen during their New Zealand tour at Mt Smart Stadium. This experience became one of the defining moments of their careers, with Maybee recalling opportunities to meet and play the instruments of Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, Kris Kristofferson and Waylon Jennings.
Regular recording sessions (1990s)
Between tours the band recorded extensively. Most sessions took place in:
- Dave Maybee’s Raglan recording studio
- Neil Hersey’s Hidden Valley Horse Ranch
Rather than recording complete commercial albums, the group accumulated a catalogue of original songs, largely written by Neil Hersey. Around 25 tracks were eventually archived.
Years of touring (1990s–2006)
Throughout this period the band continued to perform around New Zealand while steadily adding to its archive of recordings.
Songs from this era include:
- Aupouri Angel
- Wild Stallion
- Kaimanawa Horses
- Southern Tussock Driftin’ Along
- Racing to Win
- Misty Memories
- Riding for the Disabled
- Kentucky Wildstar
- I Won’t Ever Get Over You
Many of these remained unheard outside the band for years.
Betty Diprose (left) is a prominent musician, known for hosting waiata and ukulele workshops (often alongside Lucy Haru) at the Raglan Ukulele Festival and performing with the musical group The Ragtimers. She also performs alongside her husband, Ray Diprose, in the band The Music Lovers.
Ray Diprose (far right) is a Raglan musician and event producer. He performs in the eclectic ukulele band The Blukes and is the co-founder and director of Living Productions, which hosts major local events like the Raglan Country & Blues Festival.