Pop Mechanix – Nostalgia Central

New Zealand–based Pop Mechanix formed in Christchurch in 1979 and released their debut single, Now, in 1980.

Vocalist Andrew Snoid (born Andrew McLennan) replaced the original singer for their second single (The Ritz), and the band toured New Zealand in support of Split Enz.

Their third single, Jumping Out a Window,  became their biggest hit, stopping just shy of the Top 20.

With a record contract with WEA, Pop Mechanix relocated to Australia – where they were issued a cease-and-desist order by a (little-known) Canberra-based band named Popular Mechanics, who initiated a lawsuit against the band and WEA using the name in Australia.

Inconceivably, the Australian band (whose bass player was a lawyer by day) won the case, forcing Pop Mechanix to change their name to NZ Pop.

During recording sessions for their debut LP, vocalist Andrew Snoid jumped ship to join The Swingers. His vocals were then overdubbed by bassist Paul Scott.

Another name change to The Zoo preceded the release of the LP, titled Cowboys and Engines (1982).

The album – and its singles, Keep It Up and Private Military – proved unsuccessful, and the group disbanded and returned to New Zealand. They re-formed in 1985 and continued to work in NZ as Pop Mechanix.

Andrew Snoid (McLennan)
Vocals
Paul “Ace” Mason
Guitar
Paul Scott
Bass, vocals
Chris Moore
Keyboards, guitar
Kevin Emmett
Drums, vocals
Dick (Richard) Driver
Vocals

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