Radio Birdman flitted through Auckland last night with a gig at the King's Arms on their way to the US. On a whim, I went along. And found them worthy.

Retreads the Psychedlic Furs passed through New Zealand a month of so ago and the Buzzcocks are coming. Right in the middle we have these mid-70s Aussie icons. For those who haven't heard of them, Birdman are one of a small group of bands who can really be said to have anticipated something new, something that would come to be characterised as punk.

In my mind, they are up there with The New York Dolls, Dr Feelgood, The Saints, The Ramones and Graham Parker and the Rumour. Judging from the crowd, of very mixed age unlike at the recent Furs concert, others must agree with me.

These pre-punk punks do not cringe at being musicians - they can play. Last night they rolled out some great riffs, harmonies and melodies beneath all the thunder and noise.

Heavily inspired by The Stooges, Birdman developed their own anthemic sound and wrote some great, great rock songs. Last night they showed nothing had been lost. They were loud, dangerously loud, and extremely tight.

Asked to come back twice at the end they covered all the old bases with Descent into the Maelstrom, Hand of Law and the surreal Man With Golden Helmet (Drinks Water from the Faucet) as well as, I guess, some stuff off their new album. A very good night.