Marty Kristian

Marty Kristian (born Martins Vanags on 27 May 1947) is a German-born, British-based musician. He grew up, and started his musical career, in Australia, as a solo artist. He is a singer-songwriter-guitarist and, in the 1970s, he became a heartthrob as a founding member of the New Seekers (1969–74, 1976–2002).

Biography

Martins Vanags was born in Leipzig, Germany in 1947 to Latvian-born parents, Paul and Rute "Ruth" Vanags . He attended Northcote High School for secondary education and then started a course in architecture at Melbourne University. He left after a year when his widowed mother became ill and worked as a trainee draughtsman to support her. In August he performed Bob Dylan's "One Too Many Mornings" on The Go!! Show.

Kristian supported a local tour by United Kingdom pop singer, Crispian St. Peters. The group's fellow founders were Chris Barrington on bass guitar and backing vocals, Eve Graham on lead vocals, Sally Graham (no relation) on lead vocals, and Laurie Heath on guitar and backing vocals. The group broke up in May 1974. On 28 February 2011 Kristian released an album of demo recordings, Echoes.

Personal life

Marty Kristian married his partner, Carol, in a London ceremony in June 1975. They have two sons, James and Oliver. Carol ran a dog grooming salon in the London area.

James Kristian has acted in television programmes, including the BBC Television series, Doctors. He played the part of Allen Rissbrook in As If.

Discography

Albums

Peter Paul & Marty (Polydor 2383 238) 1973

Singles