A new breed of Viking Thunders from Kaiapoi High School made their debut entry in the 2018 ‘Battle of the Staff Bands’ competition.

The competition was in its second year and was held at the infamous Backbeat bar on Karangahape ‘K’ Road, Auckland on Friday 30th November. Each band had 15 minutes of fame, approximately four songs in length. There aren’t very many rules regarding the competition, but one of the main ones is that everyone competing has to be a member of staff at the school.

Manurewa High School took out the glory in 2017, but this year the competition was tougher, with more schools entering.  Nine bands went into battle, three from the South Island - Waimea College (The Sauce), Christchurch Boys’ High School (Staff You) and Kaiapoi High School's very own Viking Thunders. The line-up also included bands from King’s School Remuera, Mount Albert Grammar, Mt Maunganui College, Bream Bay College and Kaipara College.

The Viking Thunders were one of the few bands who did not feature a Music Teacher.

Frontman and Singer: Remihana Emery (Te Reo and Mathematics)

Bass Guitar: Edward Kwon (Classics & English)

Guitar 1: Sam Creed (Social Science & Geography)

Guitar 2: Christian Alino (Chemistry and Mathematics)

Drums: Patrick Hanrahan (Mathematics).

Principal Bruce Kearney gave out the final instructions, “just beat Christchurch Boys High School!"  In reality no one expected anything of this event, other than to enjoy the experience. However, the Viking Thunders were victorious. Beating highly decorated groups such as the Mount's ‘Get Staffed’ representing the Bay of Plenty, who won the brass section on the night. The songs the Viking Thunders chose to present were the following:

1.  Wild Thing (The Troggs)

2.  Santamonica (Everclear)

3.  Blister in the Sun (Violent Femmes)

4.  All the Small Things (Blink 182)

5.  Highway to Hell (ACDC).

The 5th song was not originally on the playlist, but was played due to the crowd demanding a follow-up encore.

The Viking Thunders took out the top honours, "Best Staff Band Ever Rock Trophy 2018 Faculty Rocks", but also took out best costume, and Remihana Emery won the best vocals.

The most epic part of the night was when the Viking Thunders had to play their whole set again - as winners. This time, however, they were joined by the frontmen/singers of Waimea College (The Sauce) and Bream Bay College (Class Act).

It was a surreal event, one which displayed amazing musical talents. Many thanks go out to the Board of Trustees, White Stone Cheese and the KHS staff. The Viking Thunders are now open for discussion for sponsorship offers for the 2019 title defence.