Desert Road
In 2024, a group of veterans got together to play music and inspire veterans and they became “Desert Road”.
Roddy floated the idea of a veterans band to fellow veterans Tama and Vance in mid- 2024. Once onboard they advertised for more veterans to join. By September the band was complete with Roddy, Tama, Vance, Kate, and Tony and Desert Road played their first gig in December.
They play classic rock, retro hits, country favourites, Kiwi anthems and feel-good songs – music that gets toes tapping and people up on the dance floor.
Since their formation Desert Road has played at venues well-known to veterans and the serving community, including Linton and Trentham WOs’ and SNCOs’ Messes, the Ashhurst RSA on Anzac Day, a 50th birthday for a fellow veteran, a gig at Trentham Rugby league club and a 60th at Southward Car Museum.
They also opened for the New Zealand Army Band at the 2025 Forces in the Park.
Desert Road’s mission is to support and inspire fellow veterans through music. They raise funds and awareness for veterans and the challenges they face. Recently the band donated $1,000 to the Families of the Fallen Charitable Trust and to SSAANZ. Tony Spice describes their music as a way of continuing to serve.
“We want to connect with veterans through music, telling stories, uplifting veterans and making a difference.”
Desert Road might not always be a covers band.
“We would also like to make our own music in the future. Songs inspired by our service, from our lived experiences and sense of purpose.”
Check out their Facebook page(external link) to see if they are playing near you.
Photo: From the left, Roddy, Kate, Kelvin, Tama, Tony, Vance
