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Interviews > Greg Hind

In 1992, Neighbours viewers were stunned when the dulcet tones of Barry Crocker were replaced after 7 years and two versions of the theme with a new, jazzier version. Here, its singer, Greg Hind talks to us about his career, the Neighbours theme and his romantic links to one of its other vocalists...

Firstly, can you give us some background about yourself?
I came up through local and high school bands in the Frankston and Peninsula area and eventually moved into the jingle scene, singing thousands of jingles and backing vocals for various people from Craig McLachlan to Tina Arena and everyone in between. I'm now with the Little River Band. touring and living in the U.S.

In 1992, you recorded a new version of the Neighbours theme tune. How did this come about?
Was actually on holiday in Philip Isle when the phone call came through from Peter Sullivan saying 'You better get in here fast and record this thing, we got the gig.' End of holiday!

Did you have any creative input into the sound of the theme? Were you influenced at all by Barry Crocker’s previous versions?
As a 'feel' singer I always have some kind of influence on everything I sing. I felt a bit of pressure to follow Barry, so respected his version as I sang mine. I mean the first version was an institution but luckily mine was accepted very well.

In 1994, Neighbours' music director, Chris Pettifer edited the full closing theme in order to extend the opening to account for an increased cast size in the title sequence. Were you approached again to re-record the theme?
We had already recorded 3 or 4 versions, so the longer one was already done I believe.

Your version of the theme lasted for seven years, making it the longest serving version so far, what do you think was the secret to its longevity?
It was a pretty radical departure from the first version, so I think that gave it its legs, but at the same time manage to capture the essence of Barry's theme.