Bio

Hobo Herb are a 3 piece punk band from Hawke's Bay, New Zealand that was founded in 2000. They originated out of a legendary Thrash Metal Punk band called Grungus.

Grungus started in 1997 as a joke at a local camp but eventually started the Christian music scene in Hawkes Bay. They, David Moodie (Yes, Steven's older brother), Chris Lott and Brent Barnes, decided to enter a talent quest after the succesful camp show and only found a drummer the night that they played. He was John Te Kiri.

Brent had to leave the band when thier family decided to move to Canada and Steven took over his role, who had played only one gig in a band called Chowder Pilots, consisting of Dave, Kane Bateman and a drummer known only as TJ.

Josh Speeden (Nathan's older brother) joined the band as well so that there were 2 guitarists. Josh left the band later and Dave joined in his place.

Dave and Steven made a side band called One Penny Short, also consisting Kane Bateman, Kevin Salisbury and Carl Salisbury. They only played a few shows before splitting.
Grungus continued to play on strong and played at Parachute twice.

When both Chris and David Moodie had to leave the band because of careers and training, John, Steven and Dave asked Nathan Speeden to sing in a band for the Regional RockQuest in the 2000. They were known as Shedding Skin. This name came from a Pantera song, so they decided to very quickly change it to Hobo Herb and the Infamous Mobile Urkel Circus.

The new name came from a dog Nathan knew called Herb. Herb was mistreated by his owners and decided to lead the life of a hobo.

John left halfway through 2001 and Hobo Herb were stumped for drummers. Nathan decided to take on the drumming duties while singing and the band have now stayed as a 3-piece.

Hobo Herb disbanded in 2003, with their final gig at State of It in Napier on 14 Feb 2003.

Band Members:
Nathan Speeden (vocals)
Dave Ellengold (guitar)
Steven Moodie (bass, vocals)
John Te Kiri (drums, percussion)