The original line up of Boney M: Liz Mitchell, Bobby Farrell, Marcia Barrett and Maizie Williams
Enthusiasts of the iconic 70s disco ensemble Boney M have eagerly filled seats for two anticipated performances in Auckland and Wellington.
However, there’s a crucial detail that seems to have been glossed over by promoters: the lineup set to grace the stage didn’t contribute their vocals to the original tracks that catapulted Boney M to stardom.
As an fan of Boney M, I feel compelled to offer some clarity, particularly given tickets are selling for up to $149.
The genesis of Boney M traces back to 1974 when German music producer Frank Farian was on the lookout for a visual front for his disco project, starting with the release of “Do You Wanna Bump”.
The initial group featured Liz Mitchell and Marcia Barrett, who lent their voices, while model Maizie Williams was envisioned as a visual addition, despite not singing on the records.
Bobby Farrell, too, was brought in for visual effect, lip-syncing to the bass lines actually voiced by Farian himself.
The new line up of Boney M “featuring Maizie Williams”
Liz Mitchell’s distinctive vocals were the cornerstone of Boney M’s most celebrated hits, including “Rivers of Babylon” and “Brown Girl in the Ring”, making her an indispensable part of their success story.
Fast forward to the present, the lineup touring New Zealand includes Maizie Williams.
While Williams is indeed an original member, her voice was never featured on the tracks that fans grew to love.
Promoting this lineup as authentic is misleading, especially considering that Liz Mitchell’s vocals are featured in the “Boney M” New Zealand version promotional youtube video, but she’s not involved.
Thus, presenting this ensemble as Boney M stretches the bounds of authenticity, veering towards a tribute act rather than a genuine continuation of the original group.
This revelation may not diminish the excitement for some, but it’s an important distinction for fans cherishing the authentic 70s Boney M experience.
