The Axe Attack

Infobox Radio Show
show_name = The Axe Attack


imagesize = 150px
caption =
format = Rock music
audio_format =
record_location = Hamilton, New Zealand
runtime = 240 minutes
creator = Max Christoffersen
writer = Paul 'The Axeman' Martin
producer =
executive_producer =
starring = Paul 'The Axeman' Martin (1987 - present)
Johnny Brookes (1987)
narrated =
opentheme =
endtheme =
country = flagicon|New Zealand New Zealand
language = English
home_station = The Rock
syndicates = RadioWorks The Rock nationwide
first_aired = 1987
last_aired = Present
num_episodes =
website = http://www.theaxeattack.com
podcast =

The Axe Attack is a show on a rock music radio station in New Zealand called The Rock

The show is hosted by Paul 'The Axeman' Martin, on Sunday nights from 8pm. Paul is one of The Rock's longest serving DJs. He prides himself on including no less that 25% New Zealand music on his show.

Conception

The Axe Attack was first conceived in July 1986 by Max Christoffersen. By Feb 1987 it was on air Tuesday evenings on Hamilton station Contact 89FM hosted by Paul Martin and Johnny Brookes. In August 1987 Johnny left and from then till this day, Paul has been hosting the Axe Attack solo. For three years running the Axe Attack was voted most popular show on the station.

Present status

In early July 1992, Paul approached the new radio station in Hamilton, Rock 93FM. Programme Director Grant Hislop was more than enthusiastic to have the Axe Attack on air. The Tuesday night two hour spot was agreed upon as being crucial the shows success and Paul Martin and the Axe Attack became a professional entity on Rock 93FM Tuesday July 14 1992. In September 1996 the Rock started networking the show to Tauranga on Rock 94.2 and by Feb 1997 coverage reached Taranaki via Rock 95.6FM, Hawkes Bay Sept 97 and Rotorua and Taupo by November. Mid 1998 saw the show networked to Palmerston North and Masterton and by Feb 1999 NZ's biggest metropolitan areas Auckland and Wellington. By October 1999 The RockFM was established all over the South Island, the Axe Attack is now a national entity.

Description

The show is primarily hard rock and heavy metal, although does touch on grunge, thrash, soft metal, speed metal, progressive metal, industrial, classic and contemporary hard rock/metal. Emphasis is given to NZ acts (no less than 25%), new releases, rare and collectable music, listeners requests and current touring acts. Paul has interviewed members of Metallica,Iron Maiden, Suicidal Tendencies, Van Halen, Filter, Anthrax, Fear Factory, Judas Priest, XYZ, Sepultura, Kittie, Pantera, The Tea Party, Yngwie Malmsteen, KoЯn, Deftones, Clutch, Slayer, Slipknot, Steve Vai, Lita Ford and Rob Halford.

Policy

The policy of the Axe Attack is to promote interest in the hard rock/heavy metal music genre. It aims to: feature new and exciting local and overseas releases; keep people informed and up to date with news, releases and goings on in the rock world; give NZ artists equal status to international acts, and foster a genuine interest and faith in local music; promote interest and stimulation for the live rock scene; culture a healthier profile and a better understanding of an immensely popular genre of music that is largely being ignored by the New Zealand music industry as a whole and especially the New Zealand Radio industry; andcater to a large body of the market that are currently not catered for.

External links

* [http://www.theaxeattack.com/ The Axe Attack Official Website]
* [http://www.therock.net.nz/ The Rock Official Website]