Rock Legend Doug Hood Loses Battle with Cancer at 70: A Heartfelt Tribute to His Iconic Legacy!

Remembering Doug Hood: The New Zealand Music Pioneer Who Left a Lasting Legacy

The famed New Zealand music producer was diagnosed with cancer in 2022.

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Doug "Hoody" Hood, the legendary music producer from New Zealand and a former member of the influential indie rock band The Clean, has sadly passed away. He left this world on Tuesday, September 10, after bravely fighting cancer, as announced by his son, Jack Hood, on Radio NZ. Hood was 70 years old and left behind a significant impact on the New Zealand music scene.

The Legacy of Doug Hood in New Zealand Music

"My mum Victoria and I were here with dad when he died; it was very peaceful and dignified," Jack recounted. "It’s been a tough battle for him over the last couple of years, but he truly lived his life on his own terms."

Born in the small town of Te Kuiti on New Zealand’s North Island in 1953, Doug Hood became a crucial figure in the New Zealand music scene starting in the late ’70s as a member of The Clean. Formed in Dunedin in 1978, the band included other iconic musicians such as Hamish Kilgour, David Kilgour, and Peter Gutteridge. Hood’s role as the singer helped catapult the band into the indie rock spotlight, while his engineering skills blossomed as he worked on their 1981 EP, Boodle Boodle Boodle, for the renowned Flying Nun label.

Doug Hood’s Influence on New Zealand’s Indie Rock Scene

Hood’s engineering prowess didn’t stop there; he played a pivotal role in producing the Dunedin Double EP in 1982. This compilation not only marked the recording debuts of bands like The Chills and The Verlaines but also solidified the vibrant Dunedin Sound that shaped an entire genre. He later served as the resident sound engineer at Auckland’s Windsor Castle pub during the ’80s, infusing life into the local music scene.

As his career progressed, Hood transitioned into music promotion by founding Looney Tours, a successful company that brought major international acts like Billy Bragg, New Order, Iggy Pop, and Violent Femmes to New Zealand. His commitment to promoting music not only enriched the cultural landscape but also fostered a community of music lovers across the country, ensuring that New Zealand’s music scene continued to thrive.

Honoring a Music Icon: Doug Hood’s Recognition

In recognition of his significant contributions to the music industry, Hood was honored by King Charles in the 2023 Birthday and Coronation Honours, being appointed as an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit. This prestigious award highlights how deeply valued Hood was in the music community.

Upon hearing of Hood’s passing, numerous fans and colleagues took to social media to express their sorrow and celebrate his legacy. AudioCulture remarked on X (formerly Twitter), "We’ve just heard the terribly sad news that a taonga of Aotearoa music passed away this morning – Doug Hood. Our thoughts are with his whānau and his many, many friends. He was one in a million (or more)." Another fan stated, "It’s people like Doug Hood that built the NZ music industry and kept it running. He will be missed. RIP."

A Final Farewell: Doug Hood’s Battle with Cancer

In 2022, Hood was diagnosed with cancer, an opponent he fought valiantly over the last few years. Reports from NZ Radio revealed that he had spent time at the Elizabeth Knox Home and Hospital in Epsom, Auckland, receiving care. His remarkable journey is a testament to the enduring spirit of an artist who poured his heart and soul into New Zealand’s musical heritage.

Doug Hood is survived by his loving wife, Victoria, and their son, Jack. His passing is not just the loss of a man, but the dimming of a bright light in the world of music. His influence will continue to resonate through the many bands he nurtured, the artists he promoted, and the fans who cherished his work. The New Zealand music community mourns the loss of a true pioneer, but his legacy will forever live on through the sounds he created and the lives he touched.