Christel Yardley/Stuff
Richard O’Brien is a creative icon, an arts and theater champion and “a ruthless advocate for our city,” says the mayor of Hamilton. He is pictured next to the statue of Riff Raff with his awards.
He created a worldwide phenomenon, but one of Richard O’Brien’s fondest memories is performing at Hamilton’s Founders Theater.
The creative genius behind The Rocky Horror Show joined the cast of the Hamilton Operatic Society’s production of Oliver in 2012 — and he still beams over the city’s “remarkable talent.”
“They weren’t amateurs. They were first-class people.”
Ten years later, O’Brien has been welcomed back to the “rocking” city, once again recognized for more than 50 years of work in Hamilton’s performing arts sector.
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† Riff Raff lurking outside Waikato Museum for a while, after re-disclosure
† The design of the Waikato Regional Theater is a nod to the city’s past
† Hamilton’s Riff Raff statue gains temporary shelter as theater construction ramps up
Christel Yardley/Stuff
Richard O’Brien was modest about his contributions, describing it as “pure happiness”.
Dressed all in black, he stood beneath a bronzed version of himself dressed as Riff Raff, a statue used by hundreds as a selfie backdrop, as Mayor Paula Southgate bestowed upon him a new civilian honor – the Hamilton Hamilton Medal†
Although this time there were no selfies or time warp dancingSouthgate said no one deserves this year’s award more than the “true creative hero of Kirikiriroa”.
“We are honoring a truly uniquely creative person,” Southgate told the small crowd on Thursday.
O’Brien is “an iconic Hamiltonian who created a worldwide phenomenon called The Rocky Horror Picture Show”.
“Few Hamiltonians have made that claim.”
Christel Yardley/Stuff
The Hamilton Kirikiriroa Medal is the second highest honor the city can bestow.
As the second highest honor the city can bestow on anyone, the citizen award recognizes the achievements of individuals who have been highly successful in their fields and have made outstanding contributions to the city as a whole, Southgate said.
“Richard O’Brien is eligible for any account.”
Addressing O’Brien, she said: “You are a creative icon, champion of the arts and theater, a staunch ally of the creative industry and a relentless advocate for our city, enabling each of us to be creative and enjoy creativity.” .”
After the official ceremony, O’Brien was much more humble about his contributions to the industry, but admitted that his younger self would be “terribly happy” with the honor.
O’Brien described Hamilton as a “rocking town” in the 1950s and 1960s, saying it was pure luck that The Rocky Horror Show even got off the ground.
“I was a high school dropout…so it’s luck that brought me here,” O’Brien said.
The concept for The Rocky Horror Show came to light while he was hairdressing in Hamilton between 1951 and 64.
The barbershop was opposite the old Embassy Theater, where O’Brien attended many nighttime photo shows.
Christel Yardley/Stuff
Thursday’s meeting was kept small, at the request of Richard O’Brien.
He eventually moved back to England and was cast in Hair, then joined Jesus Christ Superstar as King Herod, before being fired and sent off with 300 pounds in his pocket.
It grew in popularity and was made into a movie in 1975. O’Brien was instrumental in writing the screenplay, appearing as Riff Raff. Since then, it has grown to a significant cult following.
From there, O’Brien was approached by the Riff Raff Trust with a proposal to create a statue to celebrate the birthplace of the Rocky Horror.
He attended the unveiling in 2004 and has maintained a close relationship with the creative community in Hamilton since his return to Aotearoa in 2009.
He is also a longtime patron of the Hamilton Operatic Society and numerous charities.
“I’ve had a very happy life.”
Christel Yardley/Stuff
Richard O’Brien conceived the concept for The Rocky Horror Show while barbering in Hamilton between 1951-64.