YMCA stadium in Auckland, venue for the 1983 Battle of the Bands. Philip Schofield interviews people in the queue about who they think will win. Audience are stamped on the wrist as they enter. ‘The White Boys’ from Auckland perform. Interview with Benny Levin, from New Music Management about the reason for the contest, to promote New Zealand music. Interview with Rob Guest about his band The Apparition, life on the road in the 1960s, and his equipment.
Philip Schofield on setting up the equipment for the contest, lighting rigs, PA systems, TV crew, instruments. ‘Blue Rock’ from Wellington. Interview with lead singer, Greg White, about origins of the band. ‘Stormbringer’ from Dunedin perform. Interview with lead singer Pete Weeda, about the origins of the band, and NZ audiences. Interview with Lee Wood from the band, about lack of opportunities for the band in Dunedin.
Clip of The Gremlins performing in 1967. Lead singer Glynn Tucker Jnr., founder of Mandrill Studios in Auckland, is interviewed about current music scene, and the change in recording techniques. The Battle of the Band is being recorded for a compilation album. Technicians discuss the equipment.
‘Moving Targets’ perform. Philip Schofield on the cost of musical equipment, talks to Ken Wilson, representative for instrument company Ibanez Tama, about their equipment and who uses them. ‘Auckland Walk’ perform.
Schofield interviews the judges - Karyn Hay from Radio With Pictures, Rob Guest. Interview with lead singer of ‘Auckland Walk’ Carey Peterson about his beginning with ‘The Knobz’, and touring New Zealand and Australia; and Michel Morris from the band, about the lack of underage venues in New Zealand, and the single ‘I Wasn’t Thinking’ which is about to be released. Schofield interviews audience about the event. ‘Marching Orders’ from Gisborne perform. Interview with Marting Kirk from the band , about the beginnings of the band; and Jackie Morris, lead singer, about how she juggles school and the band. ‘Marching Orders’ perform.
Schofield announces the winners - 3rd place is ‘Moving Targets’, 2nd place is ‘Blue Rock’, winner is ‘Auckland Walk’. Carey Peterson comes on stage to collect prizes and trophy. They perform again.