Have your say: Plenty of support for Riff Raff

Source: Waikato Times print edition

25 February 2004

We asked if a statue of Riff Raff from the Rocky Horror Picture Show should be erected in Hamilton. Here's how readers have responded.

Anne Aitken said: "Having a tribute to Rocky Horror is a great way for Hamilton to shrug off its provincial cow-town image. It is a fantastic, energetic and creative icon which we can call our own. If it was good enough for (former Prime Minister) Rob Muldoon to perform in . . . it is good enough for Hamilton to commemorate."

Jacqui Hoffman said: "I've seen the movie 38 times, the stage show once and now own the DVD and audience participation audio tapes. You could say I'm a fan -- or maybe even a groupie -- of the Rocky Horror Picture Show. A statue of Riff Raff in full `dress' is a fabulous idea. Awesome recognition of Richard O'Brien and an interesting tourist attraction. The cult value of the show is huge not to mention another reason to be proud of Hamilton and the people who call it home. It's just this kind of positive, quirky and entertaining idea that will bring Hamilton in line with other popular tourist destinations and will show New Zealand that we are more than cows, vagina art, squabbling councillors and Chiefs. Let the Riff Raff in, show your ingenuity, your humour, your flair, Hamiltonians. Give yourself over to absolute pleasure and learn to laugh at yourself a little too. Besides, you might like it."

Cliff Wall said: "Why not allow the statue pride of place in the council chamber? After all it will be in the company of our very own riff raff that we call councillors."

Anonimo Hussein said: "Yes Hamilton should let Riff Raff in."

John Greenwood said: "Definitely no. The last thing Hamilton needs is this type of pseudo art. City councillors need to realise that such ghastly bad taste is not what Hamilton needs. What an appalling waste of funds installing such a revolting piece of junk."

Stefano Ducheylard said: "Congratulations to everyone involved in this project. It is a wonderful opportunity for the city. We should be celebrating Richard O'Brien's ties to our city. Can't wait for the unveiling."

Dawn Ludlow said: "I am opposed to this statue being given a place of honour in our fantastic city."

John Bourke said: "As a Wellington resident I have just caught up on the fact that Hamilton is considering a public statue to mark the fact that the Rocky Horror Show had its genesis in your fair city. What is going on here? Are you trying to be sophisticated, metropolitan and vibrant like Wellington? What a fantastic idea. I'm not even a Rocky Horror fan but would make sure I visit Hamilton to see it."

Margaret and Peter Fairhead said: "It is a marvellous idea to celebrate the author of the Rocky Horror Show. It is high time we celebrated all our successes in Hamilton, especially the artistic ones. The Rocky Horror show might not be everyone's cup of tea but it is internationally recognised and an enormous achievement for Richard O'Brien. Let's show what is possible."

Julie Wenham said: "I would think that the citizens and ratepayers of Hamilton need to have their vote on what art we really need in Hamilton. Come on Hamilton and wake up. Do we really want the embarrassment of being recognised as the city of Riff Raff? I am a strong supporter of contemporary art, but there is a time and a place for everything."

Mandy Scott said: "Of course Hamilton should have Riff Raff. John Gower is quite right -- we need to grow up as a city and embrace the things that reflect a more diverse and interesting city. Let's not let our city be dominated by the thinking of small and narrow-minded people any more. I say bring it on and more of it please."

Chris Bovill said: "How would placing an ugly statue in a public place `bring lots of people into the community'? And are the few people that this statue may attract to Hamilton the people that Hamilton wants to fling open its doors to? I would be really disappointed in Hamilton's councillors if they chose to lower their standards and adopt an eye-sore like this for a select few. Surely they can come up with better suggestions of attracting people to the city, they have come up with much better ideas in the past."

Lindsay Smith said: "Allow a Rocky Horror statue in Hamilton city? Never. Why should we get a Wellington firm to design a repulsive statue to celebrate a sick stage show that many Hamiltonians would rather forget. Surely our own Hamilton artists can design and produce a statue with a more worthy subject -- a statue that shows their flair and creativity and enhances the beauty of our city."

Carolyn Green said: "We must stop this statue from appearing in such a public place. If all else fails and this statue is erected I will personally make a stand by no longer shopping in the central city region where my children can view such a hideous sight."

Paul Barlow said: "Richard O'Brien is an icon in the world of cinema, his involvement in film has spanned over three decades and he is unashamedly Waikato in his support. It's role models like him and his belief in the talent of both this region and this country that have in part helped encourage the creation of things like Hobbiton or helped make movies like the Locals possible. If the council doesn't honour him, it is a sad day for the city, the country and the local screen industry, and any councillor who votes against any proposal to do so is showing yet again the attitude of the current council is stuck firmly in some distant past."

Leonie Smith said: "I am totally against a statue depicting Riff Raff to be set up in Hamilton. If council must spend ratepayers' money for the sake of spending, at least put up something that means something to Hamilton. I have nothing against the Rocky Horror Show, but its place is in a theatre, not (dis)gracing our streets."

Jude Bowen said: "Thumbs up for the statue on the front page of the Waikato Times. We need to have objects just like this one."