Have Your say: Public support overwhelming for Riff Raff statue
Source: Waikato Times print edition
26 February 2004
We've had a massive response from readers to stories about plans to erect a statue of Riff Raff, the butler from cult musical the Rocky Horror Picture Show, in Hamilton to mark the city's links to the show's creator Richard O'Brien, who played Riff Raff in the movie.
These are a selection of comments and thoughts from the letters and emails received.
"I'd like to register my support for the proposed statue of Richard O'Brien to be put up in Hamilton. It's an all round `good thing', I'd say, providing a contract for a New Zealand company (Weta) and a new point of interest in Hamilton. I lived in Dublin for three years, where statues in honour of local personalities are to be found throughout the city. Many of these were controversial when first built but they all ended up featured on postcards and tourists' photographs. If the identity of Hamilton is diverse enough to include the pioneer family and their cow and Richard O'Brien and his fishnets, then I'd say it's the better for it!" Viv Aitken, Hamilton
"I support the statue for it was a sad day when the Embassy Theatre was taken down and I feel it's a good reminder that New Zealanders play major roles in the arts and theatre all over the world. It's great to know New Zealand is such an inspiration and we can only be supportive of the arts and creativity for New Zealanders are highly creative and not supported enough." Tarja Pabbruwe, Hamilton
"Having just heard about the proposed statue of Richard O'Brien/Riff Raff for Hamilton I would just like to tell you what a fantastic idea I think it is. This international phenomenon (Rocky Horror) should have its roots recognised by Mr O'Brien's old home town -- Hamilton. Hamilton is increasingly home to very talented theatre and other culture practitioners and a wee reminder that even obscure little ideas can go global would do little to harm or hinder future projects." Paul Cooke, Hamilton
"I think it would be an excellent idea. Hamilton could become a hotbed of artistic activity, and it would be excellent if the locals could see that there has already been some cool stuff that has come from here." Michael Forde, Hamilton
"I believe Hamilton will benefit in many ways from this public work of art, not least of which is that it is a little humorous. The Richard O'Brien statue also commemorates a man and a work which has been hugely successful in the international arena. That O'Brien himself regards Hamilton as the place where the Rocky Horror Picture Show was conceived is reason enough, in my mind, to make a very loud point about this by raising a statue of him." Malcolm Hutchinson, Hamilton
"Richard O'Brien is one of Hamilton's, and New Zealand's, least acknowledged geniuses. To place a statue of him in your streets would be a great gesture of recognition." Worik Stanton
"The Rocky Horror Picture Show is so renowned, with many of the songs still featuring on high rotate in many clubs even here in London, that such publicity can only be positive for tourism. It will also be a stark contrast to the `cow-town' days of yore provided by the farming family on the corner of Victoria and Ulster Streets -- a statue that many hip urbanites and vegetarians no doubt find offensive, to say nothing of those members of the Gay Lesbian Bisexual Transgender community that it alienates. My vote will inevitably rest with those councillors who have the foresight to recognise one of Hamilton's most enduring and famous sons by supporting the erection of this statue." Adam Pope, Camden, London
"I only found out the The Rocky Horror Picture Show came from Hamilton a couple of weeks before you wrote it in your paper, and even then I forgot. I feel that a statue would be a great asset for tourism to Hamilton." Hal Woolfrey, Hamilton
"I am writing to urge you to support Mark Servian's project to acknowledge one of the most outstanding, talented, and internationally renowned sons of Hamilton -- Richard O'Brien, writer and star of the timeless Rocky Horror Show. A statue of O'Brien as Riff Raff in his angular spacesuit would ensure that Hamilton recognises both the historical and the forward-thinking. This is truly fitting as it brings together two world famous icons of New Zealand creativity, all for the benefit of the Hamiltonian public." Mikaere Curtis, Auckland
"I would like to express my support for the proposed statue of Hamiltonian Richard O'Brien. I believe that this project has the potential to greatly enhance the central business district and honour one of the greatest creative talents that Hamilton has produced to date." Melanie Hayes
"I would like to express my strong support for the planned gracing of Hamilton by a statue of Riff Raff, Richard O'Brien's character in his cult musical Rocky Horror Picture Show. Rocky Horror has continuing international cult status, one of the few claims to international popular fame that Hamilton has. The boost to Matamata of the Hobbiton tour has been tremendous. There are any number of tourists who would make a special stop in Hamilton to see the birth place of Rocky Horror, if it was signalled in such a way. Hamilton has its own rich and peculiar mix of people, from the deeply conservative to the former adherents of the McGillicuddy Serious Party. We have a farming family at one end of the city, please let us have a transvestite at the other." Katherine Ransom
"I was born in Hamilton and my parents still live there, so I'm a regular visitor. I had no idea there were plans afoot for a statue of Riff Riff at the old Embassy Theatre site and was stunned to hear this as I've said the same to friends around the country; that there should be a statue of Riff Raff at the old Embassy site. I remember seeing an article on Richard O'Brien and remember him saying that the movie was inspired by nights at the Embassy Theatre. I was exceedingly proud to hear this and to find out he was from Hamilton. I'm sure some of the conservative citizens of Hamilton will be opposed to such a statue but must all vision be compromised to middle of the road tastes? Surely that's the image Hamilton is trying to shake." Bryce Galloway, Wellington
"A definite no to the Riff Raff statue planned for Victoria St. Our children and our community need positive role models as statues not images which lower standards." Rosalie Griffiths
"I would view with `horror' a statue such as Riff Raff being placed in our city. It would be a travesty and make us a laughing stock. No way." Ian Graham
"I think the proposal for a statue of Riff Raff is brilliant. It will be unique, it's appropriate, it's different and it's daring. In other words, just what Hamilton needs. Love it or hate it, it won't be ignored." Ceri Wells
"Yes I think they should display the Riff Raff statue. If the Rocky Horror Picture Show originated in Hamilton then Hamilton should acknowledge this and be proud." Rochelle Whistler, Hamilton
"I am appalled that anyone would think we, the general public, would actually want something like this in our town. Perhaps that is why the meeting is closed to the public. Has this city no moral standards at all? Do we want a hideous statue glamorising transvestites, scaring our children as we wander through town? I think not." Rebeka Kelsen
"I am against the statue being put up in the main street or anywhere in Hamilton. Is there no standard of morals any more? I have a young family and think there is enough riff raff on our streets. Have council got nothing better to do with money and time?" Janine Natzke
"Should we let the Riff Raff statue on to our Hamilton streets? We say definitely no." Phil and Beth Irvine
"Absolutely outrageous that the public have not had a say in the erection of the statue in Hamilton. Our friends and family certainly do not support this project and are offended by the thought of it." Ben, Robyn and Rhiaan Chisnall, Che Marx, Sally, Karina, Sean and Ken Sheirlaw
