Stig Eldred, the globe-trotting musician and actor, passed away suddenly at his home in Sumner last weekend. The 72-year-old was a well-known figure at Sumner beach and performed frequently across Christchurch.
Affectionately known as ‘The Piano Man,’ Eldred was easily recognizable by his long white hair and beard. He is remembered for his rich baritone voice and exceptional piano skills, notably during his performances at The Chancery before it was closed due to earthquakes.
Close friend Clive Greenwood shared his thoughts on Eldred’s passing: “He had to go and play for the angels. He had this ability to walk into a room and immediately uplift everyone there with his smile. He was always ready to chat and make people feel special.”
Greenwood, who had been friends with Eldred for 40 years, reminisced about their shared love of music and frequent concert outings. “He had such a unique voice. He would sing around the piano and leave everyone mesmerized.”
Eldred was born in Sweden but was adopted by an American couple and raised in Los Angeles. He was brought to Christchurch from The Playboy Club in Los Angeles to perform at Ian McKenzie’s new piano bar at The Chancery. He made Christchurch his home when he bought a property in Sumner 40 years ago.
Greenwood noted that Eldred was always eager for a chat at the beach. “Whenever we’d have a drink on the beach, I’d have his attention about 25 percent of the time, and the rest of the time, people would come up and strike up a conversation with him.”
In addition to his musical achievements, Eldred appeared in several international films, including a role as a minion in Dick Tracy (1990) and as an army commander in King Kong (2005). He also had a leading role as Long John Silver in Return to Treasure Island (1996).
Film producer Merryn Corcoran fondly recalled working with Eldred on her studio’s film, The Stolen. “He was an incredible actor with a commanding presence on screen. He played a strong, silent, and menacing character, and working with him was a delight.”
Corcoran added that Eldred was set to star in a new TV series her studio was planning. He was also a professional voice actor, with roles in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and New Zealand.
Eldred lived a busy life, usually spending three to six months a year in Sumner and the rest of his time working in acting and music worldwide. He was also known for his enthusiasm for dressing up as Santa Claus for various Christchurch events, including Christmas in the Park and carol performances in Sumner. “He was very enthusiastic and definitely had the look for it,” said Greenwood.
In 2020, Eldred was featured in a winning portrait titled Stig and the Taniwha by artist Gwyn Hughes, which won the people’s choice award at the Adam Portraiture Awards.
Greenwood is organizing a farewell event with close friends to honor Eldred’s memory.
Eldred made his first appearance in Queenstown in the 1980s, serving as musical director for the locally created musical Exposed, which toured the country and even sold out an Auckland theatre. In 1998, he played ‘The Prospector’ in the musical Rush!, inspired by the 1860s Arrowtown gold rush, written by Arrowtowners David John and the late Kevin Lynch. His standout performance was the haunting Ballad of Millie Hall.
