A well-known television journalist is revealing his “secret life” as a flamenco guitarist on a nationwide tour next month. 

Ian Sinclair, a former correspondent for TV One’s Sunday programme who has explored the world and met with everyone from the Queen to the Taliban, has had a lifelong “secret addiction” to the Spanish flamenco guitar. 

His arrest in 1975 by General Franco's secret police in Spain led him to switch to hard news reporting, moving from newspapers to radio and then to television in 1986, where international assignments included Bougainville, Kosovo, Afghanistan and Iraq. 

Last year, after nearly 2000 television stories, he made a giant leap of faith to quit and become a flamenco guitarist full-time. 

Sinclair first fell in love with Flamenco as a six-year-old and his musical and journalism passions have intertwined several times since. This will also be reflected in his concerts. 

After public performances with Dave McCartney, Harry Lyon and Phil Ochs he was appointed music writer for Craccum, interviewing the Gypsy Kings, Elton John, Ronnie Wood, Rod Stewart and Joan Baez. 

In Spain, he studied under maestros Miguel Garcia, Jose Luis Postigo and Juan del Gastor. 

Sinclair is travelling the country as part of the Arts on Tour NZ Trust (AOTNZ) line-up and has chosen performances at Stewart Island (March 9), Arrowtown (March 10) and Tarras (March 11) as his southernmost stops. 

“Rhythm is the essence of flamenco and my music features rumbas, highly complex Bulerias and flamenco Tangos,” he says. 

“I will be playing items inspired by stories filed from Christchurch to Afghanistan. 

“I will also fess up to my most embarrassing moments, with General Franco’s secret police, The Queen and the All Blacks.” 

AOTNZ organises tours of outstanding New Zealand performers to rural and smaller centres in New Zealand. 

The trust receives funding from Creative New Zealand as well as support from Central Lakes Trust, Community Trust South, Interislander, Otago Community Trust, Rata Foundation and the Southern Trust. 

See Ian Sinclair’s performances:

Arrowtown, Wednesday March 10, 7:30pm  

Arrowtown Athenaeum Hall    

$25 Book: eventbrite.co.nz

Tarras, Thursday March 11, 7:30pm 

Tarras Community Church    

Adults $30; Super Gold Card $25; Children $5. 

Book: Artscentral.co.nz

You can view a video of Ian’s performance by clicking here. 

Details on other performance locations can be found by clicking here.

Photo: Supplied