Sharon O'Neill - An inspiration 

A personal perspective from guest writer Aly Cook

Sharon O'Neill's artistry has sparked the imaginations of thousands of Kiwi musicians, forging a lifetime connection with fans whose adoration remains unwavering.

Growing up in Tahunanui, a decade behind Sharon O'Neill, she wasn't just a singer; she was a beacon. Attending the same primary school, I, like countless other young girls, stood before the mirror, belting out her songs, dreaming of following in her footsteps. She was more than an artist; she was a local legend, a tangible dream.

Little did I know that years later, I would get to join her on stage as a backing vocalist, run her website and social media and more importantly call her one of my dear friends. 

Within Sharon I found one of the most kind hearted, warm human beings I have ever met, and we still chat most weeks as she went through supporting her wonderful partner Alan Mansfield, though his journey with Cancer to his eventual passing. Her strength is immeasurable in what she and indeed both of them went through in the last few years, whilst we have all gone through covid, Sharon and Alan went through a bravely fought battle for Alan's life. 

Sharon started off as many of us did in a local Nelson band/duet with Sharon and Nancy singing folk songs at places like ‘Middle Earth’ the famed Nelson Washington Valley restaurant.  Her early days as a creative writer at 2ZN Nelson, a girl writing and singing radio jingles. before moving to Wellington. 

After every success conceivable in New Zealand, Sharon did what all artists did in New Zealand in the 80s and headed to Australia. 

Sharon made Sydney her home and despite the hard few years put on her by a legal fight that's cruelty stopped her career. She held her head high and ploughed on with four Countdown awards and was twice nominated for ARIAs as best female artist.

In 2017 Sharon was recognised by the New Zealand Music Hall of Fame. 

I met Sharon after the CBS (Sony today) legal debacle, meeting her in 1987 as she put all that behind her and released on Polygram,  what I personally think is two of her finest bodies of work the ‘Danced into the Fire’ album followed by ‘Edge of Winter ’ album both produced by her partner Alan Mansfield.  

Sharon & Alan are an inseparable loving and working partnership of over 35 years. There are not many successful long term relationships but their is one of them.