Arthur Baysting

Who is Arthur Baysting?

Arthur Baysting is a songwriter, screenwriter, and comedian from New Zealand. He was a songwriting member of The Crocodiles, co-writing their biggest hit Tears with Fane Flaws.

His comedy alter-ego Neville Purvis had his own television show in 1979. Baysting has a dubiously notable first in New Zealand. In 1979, at the end of a series of Neville Purvis, he uttered the word "f*ck" in the closing credits, being the first person on New Zealand Television to do so. It caused an uproar amongst the media watchdogs, and resulted in the show immediately being cancelled.

Baysting's songs have appeared on albums by The Crocodiles, The Windy City Strugglers, Glen Moffatt, Jenny Morris and Al Hunter.

He also teamed up with partner Peter Dasent to write the crazy rock theme to the children's ABC television show The Ferals and several songs from the Peter Jackson-directed puppet movie Meet the Feebles.

Baysting has since worked extensively in the administration of the Australasian Performing Rights Association, and is currently a Project Director with the New Zealand Music Industry Commission.