Dragon’s April Sun in Cuba – A ‘70s Rock Anthem Down Under

In October 1977, Dragon unleashed April Sun in Cuba, a single that turned a Kiwi band into Aussie rock legends. Released on Portrait (PR 45008) as the lead track from their fourth album, Running Free, this song roared onto the charts on November 7th, soaring to No. 2 and hanging around for 22 weeks. Only Paul McCartney and Wings’ Mull of Kintyre kept it from the top spot—a tough break, but a sign of its strength in a blockbuster year.

Written by frontman Marc Hunter and keyboardist Paul Hewson, with Peter Dawkins behind the production desk, it’s a sun-drenched rocker with a killer riff and a vibe that screams escape. Inspired by a quirky news tidbit about Castro basking in Cuba’s April sun, the song’s real magic is its universal pull—dreaming of freedom, shaking off the grind. For Aussies in ‘77, with summer on the horizon, it was pure catnip.

Dragon weren’t newbies—they’d crossed from New Zealand to Sydney in ‘75, cutting their teeth in the pub circuit. But April Sun was their breakout, blending raw energy with a radio-ready hook. It hit at the peak of Australia’s ‘70s rock wave, alongside bands like Cold Chisel and AC/DC, and cemented Dragon’s place in the scene. Marc’s swagger and Paul’s keys gave it a spark that still lights up nostalgia playlists.

Today, it’s more than a hit—it’s a postcard from an era of coastal drives and pub gigs. Want the full story of how it conquered the charts? Our latest video on AustralianMusicHistory.com’s YouTube channel breaks it down—don’t miss it!