Liam Ryan was born and raised in Christchurch, New Zealand. He made his name as keyboardist and songwriter with Kiwi band The Narcs in the 1980s (You Took Me Heart and Soul, Diamonds On China). He has featured as a session player on many New Zealand recordings and has toured as a sideman with international artists including Charlie Musselwhite, Long John Baldry and Robben Ford.
He has two solo albums – Mississippi To Mauao ( 2007) and Pacific Riviera (2010) released on his IMNZ label, Torch Music. He continues to release his own music from his own Torch Music studio in Waihi, New Zealand. He currently plays with The Narcs, The Midge Marsden Band, The Sou’Westers and The Blue Riders.
He has been a columnist and reviewer for Fairfax Media and continues to research and write articles about music. His Masters Degree researched The Rise of Rhythm and Blues in Christchurch 1960 -1970.