By Ali Ikram TV3 News

Stroke, an album of songs by former Tall Dwarfs front man Chris Knox was launched tonight with a benefit gig at Auckland’s Kings Arms.

The songwriter, cartoonist and film critic suffered a life threatening stroke earlier this year, and proceeds from the sale of the CD will go to help his recovery.

The Flying Nun crowd at the Kings Arms were a bit greyer than back in the day, but none the less they came to help out one of the architects of what's become known as the Dunedin sound.

“New Zealand music owes him a debt and some gratitude,” says Graeme Hill of the The Abel Tasmans.

“Being silenced is such an awful thing to happen to someone who is so vocal.”

Knox suffered a major stroke in June, he still struggles to speak.

But those watching his recovery say he is slowly improving every week.

“Without giving him saintly type attributes, because Chris can be a pain in the arse I think we should establish that everyone's got stories of Chris being a pain in the arse, but his strength through this whole thing has been inspiring,” says Shayne Carter of Dimmer.

These days Flying Nun is owned by Warners, but founder Roger Shepherd was expecting a party atmosphere at the benefit concert for a man whose music and art was at the core of the indie label.

“It's really brought people together and it's not just the Flying Nun part of the music community, it's the whole New Zealand music industry that has rallied around Chris,” he says.

“I think it's a sign we now have a mature music business in this country.”

Neil Finn on drums was joined on stage by wife Sharon, SJD and Don McGlashan -calling themselves the ‘pyjama party’.

Stroke a double album of Knox’s songs performed by artists both here and overseas who he has inspired is in stores, proceeds will go towards his recovery.