Concert Review - The Cure, Vector Arena, Auckland July 21, 2016

Well thirty six songs and four encores cemented their once gothic roots to a more mainstream audience. The better know tracks from the four encores like Burn and Close To Me got the capacity crowd off it's feet and into dancing mode. A few goth themed fans wandered the arena halls. Full on heavy eyeliner and crazy jet black hair.

Craziest sight was a full on Jack Sparrow lookalike. Rum in hand and engaging anyone who would listen in conversation about the poor quality rum supplied at the bar.

The crowd demographic swung towards the older set. This band has been around since the mid 1970's so a lot fans have been sucked into the Robert Smith fronted band along the way.

The first set of twenty tracks opened with Plainsong. A little surprising starting track. The set continued on at a similar pace and some punters were getting restless. However the first encore ended with A Forest. A personal favourite.

Mr Smith was pretty quiet between tracks until the end with a few flippant remarks. Bass player Simon Gallup provided some sorely needed action on stage flashing a nice yellow bass and punk playing stance.

Overall well worth the investment.

7/10

The Cure - Vector Arena, Auckland

Latest pictures of The Cure concert are up on my flickr page https://flic.kr/s/aHskEEXtBG. Review up shortly.

New concert pictures - Iron Maiden

I've loaded up some pictures from the Iron Maiden concert at Vector Arena 2016.
The Book of Souls World Tour!
https://flic.kr/s/aHskzxJfqo

Local Venue

While NZ Music Month is on, it's reminded me of the great places supporting local music. Do you have a favourite place in your town that goes the 'extra mile' in helping bands out and promoting local talent. In Hamilton where I'm at the moment have a few places, but one special one. A big shout out to the Nivara Lounge. A cool underground, literally, club in downtown.
Here is a 'letter to the Editor' full of praise!!
Letter


If you're in town check it out. Always someone playing. Plus they serve very nice ales.

New Zealand Music Month

What a month to start writing my blog! NZ music month is May. For more information about this great initiative, get over to NZ Music Month to check it out and all the great things happening around New Zealand. Or for some outline of the 16 year history.
Being a sucker for T-Shirts, especially the black music variety, the NZ Music Month people issue an updated design every year, In the past the design has been around white concentric circles on a black T-Shirt. This year however is something a little bit special. Black on Black check it out T-Shirt.

Older versions looked something like this.

Right, now down to the music. I'll be loading up some posts over the month of my personal favorite NZ music selections.