RUEL RETURNS TO NZ IN SEPTEMBER FOR HIS BIGGEST SHOW YET

LIVE NATION & SECRET SOUNDS PRESENTS

RUEL

– Returning to New Zealand for his biggest show yet –

After playing sold out rooms throughout Australia, the UK, Europe and Asia, Australian multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and performer Ruelwill celebrate the upcoming release of his highly anticipated sophomore EP FREE TIME by bringing his brand new stage show to Auckland’s Shed 10 this September for his biggest show to date in New Zealand.

Tickets go on sale at 4pm Monday August 5.

My Live Nation members can secure tickets first during the exclusive pre-sale beginning 4pm Friday August 2 until 3pm Monday August 5.

Fans can also sign up to the Audience Republic pre-sale beginning 4pm Friday August 2 until 3pm Monday August 5.

Ruel will stop by Shed 10 for one of the biggest shows of his career and treat fans to a completely new stage production and brand new music from the forthcoming EP.

FREE TIME was written in between Ruel's rigorous global touring schedule and sees the young songwriter teaming up once again with Grammy winning producer M-Phazes, plus an all star cast of collaborators including Sarah Aarons (Zedd, Alessia Cara), Tobias Jesso Jr. (Adele, Sia), Joseph Angel (Rihanna), Nick Long (King Princess, K. Flay) and Wrabel (Ellie Goulding).

The EP’s first single Painkiller has already gathered over 20 million streams in just two months, adding to Ruel’s overall 300 million+ global streams. The new body of work is the next step in the evolution of an artist who began playing guitar and writing songs at only 8 years of age. It demonstrates Ruel’s maturity as a songwriter able take on any genre and unsatisfied staying in the lanes of Pop and RnB.

At just 16 years of age, Ruel has received public praise from the likes of Khalid, Zane Lowe and Sir Elton John for his songwriting craft well beyond his years and his commanding live performances. Last year, he received recognition back home by becoming the youngest recipient of an ARIA Award for Breakthrough Artist of the Year.

Ruel’s videos for singles ‘Younger’ and ‘Not Thinkin’ Bout You’ have caught fire, each surpassing over 8 million views, and the videos for ‘Dazed and Confused’ and ‘Don’t Tell Me’ have each enjoyed over 5 million views, with his latest single ‘Painkiller’ fast approaching 8 million views.

RUEL
NEW ZEALAND 2019
SHED 10, AUCKLAND SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 28

TICKETS ON SALE 4PM MONDAY AUGUST 5
Audience Republic presale: 4pm Friday August 2 until 3pm Monday August 5
Live Nation pre-sale: 4pm Friday August 2 until 3pm Monday August 5

For complete tour and ticket information visit: oneruel.com & www.livenation.co.nz

GOLF ALPHA BRAVO ANNOUNCED AS SUPPORT FOR GRETA VAN FLEET THIS SEPTEMBER

GRETA VAN FLEET

US Grammy Award Winning Rockers Touring New Zealand This September Announce Golf Alpha Bravo As Special Guest

2019 US Grammy Award winning rockers, GRETA VAN FLEET, are touring New Zealand this September on their “March of the Peaceful Army” World Tour. Today, the band have announced that GOLF ALPHA BRAVO, the new solo moniker of Jagwar Ma singer-guitarist Gab Winterfield, will join the tour and appear at all dates as special guest.

GOLF ALPHA BRAVO will bring his clean reverb guitar tones, mid and up-tempo rhythms and melodic basslines to life in some of the first ever performances of this new project. His cool coloured collage of sounds create a world of sound akin to R L Burnside, early Hendrix and more recently, BadBadNotGood. GAB’s upcoming first single, ‘Groove Baby Groove’ out this August via MOM+POP Records, showcases his dynamic voice jumping from a whisper to a howl which his guitar mimics joyously, shifting rich chords then gliding to a single note, maracas shake and the bass guitar thumps. His debut record, “Groove Baby Groove” will be released this August.

GRETA VAN FLEET
SEPTEMBER 10 – SOLD OUT
LOGAN CAMPBELL CENTRE

ABOUT GRETA VAN FLEET

Music fans were first introduced to Greta Van Fleet's Josh Kiszka/vocals, Jake Kiszka/guitars, Sam Kiszka/bass & keys, and Danny Wagner/drums in March 2017 with the release of the band's debut single Highway Tune that held the #1 position on U.S. Rock Radio Charts for five consecutive weeks and on Canada's Active Rock Radio Charts for nine straight weeks.

Twenty-seventeen went on to be a wild ride of sold-out concerts in North America and Europe, glowing press, accolades from a slew of fellow artists from Elton John to Nikki Sixx to Justin Bieber, millions of YouTube video plays and Spotify streams, two #1 EPs, a Gold record in Canada, and most importantly, the genesis of an extraordinary connection with their fans.

The band’s debut album, Anthem of the Peaceful Army, was released in October 2018 (Lava/Republic Records). It has turned the rock world upside down, there hasn't been a rock record to light the fires like this in a long time!

The album’s first radio track, When The Curtain Falls, exploded at Rock Radio and has so far accumulated more than 18.5-million streams, and four million-plus views of the music video.

Watch When The Curtain Falls here.
gretavanfleet.com

FIRST TEASER TRAILER FOR TAIKA WAITITI'S 'JOJO RABBIT' RELEASED

The very first teaser trailer for Taika Waititi’s upcoming anti-hate satire, JOJO RABBIT, has been shared ahead of its release in New Zealand on October 24.

WATCH THE TEASER TRAILER HERE

In addition, it has also been announced this morning that the film will have its World Premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival.

Writer director Taika Waititi (Thor: Ragnarok, Hunt For The Wilderpeople), brings his signature style of humor and pathos to his latest film, JOJO RABBIT, a World War II satire that follows a lonely German boy (Roman Griffin Davis), whose world view is turned upside down when he discovers his single mother (Scarlett Johansson) is hiding a young Jewish girl (Thomasin McKenzie) in her attic. Aided only by his idiotic imaginary friend, Adolf Hitler (Taika Waititi), Jojo must confront his naive patriotism.

JOJO RABBIT opens in New Zealand Cinemas October 24

NEW KIDS SHOW THE FEIJOA CLUB LAUNCHES ON TVNZ HEIHEI

From the creators of This is Piki and Nia’s Extraordinary Life comes The Feijoa Club, a show about a young girl, Perry, who has made the big move from the bright lights of the big city to a small rural town in Taranaki.

When Perry (Kiki McNaughton) arrives in Taranaki with her dads Hughey (Scotty Cotter) and Steven (Andy Wong) it’s quite a change from her big city life. Luckily for Perry it's not long before she meets a group of outcasts who welcome her into their crazy little club where they eat feijoa’s and enjoy solving life's little mysteries.

Filmed in Taranaki, the show was directed by Nicole Whippy (Shortland Street, Outrageous Fortune) and Kerry Warkia (Waru, Vai) and written by Warkia and Kiel McNaughton. The diverse cast also features a slate of Kiwi kids from the Taranaki region including Dante Moore as Boyden, Te Waea Hurunui as Rima, Suhjal Prasad as Amir and Daniela Belmonte as Gemma-Jane.

All six episodes of season one of The Feijoa Club are now available on NZ On Air and TVNZ’s children’s platform, HEIHEI.

“It’s a delight from start to finish. It’s even better than a warm feijoa muffin, and that’s a big call.” – Tara Reid – The Spinoff

RED BULL PRESENTS: WELLINGTON & AUCKLAND FEATURING METHYL ETHEL, DAFFODILS & STINK, CURATED BY LANEWAY

RED BULL PRESENTS: WELLINGTON & AUCKLAND FEATURING METHYL ETHEL, DAFFODILS & STINK, CURATED BY LANEWAY

Red Bull and St Jerome’s Laneway Festival have joined forces once again to presenta musical showcase of Wellington & Auckland, with two nights of live music featuring indie favourites Methyl Ethel, Daffodils and Stink. Tickets are available now for Wellington on Friday 2nd August at San Fran and Auckland on Saturday 3rd August at Galatos.

Laneway Festival organiser Mark Kneebone explains “Laneway has showcased so many incredible artists over the years and we’re excited to bring three of them together with Red Bull for two nights of awesome indie music this winter.”

Australian band Methyl Ethel will take the stage as headliners after playing Lanewayback in 2016. Hailing from Perth, the five-piece band will perform old favourites like Ubu, as well as songs from their latest album release, Triage. Methyl Ethel have enjoyed phenomenal success over the past few years, with more than 25 million Spotify streams alone and sold-out tours across Australia and the UK.

Joining Methyl Ethel are new-wave inspired indie-pop group Daffodils, whose SmokeFree Rock Quest win last year paved the way to a slot at Laneway 2019, a sold-out show at Auckland’s Tuning Fork and some big support slots for the likes of Miss June, Openside and Soaked Oats.

Completing the line-up is Stink, Wellington-based up-and-comers who have graced the local indie music scene with their psych-pop debut single ‘Lollipops’. Featuring members of Benee’s band, they performed Laneway 2019 to a crowd of excited fans.

Mark Kneebone continues: “We’ve had our eye on Methyl Ethel for a while now and can’t wait to see them back on stage in Auckland. Daffodils have quickly established themselves on the local music scene through the strength of their songs and performances. We recommend keeping an ear out for these guys. Finally, Stink are a brand-new band with a cool single and style. They may be named Stink, but their sound is anything but.”

All three bands will perform in both Wellington and Auckland. Audiences are invited to RSVP for this show now at redbull.co.nz/music for a reduced ticket price of $10, with door sales available at the venues for $20.

WLG: https://www.redbull.com/nz-en/music/events/red-bull-presents-wlg-laneway-2019
AKL: https://www.redbull.com/nz-en/music/events/red-bull-presents-akl-laneway-2019

CHELSEA HANDLER RETURNS TO NZ WITH HER BRAND NEW STAND UP TOUR

CHELSEA HANDLER RETURNS TO NZ WITH HER BRAND NEW STAND UP TOUR

US Comedian, Author and Activist CHELSEA HANDLER returns to New Zealand in October for the first time since her 2014 live tour.

LIFE WILL BE THE DEATH OF ME: CHELSEA HANDLER’S STAND-UP COMEDY TOUR, taking the same name as her just-released #1 NY TIMES BEST SELLING sixth book, Life Will Be The Death Of Me, will see the disarmingly honest and riotously funny Handler head to Auckland on October 9th.

Fresh from her 27-date tour in the US, this brand-new stand up show is classic Chelsea Handler. The brash candour and self-deprecating humour that fuelled her previous bestselling essays collections and wildly successful TV shows is here in spades.

Regarded as one of the most successful figures in entertainment today, Chelsea Handler’s talk shows, best-selling books and stand-up comedy have attracted millions of fans worldwide.

After a successful seven-year run as the host of E!’s top-rated Chelsea Lately, Handler launched an all-new talk show for Netflix in 2016. Chelsea was the first of its kind for the global on-demand generation and tackled today’s tough issues with the same acerbic wit and fearless curiosity fans know and love. The 120 eps are still available on Netflix, as is her documentary series Chelsea Does. Handler has continued her partnership with Netflix, producing a feature-length documentary focusing on the notion of white privilege to be released later this year. Handler also launched her first podcast this year - also called Life Will Be The Death Of Me - teaming up with iHeartRadio for the weekly show which regularly holds the #1 spot.

Handler left her Netflix show at the end of 2017 to focus on her work as an activist by joining forces with EMILY’s List to help elect more women to public office, register people to vote and campaign for candidates who are fighting for women’s rights. In addition, she has partnered with the Karam Foundation, a non-profit organisation whose mission is to build a better future for Syria by developing innovative education programs for refugee youth, distributing smart aid to families and funding sustainable development projects initiated by Syrians for Syrians.

Handler, who has been honoured by TIME magazine as one of it’s annual “TIME 100”, now has six best-selling books including My Horizontal Life (2005), Are You There, Vodka? It’s Me, Chelsea (2008), Chelsea Chelsea Bang Bang (2010), Lies That Chelsea Handler Told Me (2011), and 2014’s Uganda Be Kidding Me, and now Life Will Be The Death Of Me.

Don’t miss the irrepressibly candid Chelsea Handler live and on-stage this October.

AUCKLAND TOWN HALL, AUCKLAND WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 9

TICKETS ON SALE 1PM, FRIDAY JULY 12
Live Nation pre-sale begins 12pm, Thursday July 11 until 12pm Friday, July 12

For complete tour, ticket and VIP Experience information, visit:
livenation.co.nz & chelseahandler.com

FIVE NEW DATES ANNOUNCED FOR URZILA CARLSON'S 'TOKEN AFRICAN' TOUR

FIVE NEW DATES ANNOUNCED FOR URZILA CARLSON'S 'TOKEN AFRICAN' TOUR

Due to huge demand, five extra dates have been added to multi award-winning South African-Kiwi URZILA CARLSON’s comedy tour, Token African.

Having sold out multiple shows already an additional five shows have been added to the tour in Tauranga, Rotorua, Blenheim, Invercargill and Dunedin beginning August 16.

The sharp-tongued stand-up hits Hamilton next on July 6 before working her way up and down the country continuing to wreak havoc in July, August and September.

Featuring all new material and poking fun at her birth country, Urzila laughs that Africans have become the new must have accessory!

“Okay, not really, but everyone knows one, works with one or has a sister that’s dating one of us,” according to Urzila who’s become a household name in New Zealand and over summer, made her bid for world domination, debuting on Netflix as part of the streaming service’s breakthrough stand-up comedy event series "Comedians of the World".

“What makes you African? Is it enough that you’re born there? Do you need to be able to dance? Why does being South African not register as African in most places? You’re thinking about it right now aren’t you? Questioning it.

“Africa changes people. People who visit to game reserves wear ranger outfits… why is that? We don't wear scrubs when going to the doctor… Africa puts things in perspective, this show will help you find that focus, delivered to you by a Token African.”

Urzila’s natural cheeky, straight up style will have you eating out of her hand the moment she takes the stage and you’ll want to be her friend. Since taking the comedy stage in 2008 she has had sold out seasons at the Melbourne, Sydney, Perth, Adelaide and New Zealand Comedy Festivals. Her television appearances include Spicks and Specks, Dirty Laundry, Have You Been Paying Attention?, The Great Debate with Barry Humphries, ABC Comedy Up Late, 7 Days, Super City, Road Madness and the Melbourne International Comedy Festival Galas.

“Carlson is a gifted and accomplished comedian – an absolute must-see.” - Appetite for the Arts
“Belly laughs and guffaws aplenty” ★★★★★ - The Music
“Effortlessly likeable.. stream of belly-laughs” - The Age

AWARDS:
Winner Best Female Comedian - NZ Comedy Guild Awards - 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2016
Winner New Zealand Comedy Festival 2014 & 2015
Winner TV3 People’s Choice Award 2013

For complete tour and ticket information, visit: urzilacarlson.com & www.livenation.co.nz

NEW CREATIVE SUMMIT TO BRING GLOBAL ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY EXPERTS TO NEW ZEALAND

Lady Gaga’s Creative Director, and John Legend’s Manager are amongst the international line up of guest presenters announced for The Phoenix Summit – a new forum for creativity and innovation launching in Auckland this September.

The vision of music entrepreneur Hamish Pinkham, who co-founded New Zealand music festival Rhythm and Vines, The Phoenix Summit was born from his desire to create a forum for inspiration across New Zealand’s creative and innovation sectors, and to lead the call for New Zealanders to rise up to meet the social challenges we face.

“The Phoenix Summit is a chance to gather a network of kiwis who have aspirations of change and connectivity”, says Pinkham, “The event will be one that spurs important conversations and connections, bringing people together to hear stories of success from the innovators who are making waves in the creative world both at home and abroad.”

Structured around a series of keynote talks, fireside chats and Q&A sessions, The Phoenix Summit will give New Zealand’s creative community a positive forum to discuss leading issues and be inspired by those who are making a change. The Phoenix Summit has recently announced its first four international guest presenters in its line up of global entertainment industry leaders.

First announced is world class festival producer Allison Shaw. As CEO and founder of Manic Monkee, Shaw produced the first all solar powered music festival to raise money for children with cancer, as well as being the head booker for Moogfest, established by Dr Robert Moog of Moog Synthesizer. Shaw is also a key player in the music and social movement space with her many events raising significant funds for key charities and causes.

Ty Stiklorius is next announced, as the Co-Founder and CEO of entertainment and social-impact company Friends at Work, Stiklorius is the long-time manager of musician John Legend and collaborated with Legend on the #FREEAMERICA campaign which set out lead the conversation regarding mass incarceration and change the US criminal justice system.

Alongside Stiklorius is Creative Director Rob English. English has worked with several a-list celebrities launching new products to market – including work with Lady Gaga, John Legend and Lindsay Stirling as well as the likes of Reebok, Google and other international brands. His work in the commercial space has seen a huge amount of accolades with Oprah praising his 2019 commercial for Pampers as her Number 1 choice of commercial during the 2019 Superbowl.

Local industry heavyweight Mark Roach will present a keynote at the summit about Auckland recently becoming a UNESCO approved music city. A man with 25 years of experience in the music industry, and most recently as the marketing and special projects manager of Recorded Music New Zealand and CEO of Muse Creative, Mark is also responsible for the landmark exhibition Volume: Making Music in Aotearoa at Auckland War Memorial Museum,

Additional international guests as well as local creatives making waves in their industries are due to be announced shortly. “I’m looking forward to sharing this with our local creative community”, says Pinkham, “The opportunity Phoenix Summit creates reaches far beyond music – but is an opportunity our innovation and creative community to come together to connect and be inspired. Who knows what collaborations and incredible projects this could lead to.”

The Phoenix Summit will take place on Saturday 14 September 2019 at Auckland’s Q Theatre. EarlyBird Tickets on sale now for $149 from Q Theatre.

LEWIS CAPALDI ANNOUNCES NZ SHOW

SECRET SOUNDS AND LIVE NATION PRESENT
LEWIS CAPALDI
The breakout star will visit New Zealand for the first time in January

As his blockbuster debut album Divinely Uninspired to a Hellish Extent ticks over to 1 billion streams worldwide and enters its fifth week at the top of the UK charts, Scottish singer-songwriter LEWIS CAPALDI has wasted no time in announcing his first show in New Zealand in 2020.

Tickets go on sale at 10am, Tuesday July 2.

My Live Nation members can secure tickets first during the pre-sale beginning 9am, Monday July 1 until 9am Tuesday July 2.

For complete tour and ticket information, visit: livenation.co.nz.

Capaldi has had a sensational 18 months in which his lovelorn songcraft and mind-blowing vocal abilities have bewitched listeners both at home and abroad.

Divinely Uninspired to a Hellish Extent is the UK’s fastest selling debut of 2019 so far and tickets to his March 2020 tour of the UK and Ireland have disappeared within seconds of going on sale.

Still only 22, the sometimes heartbroken, often cheeky Scot’s signature tune is the extraordinary ‘Someone You Loved’. As the perfect showcase for his sweeping, emotive and unbelievably powerful voice, the song has proved a tonic to the jangled emotions of music lovers worldwide, including here in New Zealand.

Capaldi’s other singles have also managed to hit every nerve on the way through. In fact, his debut track ‘Bruises’, written as he recovered from a particularly nasty breakup, went absolutely bananas upon release in 2017 as it clocked up 28 million Spotify streams and made him the fastest unsigned artist ever to reach 25 million plays on the platform.

A prodigy from the get-go, Capaldi grew up in Bathgate – a small town near Glasgow – and was busy learning the drums and guitar by the age of two. Naturally, by the time he was nine, a young Lewis was seen sneaking into local pubs and blowing patrons away with his astonishing talents.

From there he honed his craft, letting his brothers record collection (filled with the best of Nirvana and Bob Dylan) influence him and building his own musical sensibilities. His penchant for sparse, emotionally resonant songcraft attracted attention as he distributed demo recordings of himself playing in a bathroom, eventually catching the ears of a curious local scene.

Flash forward a couple of years and we will find Lewis Capaldi hitting New Zealand in the middle of an absolute hot streak. Divinely Uninspired to a Hellish Extent outsold the rest of the UK top 10 combined upon release last month also saw him nominated for The Brit’s Critics Choice award.

LEWIS CAPALDI
NEW ZEALAND 2020

TOWN HALL, AUCKLAND TUESDAY, JANUARY 7

TICKETS ON SALE TUESDAY, JULY 2
Live Nation pre-sale: 9am Monday July 1 until 9am Tuesday July 2

For complete tour and ticket information, visit: http://www.lewiscapaldi.com/ & www.livenation.co.nz

ATTITUDE AWARDS BEGIN SEARCH FOR THIS YEAR’S UNSUNG HEROES

CELEBRATING ACHIEVEMENTS IN NEW ZEALAND’S DISABILITY COMMUNITY

Pictured: Last year’s Attitude ACC Supreme Award winner Martine Abel-Williamson

Today the Attitude Awards begin the hunt for this year’s high achievers who are taking on the world and its perception of disability.
 
With nominations open until Monday 22nd July, the Attitude Awards celebrate the achievements and excellence of New Zealanders living with disabilities, recognising athletes, employers, employees, young people and game-changers.
 
2018’s Attitude ACC Supreme Award winner was Martine Abel-Williamson, who was recognised for her longstanding support and advocacy for the New Zealand blind community. Martine (47) is blind and has been an advocate, lecturer and policy advisor for New Zealand’s disability sector for more than 20 years. She emotionally accepted the top award in November last year in front of a sell-out crowd of family, friends and supporters from across the disability community.
 
Now in its 12th year, the Attitude Awards have nine categories including Youth Spirit, Leadership, Support Superstar, Employer and Entrepreneur Award. This year’s awards will take place on Friday 22nd November with a black-tie gala dinner at Auckland’s Sky City.
 
Chair of the Attitude Trust and former captain of the New Zealand Wheel Blacks, Dan Buckingham, says the annual awards are one of a kind:
 
“The Attitude Awards are incredibly special, celebrating the outstanding stories and successes of New Zealanders living with disabilities. Year after year, our finalists bring tales of tenacity and drive, shifting perceptions about this diverse sector of society. The Awards are a chance to recognise our unsung heroes. We’d love for Kiwis to put forward friends, co-workers, family members and people from their community who they think deserve recognition at the 2019 Attitude Awards.” 
 
2018 winners also included Entrepreneur Award-winner fashion designer Cruze Kapa, Para-climber Rachel Maia who took home the Emerging Athlete Award, and Joanne Schoales and Dayaram Ganda from BP2go in Greymouth who were awarded the Attitude ACC Employer Award.
 
ACC is once again principal sponsor for the awards. ACC Chief Executive Scott Pickering commented: “The Attitude Awards are a great opportunity to recognise and reflect on the huge contribution Kiwis with disabilities make to our society. We’re proud sponsors who stand in awe at the remarkable achievements these awards celebrate. I encourage people to nominate friends, family, employers, and colleagues for an Attitude Award and to be part of this wonderful event.”
 
Other sponsors and supporters for the awards are The Lion Foundation, Air New Zealand, Barfoot and Thompson, Datacom, APM, Ricoh, Drake Medox, Ministry of Health and HealthCare NZ.
 
With thanks to NZ on Air, the Attitude Awards will air as an hour-long television special on TVNZ1, packed with entertainment, winners, and highlights from the night.
 
For nomination information and entry forms go to www.attitudeawards.org. Nominations close on Monday 22nd July and finalists will be announced in late  August. Winners will be unveiled at a glitzy black-tie gala for more than 600 people on Friday November 22ndNovember at Auckland’s Sky City.
 
The nine categories are: Youth Spirit, Spirit of Attitude, Support Superstar, Leadership, Paralympian of the Decade, Employee of the Year, Making a Difference, Entrepreneur and Attitude ACC Employer Award.

TRAILER RELEASED FOR NEW KIWI FILM ‘HERBS: SONGS OF FREEDOM’

FILM STEPS BACK IN TIME TO CELEBRATE HERBS AND THEIR ICONIC SOUND

The trailer for local film HERBS: Songs of Freedom has been released today casting a loving and admiring eye on iconic Kiwi band Herbs. The film will receive its world premiere at the New Zealand International Film Festival at The Civic in Auckland on August 3rd ahead of a nationwide general release on August 15th.
 
Directed by Tearepa Kahi (Poi E: The Story of Our Song), HERBS: Songs of Freedom brings together the band’s key living members in an emotional round of interviews, jams and memories culminating in a reunion concert. 40 years on from the formation of the band in the heat of the 1970s Dawn Raids and the Bastion Point occupation, the film documents the band in the context of music as social activism.
 
HERBS: Songs of Freedom explores the success of Herbs, the much-loved pioneers of Pacific Reggae with interviews with band members past and present, as well as exclusive full-length concert footage from the reunion show. The band were creators of uniquely Kiwi protest songs ‘French Letter’, the classic ‘Sensitive to a Smile’ and garage-party good-times anthem ‘Long Ago’.
 
Director Tearepa Kahi commented on the film: “When I grew up, Herbs represented a new voice – they brought fresh narratives and choruses to the front line of New Zealand. Their brand of reggae had widespread popular appeal, but they weren’t just a good time, they opened our eyes to what was really happening. It's one thing to hold a placard, chant and march against a dragon. It's another to pick up red guitar and slay the dragon with reggae. And that's Herbs."

INTIMATE DAN CARTER FILM SET FOR RELEASE THIS AUGUST

An intimate film about All Blacks legend Dan Carter, produced by Pitch Productions, will be released in cinemas nationwide on Thursday 29th August, ahead of the Rugby World Cup.
 
Shot in Europe, Japan and New Zealand, the all-access film reveals a side to global superstar Dan Carter that has never been seen before, opening the door to Carter’s private life and featuring sit-down interviews with his Black Sticks wife Honor Carterand other family members.
 
“It’s definitely more of myself than I’ve been comfortable giving in the past. I’ve been incredibly lucky in my life with the opportunities I’ve been given, but I’ve also had some dark times along the way,” commented Dan Carter. “I hope audiences take away from the film that you can reach your goals no matter where you come from and what you come up against.”
 
The film also exposes the physical and mental torment of Rugby World Cup tournaments as Carter prepares for his final quest in the iconic black jersey.
 
A host of international rugby stars are featured, including Richie McCaw, Jonny Wilkinson and Beauden Barrett, providing an in-depth understanding of Carter – both as the rugby player and the man.
 
Director Luke Mellows commented on the project: “A number of the people we spoke to during filming said the same thing - the public have seen a lot of Dan, but very few feel like they know the real Dan Carter. I think Dan has overcome a lot more than people realise. Seeing the sacrifices he’s made makes you further appreciate the remarkable things he has achieved over the course of his career.”
 
Rialto, who are distributing the film in New Zealand and Australia, expect significant interest from local audiences.
 
“Dan Carter is one of New Zealand’s few sporting stars who is recognised globally,” said Rialto CEO Kelly Rogers. “With the 2019 Rugby World Cup starting later that month we think the New Zealand public, particularly rugby fans, will be excited to see the inside story of one of the greats of the game.”
 
Music for the film was composed by Nick McCabe, formerly of English rock band The Verve. An official title and trailer will be released in the coming weeks. The Dan Carter film will be released in cinemas across New Zealand just in time for Father’s Day weekend.

THE GROUNDBREAKING SMASH HIT, GREEN DAY’S ‘AMERICAN IDIOT’ TO PLAY AUCKLAND THIS OCTOBER

Fresh from a critically acclaimed West End run and a sell-out UK Tour, Green Day’s explosive Tony Award winning rock musical, American Idiot will play Auckland’s Civic Theatre this October.
 
Featuring the legendary music of Green Day with the lyrics of its lead singer Billie Joe Armstrong, American Idiot is the story of three boyhood friends, each searching for meaning in a post 9/11 world. This is a story of youthful disillusion and the mistrust of society and government, a sentiment that has never been more current, both abroad and locally. This theme was evidenced in New Zealand recently by the mobilisation of tens of thousands of school aged Kiwis protesting climate change.
 
American Idiot is the winner of two Tony Awards and the 2010 Grammy Award winner for Best Musical Show Album. It was described by Green Day’s frontman Billie Joe Armstrong as a ‘coming of age in a politically-driven climate’.
 
The musical contains the band’s hit songs including ‘Boulevard of Broken Dreams’, ‘21 Guns’, ‘Wake Me Up When September Ends’, ‘Holiday’ and the blockbuster title track ‘American Idiot’ from Green Day’s 2004 Grammy Award-winning, multi-platinum album. Also featured are several songs from Green Day’s 2009 release ‘21st Century Breakdown’, and an unreleased love song, ‘When It’s Time’.
 
A 15 strong UK cast plus a 4 piece live band will take the stage in Auckland with key castings to be announced shortly. 

American Idiot is directed and choreographed by Racky Plews with musical supervision by Richard Morris, sound by Chris Whybrow and lighting by Tim Deiling. The production is produced by Selladoor Worldwide and presented by arrangement with Music Theatre International Limited and Stetson Group.
 
American Idiot will open on Thursday 10th October for a strictly limited season. Tickets are on sale from Ticketmaster from Thursday 13th June with a special My Ticketmaster and Auckland Live presale from Wednesday 12th June. American Idiot contains strong language and drug references; not suitable for under 14’s.

INTERNATIONAL S-X OPEN SUPERCROSS EVENT RETURNS TO AUCKLAND THIS NOVEMBER

The largest ever international Supercross and off-road motorcycling event to hit New Zealand shores returns once more in 2019 with the Monster Energy S-X Open Auckland heading to Mount Smart Stadium on November 16.

Featuring the world’s best riders going head-to-head on a full-sized World Championship style Supercross track and the greatest Freestyle Motocross (FMX) riders on the planet, live music and entertainment, stunning pyrotechnics, junior and celebrity races, plus FMX best-trick and best-whip competitions; the Monster Energy S-X Open is an incredible entertainment spectacle for all ages.

The event will also create history as it becomes the fourth official round of the highly contested Australian Supercross Championship when teams head across the ditch to compete inside the 25,000 seat capacity Mount Smart Stadium.

The record-breaking success of the 2018 event was unprecedented, with a crowd of over 22,500 attending Auckland’s Mt Smart Stadium, making it the biggest international Supercross event to ever take place on Kiwi soil and ultimately putting the country on the world Supercross map.

The S-X Open Auckland database pre-sale commences June 20 from 12pm NZT with public on-sale becoming available from June 26 12pm NZT via Ticketmaster, tickets start from $39.00*.

For more information and to access exclusive news and pre-sale tickets sign up to the database at sxopen.com

The Monster Energy S-X Open Auckland forms part of the 2019 S-X Open International FIM Oceania Supercross Championship, the largest international Supercross Championship outside of the USA and second behind only the World Championship, with S-X Open Auckland kicking off the series, as the opening round.

This year the event is set to feature even more of the world’s best against New Zealand’s dirt bike heroes.

This year will see the 2018 World Supercross Champion Jason Anderson gear up for the S-X Open Auckland as he looks to take down two-time World Champion and defending S-X Open Auckland Champion Chad Reed - with both World Supercross Champions locked in to race at Mount Smart Stadium on November 16.

Anderson will head to New Zealand for the first time ever, which he says will be a fresh addition to his offseason training and is keen to win the title of FIM Oceania Champion.

“I’m super excited to be heading to the S-X Open Auckland, it will be my first time to New Zealand, I saw it last year and it seemed like a really epic event,” Anderson said. “I only get to choose a select few events to race at in the offseason so heading to Auckland will keep my offseason interesting, and to win the FIM Oceania Supercross crown would be sweet, it would be another one to add to the trophy case, it’s one I don’t have and look forward to putting it up there. Competing against Reedy, I know he is a tough competitor, no matter how old he gets he's always fighting and he's always gnarly, and he definitely won't make it easy on me, and I know it’s going to be a good battle and a fun race.”

Chad Reed left the entire field in his wake winning all three feature races at the inaugural Monster Energy S-X Open Auckland, to make a remarkable run to victory on the night and says getting the opportunity to go up against Anderson and more of the world’s best riders, helps with his preparation for the 2020 World Supercross Championship.

“New Zealand this year, having Jason [Anderson] also going after the FIM Oceania Championship actually excites me, as it will help my preparation for the 2020 season. Auckland’s Mt Smart Stadium gives you a good replication of the gate drops and the tracks I’ll be racing in 2020 [in the World Championship]” Reed said.

Reed also hopes to retain his FIM Oceania crown and says he’s heading to New Zealand better prepared than last year.

“It’s important to retain your championship, and this year to win the second FIM Oceania Championship would be a huge honour. I think we’ll have a much better preparation and be able to come out swinging in New Zealand. said Reed. “Fans in Auckland last year were unbelievable, despite the challenging conditions of the weather, I had such a great time, and the Supercross was amazing, you couldn’t have asked for a better night of racing.”

The 2019 Monster Energy S-X Open Auckland is proudly supported by Auckland Tourism Events & Economic Development (ATEED) and Monster Energy. 

Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development (ATEED) Head of Major Events Stuart Turner says, “We are thrilled to see the return of Monster Energy S-X Open Auckland after such a successful event last year. This event adds real buzz and excitement to our growing calendar and is a real drawcard for visitors and locals alike.”

Motorcycling New Zealand’s General Manager Virginia Henderson is excited to see the return of the event in 2019.

“We’re thrilled to see the S-X Open Supercross FIM Oceania Championship return to New Zealand as this event showcases top-level Supercross riders to our future stars.”

Stay tuned to S-X Open Supercross (@sxopensupercross) on social media for more truly amazing announcements that are sure to blow New Zealand fans away in 2019.

KRIS KRISTOFFERSON & THE STRANGERS RETURN TO NZ

THE POET, STORYTELLER, ESTEEMED ACTOR AND COUNTRY MUSIC SUPERSTAR RETURNS TO NEW ZEALAND 

KRIS KRISTOFFERSON & THE STRANGERS 
TOURING OCT 2019, TICKETS ON SALE FROM 17 JUNE, 2019 

Watch Kris and guests perform Sunday Morning' Comin' Down HERE: 

One World Entertainment is proud to announce the awaited return of the legendary Kris Kristofferson & The Strangers to New Zealand. The three time Grammy winner, Rhodes scholar, actor and undisputed country music living legend kicks off his tour in Dunedin on October 8th before traveling to Christchurch, Wellington, Palmerston North, ending in Auckland on October 13th. Tickets are on sale from 17th June.  

Wednesday 8th October                 Dunedin                      Regent Theatre
Friday 11th October                       Wellington                   Michael Fowler Centre
Saturday 12th October                   Palmerston North         Regent Theatre
Sunday 13th October                     Auckland                     Logan Campbell Centre
 
Kris will be accompanied on stage by The Strangers.  One of country music favourite bands, The Strangers are best known as the back-up band for singer-songwriter Merle Haggard. Coming to New Zealand will be Scott Joss (fiddle and vocals), Doug Colosio (keyboards & vocals) and Jeff Ingraham (drums).  

Kris Kristofferson has accomplished more in his lifetime than most performers can ever dream. He has recorded over 30 albums throughout his career and written some of the greatest songs of all time, including Me and Bobby McGee, Help Me Make It Through the Night, Sunday Morning Coming Down and For the Good Times.  Artists who have recorded and achieved chart success with a song written or co-written by Kristofferson include Jerry Lee Lewis, Waylon Jennings, Johnny Cash and Janis Joplin, who recorded Me and Bobby McGee – a song forever linked to Janis. By 1987, it was estimated that more than 450 artists had recorded Kristofferson's compositions. 

He is an award-winning actor and appeared in over 70s films – include his Golden Globe winning performance in the 1976 version of A Star Is Born, alongside Barbra Streisand.  Other films include Blade trilogy, Lone Star, A Soldier's Daughter Never Cries, Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore, Blume In Love, Cisco Pike, and Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid. Recent films include Fast Food Nation, Dreamer: Inspired By A True Story, The Jacket, Silver City, He's Just Not That In To You, and Dolphin Tale.

Music fans will not want to miss the opportunity to see Country Music Hall of Fame’s Kris Kristofferson and The Strangers live on stage performing the hits from the Kristofferson songbook.  

KRIS KRISTOFFERSON AND THE STRANGERS - NZ TOUR 2019
Presale tickets on sale from June 6th with general tickets on sale from June 17