Auckland 2009
New Zealand Music Month.
The second and final post for New Zealand music month.
For a few month across 2008 and 2009 I did some gig photography for an Auckland based website. In the end it just got too much and I could not sustain late nights taking photos as well as working a busy job and a family; albeit only one of the kids was at home by then. Looking at the dates of these photos it looks like I stopped in March and then did a couple more months in July and August. I did get to some great gigs, mainly by New Zealand bands; though I did get to see legendary English band Spiritualized.
DHDFDs,
Kings Arms, January.
I absolutely loved seeing these guys, completely bonkers, and they could play too.
Set On End,
Somewhere, January.
Metalcore band from West Auckland who were good friends of my son Dom.
X-Features,
Support for Spiritualized, Powerstation, January.
Hasselhoff Experiment,
Cassette 9, February.
Head Like a Hole,
Kings Arms, February.
Wellington’s Head Like a Hole were a must see gig when they first started coming to Auckland in the early 90s. Absolutely insane live.
Lawrence Arabia,
Early evening gig in a Cafe on K’Rd, March.
I was contacted by the band after the photos went up and some were used in a print article in NZ Musician magazine. The only time any of my gig photos have made it into print.
The Randoms,
Somewhere on Nelson St, July.
Silhouette of the guitarist from Frayden,
Somewhere on Nelson St, July.
Piece War,
Support for Shocking Pinks, Cassette 9, July.
Shocking Pinks,
Cassette 9, July.
Drab Doo Riffs
Cassette 9, July
Karl Steven was probably the most engaging live vocalist in NZ at the time, it was great watching him perform, I have a lot of photos.
Brand New Math,
Support for Handsome Furs, Cassette 9, August.
And that was the end of my short-lived, unpaid career as a gig photographer. It was mostly fun, but also hard work. With such terrible public transport in Auckland, a lot of people drove into the city for gigs, which meant they were always on really late, often finishing at 2am, even mid week. One of the (many) things I love about the UK is most gigs are done by 11pm, getting home early is something I very much appreciate.
Where is Phil now? 
never heard of any of these but great photos; wonder what they’re up to now 🙂
Thanks John.
I often wonder what some of them are up to and how many are still alive. I know Karl Steven is an award winning film composer and The X-Features still play the odd concert in New Zealand.