22 Nov 2024
UsernamePassword

Remember Me? | Join | Recover
Click here to sign in via social networking

Gig Review: Hanson @ Town Hall, Auckland - 27/06/17

28 Jun 2017 // A review by Kerry MB

Celebrating 25 years of Hanson togetherness, and 20 years since the release of their debut, Middle of Nowhere, the official Middle of Everywhere tour finally reached Auckland, and if you’ve ever been curious to hear what a few thousand (mostly female) screaming Hanson fans sounded like, then Auckland Town Hall was the place to be last night.

The Town Hall is a majestic, beautiful heritage building with lavish Edwardian Baroque design and plush interior, there is a sense of something special when you see anything in such a spectacular setting and just added an extra touch of class to an outstanding night.

Opening for Hanson was Christchurch band, nomad, with a distinct Indie Folk sound. They played strong and tight, capturing a lot of enthusiasm with what would be the calm before the storm. Their short but sweet set included a cover of Dave Dobbyn’s Slice of Heaven and was well received with plenty of singing from the crowd and impressing us all with their harmonies and brilliant stage presence. After finishing the last song of their set, the anticipation in the room just ballooned. One mention of the name, Hanson, had scores of cheering and clapping to what I thought was already loud decibels levels. How wrong I was.

Now, if you’ve ever wanted to know the typical age range of a Hanson fan, or the more hardcore “Fansons” (of those I saw on Tuesday night) you’d be right in thinking the average is between late twenties to mid-thirties, with a good smattering of fans falling into slightly older age brackets and a good handful of young, new fans. It’s never too late to jump on the Hanson wagon as Isaac Hanson and Taylor told the crowd of their earlier meet and greet with some fans, some who were attending their very first Hanson show, while others proud to admit it was their 150th.

The screams, shrieking and other noises of adoration were in full force, along with the occasional attempts at manhandling Taylor Hanson from some of the front row ladies, and plenty of hearty, “I love you Taylor!” keeping the rest of us whole heartedly amused, with big, stupid grins on our faces, and no doubt, the band on their toes. Zac, Taylor and Isaac, along with their two session musicians, really entertained, and if the screams from the crowd were any louder, I wouldn’t have been surprised to see those windows shattering. It was exactly what we wanted a Hanson concert to be.

They played an outstanding, two-and-a-half-hour set (including encore) and looking around, I had never seen such a show of happy, beaming faces. Pure nostalgia. The night was electric, and those decibels reached new levels when they busted out Where’s the Love (from Middle of Nowhere) a stunning rendition of Madeline (also Middle of Nowhere) and the jaw dropping acapella of The Bee Gee’s, Heaven, and Bobby Day classic, Rockin' Robin.

The set list spanned an incredible, thirty- one songs, with plenty from all their albums, including new single, I was Born. Their energy was infectious. I loved every second down memory lane, from past to present and there wasn’t a single person who didn’t look like they were having the time of their life. It’s safe to say they will be back to our shores in no time, and with a final bow, Isaac, Taylor and Zac left the stage, leaving us all completely satisfied.

Hanson, thank you.

 

Other Reviews By Kerry MB

Kerretta - Album Review: Angelm
24 Oct 2024 // by Kerry MB
Auckland's instrumental rock trio, Kerretta, is back, and let me tell you, it couldn’t come at a better time. Angelm, their first album since 2018's Exiscens, which was a collection of outtakes and unreleased tracks.
Read More...
Shady Brain Farm - Album Review: ..Another Set Of Circumstances
26 Sep 2024 // by Kerry MB
Shady Brain Farm hail from North-West Auckland — specifically Kumeu, Waimauku, and Muriwai Beach — and has been making music together since 1997. The band, Ben Furniss lead vocals, guitar, and keyboards, Paul Taylor drums and backing vocals, and Chris Vaughan on bass and backing vocals are certainly no strangers to musical diversity and are back with a new album, ...
Read More...
Zed - Album Review: Future Memory
04 Sep 2024 // by Kerry MB
You know the name, and you know the sound of Zed, but did you know that here in 2024, the Christchurch icons are back with a new album? Because even though it has been 21 years, they never really stopped making music.
Read More...
Hadees Drudge - Album Review: The Mind Lies When The Soul Dies
01 Aug 2024 // by Kerry MB
Hadees Drudge is quite an anomaly in Wellington’s metal scene. Forgoing a second guitarist, they proudly rock one guitar in a genre where that’s almost unheard of.
Read More...
Thousand Limbs - Album Review: The Aurochs
16 Jul 2024 // by Kerry MB
Thousand Limbs has been on the scene now for a few years (since 2016) and have gained quite the following since, for their powerhouse of instrumental metal. Now, if you are also a fan of Kerretta and Nine Inch Nails then Thousand Limbs will be right up your alley.
Read More...
Crowded House - Album Review: Gravity Stairs
10 Jun 2024 // by Kerry MB
In a moment we’ve all been waiting for, Crowded House, who need no introduction have released their new album, Gravity Stairs. It’s only been a little over two years since their last offering, Dreamers Are Waiting (2021) and it seems fans just can’t get enough.
Read More...
Government Pest - EP Review: Vol. 3
05 Jun 2024 // by Kerry MB
Formed from the ashes of local bands, Hellborne and Wall of Silents to name a few, Government Pest have been on the scene since 2014 and have never failed to amaze fans with their solid metal offerings and swag of albums over the years. 2024 is no different and they’re back again with a new EP, Vol.
Read More...
PARK RD - Album Review The Novel
23 May 2024 // by Kerry MB
It’s easy to see why Auckland five-piece, PARK RD is making some noise, figuratively and literally with their debut album, The Novel. Heavy on the indie, but far from light with solid guitar riffs and pop and funk sensibilities, PARK RD are a great example of solid musicianship.
Read More...
View All Articles By Kerry MB

NZ Top 10 Singles

  • APT.
    ROSÉ And Bruno Mars
  • DIE WITH A SMILE
    Lady Gaga And Bruno Mars
  • BIRDS OF A FEATHER
    Billie Eilish
  • TASTE
    Sabrina Carpenter
  • I LOVE YOU, I'M SORRY
    Gracie Abrams
  • ESPRESSO
    Sabrina Carpenter
  • SAILOR SONG
    Gigi Perez
  • LOSE CONTROL
    Teddy Swims
  • A BAR SONG (TIPSY)
    Shaboozey
  • GOOD LUCK, BABE!
    Chappell Roan
View the Full NZ Top 40...
muzic.net.nz Logo
100% New Zealand Music
All content on this website is copyright to muzic.net.nz and other respective rights holders. Redistribution of any material presented here without permission is prohibited.
Report a ProblemReport A Problem