30 October 2024 - 0 Comments

Get ready for an unforgettable night at The Meteor Theatre as we celebrate the late Dean Ballinger — artist, writer, and musician — with the release of two remarkable books and a lineup of live music headlined by M.S.U. (Mobile Stud Unit), the legendary punk-funk group Dean once drummed for.

This unique event on 2nd of November starts with the book launch at 4:00 PM, where we’ll introduce 'Ohu', Dean’s surreal graphic novel, completed by close collaborator Aaron Christiansen, and 'The Art of the Puster/The Tower: An Anthology of Dean's Comics, Posters, and Collected Graphic Tales'. 'Ohu' transports readers into a fantastical New Zealand setting, exploring themes of connection, community, and resilience. As Three Friends OLO, Mani and Illford traverse a Surrealist inspired version of the Waikato and Beyond in a Quest to rediscover their friends lost Voice.

'The Art of the Puster' dives into Dean’s humorous, slightly irreverent side, with comics many originally appearing in Waikato Student Magazine Nexus, that are thought-provoking, dryly satirical, and at times pushing boundaries containing violent toilet humour and, self descibed by Dean, Art Wank ,all in the best possible way. From biting satire to unexpected surrealism, this anthology captures the unique humor that only Dean could bring.

Following the book launch, there will be a panel talk and performance from Dean’s fellow bandmate, Andrew Dean, from The Hollow Grinders bringing some of Dean’s music back to life. This will be a chance for fans and newcomers alike to experience the creative journey Dean’s work offers, from his biting satire to the layered world of Ohu.

Then, we keep the night rolling with a lineup of Hamilton’s finest, with:

· The Changing Same

· Bitter Defeat

· M.S.U. (Mobile Stud Unit)

M.S.U. has been a staple of Hamilton’s live music scene since the early Nineties. With lyrics that bring a mix of irreverence and social commentary, their music speaks to the heart of the New Zealand alternative scene. Fans can expect a set filled with classics like Stroke Victim, Grut Sniffer, and Stus Pie Cart - tracks that epitomises their punk spirit with catchy riffs and memorable, tongue-in-cheek lyrics. M.S.U. brings a unique intensity that’s part satire, part chaos, and completely engaging.

Tickets and Entry

Admission to the after-party gig is free with the purchase of a book at the launch, or $10 if you’d just like to catch the bands. The night will be open to the public, and we’ll take a moment to honor Dean’s legacy and his journey with Motor Neuron Disease (MND), the driving force behind his final projects and this event’s celebration.

Join us for a night filled with the creativity, humor, and raw talent that Dean Ballinger brought to Hamilton’s creative community. This is your chance to celebrate his life and work.

Comments

Return to News Archive