Six60
22nd February 2020
Western Springs Stadium, Auckland, New Zealand.
Review by Sarah Kidd. Photography by Matt Henry Mendonca.
An iconic New Zealand band by the name of Split Enz once sang a song entitled ‘History Never Repeats’; but in the case of Six60 it would appear that yes indeed it does, and quite successfully too.
In 2019, Six60 made history as the first kiwi band to ever both headline and simultaneously sell out Western Springs Stadium, their declaration that they would return in February 2020 almost too good to be true for some fans; sure they could play again, but it wouldn’t be the same as the first time would it? 2020 proving that no, it would be better.
In a celebration of some of the fantastic music that Aotearoa has to offer, an array of support acts had been lined up to kick-off the day, the heavens – which had earlier washed the Tāmaki Makaurau clean – deciding to thankfully hold off for the duration of the show. Last seen at FOMO, Hamilton/Auckland rapper Vayne delivered a confident set, her bright orange hoodie glowing as she laid down her trap anthem ‘waitwait!’; following close behind Church & AP once again proved why hip-hop fans should be paying very close attention, the duo consisting of Elijah Manu and Albert Purcell commanding the stage with ease. ‘Ready or Not’ unsurprisingly had the pit bouncing in time to the beat, belting out the chorus with gusto, while ‘Roulette’ provided a taster of what their debut album entitled TEETH – a must have for any discerning collector – has to offer; ‘Aston Martin’ released just this month an illustration of just how hungry Church & AP are.
Changing pace ever so slightly and the breath of fresh air that is Paige took the stage accompanied by DJ Soraya LaPread (the daughter of The Commodores bassist Ronald LaPread) for a set that shone brightly, her mix of covers such as ‘Lemon’ by N.E.R.D and original compositions including ‘Bloom’ charming the ever growing audience. Mitch James, an already well-established singer and songwriter following close behind with a set that soon had the entire stadium singing back to him in unison.
Dressed in casual attire, and accompanied by both his guitarist and drummer, James began his set with ‘Move On’ and ‘All the Ways to Say Goodbye’ before dropping a little 90’s medley on the crowd that was just what was needed; his ability to combine everything from Britney Spears to Nelly with a little Dr. Dre’s ‘The Next Episode’ and TLC’s ‘No Scrubs’ impressive to say the least. Switching back into his own discography ‘21’ and hit single ‘Old News’ closed out his set nicely. Unfortunately for the fans of Niko Walters a late cancellation meant that they were unable to partake of his wares, the addition of Dunedin MC Wax Mustang however shaking things up a bit. Mustang, unafraid to pull an Action Bronson and go shirtless despite the cooler weather may have only been given enough time for two tracks, but it was enough to illustrate his ability to spit bars, both ‘Powerball’ and ‘Bones’ seeing the audience pay their respects enthusiastically.
By now evening was beginning to settle in and the stadium was throbbing as thousands of fans continued to flow through the gates, Australian band Ocean Alley welcoming them all with their unique blend of reggae fusion. The Sydneysiders who last year sold out two consecutive nights at the Powerstation, were once again on point, led from the front by Baden Donegal whose voice is smoother than treacle, warming the soul from the feet up. Beginning with ‘Knees’ and ‘The Comedown’, Ocean Alley didn’t let up for almost an hour, their overall sound the quintessential prelude to the headline act. ‘Yellow Mellow’ with it’s decidedly Bob Marley feel seeing the audience sway, Ocean Alley then pulling them into the upbeat ‘Flowers and Booze’ and the opportunity to shuffle the shoes.
Whether it was the harmonization of keyboard player Lachlan Galbraith, or the rhythmic pairing of Nic Blom and Tommy O’Brien on bass and drums, each and every member of Ocean Alley brought their talents to the table last night, songs such as the soul searching ‘Partner in Crime’ holding the audience throughout. Bringing their set to a close with the retro soaked ‘Confidence’ and latest single ‘Tombstone’ it is no doubt a guarantee that Ocean Alley made more than a few new kiwi fans.
Darkness had enveloped the stadium and anticipation was running on high as all awaited the arrival of Six60, the appearance of a giant onscreen countdown clock, which of course began at 6:60 sending ripples of excitement through the crowd as they simultaneously bellowed loudly to the accompanying soundtrack trio of ‘Could You be Loved’, ‘Ride Wit Me’ and ‘Sweet Caroline’ by Neil Diamond, the final ten seconds counted down with great exuberance and finished off with an almighty roar as the stage came to life.
Silhouetted against an illuminated backdrop, the appearance of Six60 themselves sent the crowd wild, ‘Never Enough’, ‘Please Don’t Go’ and the funk infused ‘Vibes’, which saw bassist Chris Mac strut his stuff, an opening triple header that knocked it straight out of the park. It was almost difficult to decipher what the fans were more in awe of, the band or the majestic stage; perfectly lit, each song played accompanied by masterful lighting that shapeshifted from tendrils of electric luminescence that snaked their way up the sides to wondrous galaxies of stars; smaller screens diagonally hanging from the outer corners. Addressing the crowd following ‘Vibes’, lead singer Matiu Walters reminded all that the night was about not only dancing, singing and enjoying the party, but about whanau, a sentiment that was both shared and embraced by all.
Continuing to pump out the hits, a more solitary moment was provided by Walters as he ran through the crowd to a small stage in the middle of the field, his acoustic delivery of ‘Rise Up’, the Englebert Humperdinck classic ‘Ten Guitars’ and cover of Drax Project’s ‘Catching Feelings’ all speaking to the words embroidered across the back of his denim jacket; Kia mau ki tō ūkaipō (don’t forget your roots).
This message was one that was brought home with even more fervour in what had to be the highlight of the evening, Six60 inviting to the stage a Kapa Haka group who performed their hit ‘Don’t Forget Your Roots’ in Te Reo, a haka then folding in over the band themselves as the stage was beautifully embelished with traditional red, white and black Māori designs. It was a moment where one and all wore their Aotearoa heart with pride, brothers and sisters standing side by side.
Never once waning in energy, the five piece continued to swirl about the stage, the smiles barely leaving their faces for a second as they threw out tracks such as ‘Rivers’, ‘Raining’ and of course the feel good ‘White Lines’ that once again got the stadium shaking under thousands of feet, ‘Forever’ closing the set, both parties well aware that an encore would be expected.
And what an encore it was, ‘Don’t Give It Up’ followed by one final special guest, Walters introducing UFC Champion Israel Adesanya to the stage, the Six60 vocalist reminding all that New Zealanders can do anything they set their hearts and minds to, Adesanya flashing his World Championship belt as tangible evidence; ‘The Greatest’ sending all home with love in their hearts, strength in their spirits and aspirations in their souls.
Truly a night of kiwi pride.
Were you there at Western Springs Stadium for these stalwarts of the NZ music scene? Or have you seen Six60 perform somewhere else before? Tell us about it in the comments below!
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