Spark Arena, 29 January 2026
You may have glossed over Zed on this mammoth lineup, but this is why you always see the opening act. For the lucky ones, we were treated to a considered set reintroducing themself with a new album and Nathan King leading the crowd in the joyous singalong of their hits including ‘Renegade Fighter’. Shout out to the band (formerly of Atlas) when they brought out Boh Runga for a rendition of ‘Crawl’ and Zed’s recent release ‘Another You’. If there are touring near you - go.
Joan Jett always has, and forever will be a phenomenon. The poster woman for forging your own path wearing full leathers. Tearing through her discography from the first song she ever wrote to her latest album - the Blackhearts are as tight as their skinny jeans.
The set was peppered with hat tipping covers and a serious moment to share her concerns on the state of America. We can be the change. It was the now timeless classic hits that will live in my mind rent free. I love rock n roll? I’m mean come on. Yes please. There is something about Joan yelling ‘YEOWWW’ that is just too right.
Like an enigmatic cult leader, you are pulled in by Iggy Pop’s magnetic presence and become completely absorbed by his wall of sound. This is Raw Power. This is performance that comes from a lifetime of showmanship. The godfather of punk flung his only bit of torso covering as he powered onto the stage and the pace of the 17-song set did not waver.
As the moshpit hit frenzy level during ‘I Wanna Be Your Dog’, I finally truly understood why some parents thought rock n roll was the work of Satan. It was otherworldly. Somewhere between the 7-piece bands bashing keys, iconic drum patterns, guitar solos and brass accompaniment - there was only this moment. Everyone was gifted Iggy’s ‘Lust for Life’.
To even think I wavered about going to this gig is now beyond me. We should be so lucky that we could witness rock and roll royalty on stages across Aotearoa. This was a celebration of music legacy that those that attended will muse about for decades to come.
tanydd@tinyknightmedia.com
