We are thrilled to announce a performance by the iconic New Zealand writer and musician Bill Direen. He performs at the Audio Foundation for one night only after an intensive two week US tour, to bring his soundtrack to the Simon Ogsten documentary 'Bill Direen: A Memory of Others' to our fair city of Tāmaki Makaurau. Direen will be supported by 'Ron Gallipolli by Candlelight', featuring Hermione Johnson.
Bill Direen has been a stalwart of the New Zealand poetry and music scene since his early days playing in Vacuum and The Builders. Direen studied sound under Douglas Lilburn while keeping one foot firmly in the Christchurch punk scene of the late 1970s, a path which ultimately laid the foundation for him to become one of the country's most prolific artists. He has toured Europe and the US extensively, lived in Paris and Berlin respectively, until 2014 where he returned home to Aotearoa. With innumerable publications and over 45 musical releases to his name, this show is likely to be another example of how Direen eschews the traditions of New Zealand songwriting and continues a legacy of experimentation and trailblazing.
“Very likely a genius… New Zealand has few artists of any discipline as brilliant and dedicated as Bill Direen.” - Steve Braunias
