Weekly Roundup: Friday 14th September

As we suspected it has been a monster week for tour announcements. Animal Collective were confirmed to play Auckland on Monday and former local Big Day Out promoters confirmed shows from Band of Horses, Crystal Castles, Alabama Shakes and Pretty Lights yesterday, all shows taking place in January on the back of Big Day Out Australia. Morrissey tour rumours also finally came to fruition yesterday with the former Smiths frontman confirmed to play shows in Auckland and Wellington in December. Baths announced new New Zealand dates after disappointing fans last year having to pull out of his Wellington date due to illness. UK producer Ikonika on label Hyperdub was announced to play an exclusive Wellington show early in the week with tickets available right now. Grimes' Auckland show has been moved to the Powerstation and is almost sold out already, tickets now available from Ticketmaster.

Former Iron Maiden frontmen Paul Di' Anno and Blaze Bayley have announced a joint tour playing Auckland and Wellington in December. New Jersey stoner rockers The Atomic Bitchwax are heading our way for two shows as part of the Doomsday Festival (nothing to do with Jaz Coleman/Killing joke) and faux rock star and funny man Russell Brand is also coming our way November for one Auckland date.  But wait, there's more - two tours for the oldies got announced with Cliff Richard returning for three dates and another summer concert series was announced featuring Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo, Bachman & Turner and America.

Phew, that was exhausting. In other music news, the ever outspoken Steve Albini has called Amanda Palmer an idiot for constantly having to appeal to fans for help - she recently raised over a million dollars via Kickstarter to fund her new album and has now asked professional string and horn players from cities on her upcoming to tour to volunteer to play because she cannot afford to pay them. Led Zepplin are releasing a live concert film of their 2007 reunion called Celebration Days, click here to view the trailer. The Silver Scrolls were held last night in Auckland with Herbs being inducted into the New Zealand Music Hall of Fame and Lips taking out the Silver Scroll Award for her song 'Everything To Me'.  And finally Bob Dylan has responded to recent claims of plagiarism calling critics 'wussies and pussies' in a recent interview with Rolling Stone magazine.

WEEKEND GIG PICKS

Friday

Auckland: Young Gifted and Broke Label Showcase feat. @Peace, The Studio
Auckland: The Eversons with Prince Chelsea and guests, Kings Arms Tavern
Auckland: Crash-scan and SFN NZ Tour with Mellow Grave, Whammy
Wellington: Dear Time's Waste Album Release, Mighty Mighty
Wellington: Newtown Rocksteady and The Midnights, SFBH
Christchurch: Kilmog with The Dance Asthmatics, The Darkroom
Dunedin: Collapsing Cities Strangers Again Album Release, Re Fuel

Saturday

Auckland: Lyttelton Rough House Revival, Whammy Bar
Whanganui: The Shocking and Stunning EP Release, Space Monster
Wellington: Young Gifted and Broke Label Showcase feat. @Peace, Bodega
Wellington: John The Baptist, Mighty Mighty
Christchurch: Anthesiac With Lockjaw And Suede Arcade, Dux Live
Dunedin: Wilberforces Paradise Beach EP Release, Re Fuel

Sunday

Auckland: Lazy Sunday feat. HDSPNS Xuri Xruz and more, The Wine Cellar

NEW MUSIC