The Nukes from West Auckland are far more than a ukulele band. Part vaudeville, part rat-pack, part musical car crash, this talented trio deliver an engaging mix of humour and originality that audiences of all ages will love. The innocent little uke is the instrument of choice and people will be staggered by what the Nukes are able to achieve with it. Great song-writing, musicianship and 3-part harmony combine to create a truly memorable, entertaining experience. Aotearoa’s favourite original ukulele trio began life in a humble but spectacular fashion way back in the heady days of 2008. Founded by Dave Parker, Ben Collier and Dave ‘Snapper’ Thiele, The Nukes promptly set about carving themselves a cozy niche in the cutthroat world of the New Zealand ukulele scene. Many roads have been travelled in the decade since, many songs have been sung and many challenges overcome.
Now, with the soul wrenching retirement of the inimitable Snapper Thiele back in mid 2018 , The Nukes face a turn in the road and a fresh set of possibilities.
Dave and Ben have recruited multi-instrumentalist Mike Burrows to help ease their aching hearts, kiss their boo boos and make it all better. What will this mysterious stranger bring to the party? Only time will tell. Luckily you won’t have to wait too long because the lads are returning across to the Uxbridge on Saturday June 8th. It’s the new Nukes. Do try it.
DATE: SAT 8 JUN
TIME: 8PM
GENERAL ADMISSION: $29
TABLE SEATING: $32
The Nukes. Aotearoa’s/NZ’s most beloved and enduring ‘original ukulele trio’.
For more than 10 years this unlikely league of musical miscreants has traipsed around Australasia, bringing joy and harmony to all they encounter. With 3 compelling albums of their self-penned tunes as proof of their creative endeavours; and well over 100,000 streams and views.
At the helm is Dave Parker, inveigling with a sparkling voice and a compelling custom uke sound that commands respect.
Swabbing the decks is Curious percussionist ‘mysterious’ Mike Burrows (who also packs a spry falsetto) while the audacious slide ukulele and wry humour of Ben Collier keep the whole shebang on an even keel.
It’s original, quirky and Kiwi.
If you see that The Nukes are coming your way, don’t duck and cover, don’t try and be a hero.
Just gather all your friends and head for ground zero.
Part vaudeville, part rat-pack, part musical car crash, this talented trio deliver an engaging mix of humour and originality that audiences of all ages will love.
The Nukes have appeared at WOMAD NZ , SPLORE , Auckland and Canterbury Folk Festivals , New Plymouth Festival Of Light , Wanaka Festival Of Colour, Coastella Festival , Southland Festival Of Arts, Hawkes Bay Arts Festival, Oamaru Heritage Festival , Alexandra Blossom Festival, Bluff Oyster Festival and a successful nationwide thirty date Arts On Tour NZ March 2017 venture . They have also toured extensively in Australia.
2019 sees them appear at Upsurge Bay Of Islands Festival, Queenstown Winterfest and Tauranga Arts Festival.
Reviews:
“The Nukes blew the audiences’ socks off with the combination of humour, fantastic song-writing, great musicianship and singing, “ - Megan Peacock-Coyle. Oamaru Opera House.
‘Original’ inventive and entertaining…. - Drew James. Taranaki Arts Festival.
“the Nukes experience is uplifting, fun and feel- good. “ - Amanda Wright. Erupt Festival.
Album reviews:
Nukes 3
“ Highly intriguing and really skilful- a great mix of folk, bluegrass and reggae.”- Grant Smithies - Radio NZ
