Concert review: Th’ Dudes, Auckland Town Hall 19 November 2020

Held at the iconic Auckland Town Hall, Th’ Dudes proved they’ve still got it with an incredible set that had the crowd pulsing and left them with raspy voices after singing along to every word. The kiwi legends also showed off they’re exquisite taste with their choice of a support act, the sensational rock ‘n’ roll groove of Auckland based Racing.

Opening with the very fitting hit Right First Time, Th’ Dudes belted out an unforgettable opening number that had the audience demanding more. The lifelong friendship between Peter Urlich and Dave Dobbyn and the onstage chemistry so obviously present with quick jokes slipping into the words they shared between songs warmed our hearts as we watched and listened. Each and every member of the band played their instrument as smooth as if it was 1975 all over again. Hit after hit the set truly was Bliss.

Midway through their performance the band did a beautifully poignant tribute to late and founding member- Ian Morris by speaking about him and projecting memorable photos of Ian and the band in the early days on a screen behind the stage made up of multiple mock amplifiers while playing a cover of the classic The Game of Love by Wayne Fontana & The Mind Benders.

As the night wore on it only got better and better and a stand-out Was That Look In Your Eyes which took us all on a journey of appreciation for classic rock and love.

Coming towards the end of the show was electric. Wrapping up with kiwi classics Walking In The Light & Be Mine Tonight and returning to the stage with an encore of “Bliss” and a cover of “Wild thing” by the Troggs there was not a disappointed soul in the room. Th’ Dudes upheld the saying; They may be old but they’re still gold.

Thank you; Dave, Peter, Lez, Bruce, Rikki & Victoria you sure did put on one hell of a show.

By Gab McDonnell

Click any icon to view a full siz gallery of photos of Th’ Dudes and openers, Racing. Photos from Rachel Webb.

Th’ Dudes

Racing