Marlon Williams – Civic Theatre: January 19, 2023

Marlon Williams finally brought his My Boy tour to New Zealand, opening at Auckland’s classic Civic Theatre for the first of two back to back shows.

It seems like only yesterday that Marlon was harmonizing with Delaney Davidson down in the Wine Cellar. Now, on the back of his third solo studio album, My Boy, Williams has already been around the world touring the U.S., the U.K., Europe and Australia before finally touching down in Auckland.

Noting this was his first show at The Civic, Marlon greeted the nearly-sold out crowd pointing out that, ‘its been a while between drinks’.

Nadia Reid

Not so for opener Nadia Reid, who was on this very stage last month, opening for Sharon Van Etten. That set was memorable and so was this one. Reid just seems to be getting better and better. Tonight she opened with a new song, Hold It Out, sounding strong and confident. And why shouldn’t she, as Nadia has a sold out tour of her own in the UK happening soon.

In between songs, Reid talked about her plans to move (hopefully) briefly overseas, about her new album which sounds like its still a wee ways away and about Jacinda, who earlier that day announced she was stepping down as PM.

“I wrote this next song on the night of the election…after eating a weed brownie”, she confided. Needless to say, the new tune was gorgeous.

Oh, and before she heads out, we learned of a special “goodbye” show at The Wine Cellar on Valentine’s Day! 50 tickets only, so look out for those.

Marlon Williams

Marlon’s set was heralded by the sound of his distinctive voice, singing Arahura, alone, on the darkened stage.

Once finished, his band, The Yarra Benders, appeared and we heard Devil’s Daughter, a tune Williams recorded with Canadian duo Kacy & Clayton a few years back.

With the band…Dave Khan, Ben Woolley, Gus Agars and Dan Luskin…firing on all cylinders, Marlon Williams proceeded to dazzle the crowd with his voice, his charm and his songs.

All of My Boy, save one song was heard, along with old favourites like Come To Me, Party Boy and What’s Chasing You, where Marlon proved he could still be the Roy Orbison of the Southern Hemisphere.

To his credit, Marlon’s sound has changed, the new album a tad more synthy, with less “noir” built in, and also to his credit, despite those changes, he has stuck with the same band. Dave Khan, in particular, was in fine form as he wailed away during Vampire Again.

Kudos also to roadie Rob Cotton ready to hand over a capo or a whiskey as needed.

Williams also tipped his hat to the exiting Prime Minister, dedicating Princes Walk to her.

It was a night of special moments and it came to an end with Marlon singing in the language he began with…I think the song title is Rimurimu…but I could be mistaken (his next album is rumoured to be sung entirely in Maori).

Make no mistake, be sure to catch Marlon Williams as he tours his homeland.

Marty Duda

Click on any image to view a photo gallery by Chris Zwaagdyk

Marlon Williams:

Nadia Reid:

 

Marlon Williams setlist:

1. Arahure
2. Devil’s Daughter
3. Easy Does It
4. My Boy
5. My Heart The Wormhole
6. Soft Boys Make The Grade (Soft Girls Too)
7. Thinking Of Nina
8. Aua atu Ra
9. Princes Walk
10. Trips
11. Come To Me
12. River Rival
13. Don’t Go Back
14. What’s Chasing You
15. Party Boy
16. Vampire Again
17. Nobody Gets What They Want Anymore
18. Promises
19. Maori Folk Song
20. Rimurimu