The 13th Floor’s Top Concerts of 2016
Its time to look back at the previous year’s live shows and choose our Top 10 concerts of 2016. The 13th Floor has posted hundreds of concert reviews over the year along with thousands of photos. This list was generated by Marty Duda so, only shows that he attended himself are under consideration, but that in itself is a formidable number.
While there was a good cross-section of artists who performed in and around the Auckland area, it seems that the veteran acts made the most memorable impact with the likes of Black Sabbath, Brian Wilson, Madonna and The Cure all turning in strong performances. Memorable newer artists include Angel Olsen, Fat White Family and Leon Bridges and local acts Seafog, Street Chant, Tami Neilson and Mermaidens all made an impact.
So, before we count down the Top 10 concerts, here’s 10 more (in no particular order) that deserve honourable mention:
Steven Wilson – The Powerstation (Oct 26)
Sleater-Kinney – The Powerstation (Feb 29)
Angel Olsen – Kings Arms (Dec 14)
Ed Kuepper – Tuning Fork (Apr 16)
Brian Wilson – Civic Theatre (Mar 26)
Marlon Williams & Julia Jacklin – The Powerstation) (Mar 9)
Gillian Welch & Dave Rawlings – Civic Theatre (Jan 28)
Tweedy – The Powerstation (Mar 27)
Will Wood, Tourettes & Tom Cuniliffe – Wine Cellar (Apr 27)
Kid Congo Powers & The Pink Monkeybirds – Tuning Fork (Sep 3)
Now, here are Marty Duda’s Top 10 Concerts of 2016:
10. Shayne P Carter – Tuning Fork (Aug 18): The former Dimmer/Straitjacket Fits leader fronted a small band to play an intimate show at The Tuning Fork just days before the release of his new solo album, Offsider. The new material stood up well against old favourites that dated back to the 1980s. Carter showed off his new keyboard skills, but it was when he fired up his electric guitar that things really sizzled. Click here to read the review.
9. The Last Waltz 40th Anniversary Show – ASB Theatre (Nov 24): Kiwi audiences were truly blessed to be able to witness this once in a lifetime event. 40 years (almost to the day) after The Band played their final show, famously filmed by Martin Scorsese, two of the key participants flew down to NZ to pay tribute to what happened that night back in 1976. Original Band keyboard/horn player Garth Hudson, now bent and grey, and musical supervisor/producer John Simon led an all-star band of Kiwi Americana musicians through some of the greatest songs ever written. Local talent included Delaney Davidson, The Bads, Tami Neilson, Paul Urbana Jones and Barry Saunders. Despite a last-minute venue change it was a night to remember. Click here to read the review.
8. The Cure – Vector Arena (Jul 21): Robert Smith and his band of merry goths showed why they are revered by their loyal fans…they played 36 songs with all the energy and enthusiasm of a band half their age. The set list was nearly perfect and to top it off, in this year where the spirit of Bowie seemed to be everywhere, Tin Machine guitarist Reeves Gabrels was with the band, displaying his virtuosity and class. Click here to read the review.
7. Eleanor Friedberger & Aldous Harding – Whammy! (Jun 14): Big doesn’t always mean better. Former Fiery Furnances singer Eleanor Friedberger teamed up with Aldous Harding for a sublime double bill at Whammy! Bar. Harding was particularly impressive, trying out new songs from her highly-anticipated second album. By the sound of what we heard that night, it should be one of the highlights of 2017. Click here to read the review.
6. Madonna – Vector Arena (Mar 5): One can never accuse Madonna of being boring. Her show had something for everyone…pole-dancing nuns, plenty of costumes and hits and a tear-filled dedication to her estranged son Rocco. It wasn’t a slick as expected, bute that seemed to make the iconic performer all the more real. Click here to read the review.
5. John Grant – Auckland Town Hall (Mar 18): John Grant’s NZ debut was strangely under attended. If you missed it, shame on you as live music doesn’t get much better than this…a powerful voice, heartfelt songs, great stories, sterling sound and Budgie behind the drum kit. Be sure to catch him if he returns. Click here to read the review.
4. The Mummies – Whammy! (Mar 12): For good old fashioned rock & roll fun, you’d have a hard time topping The Mummies’ at Whammy! This past March. Wrapped in the trademark mummy costumes, the band didn’t let their wardrobe contain their excitement. Playing just under an hour, the quartet laid down enough garage rock to last the entire year. Click here to read the review.
3. Black Sabbath – Vector Arena (Apr 28): What can you say? These guys are up there with the greats, and at this late stage in their career, they are sounding better than ever (I know, I saw them back in 1972). Tony Iommi’s riffs sound like no one else’s and Ozzy is…Ozzy. No doubt this was the last time around for these metal giants. Go home and play Iron Man loud…now! Click here to read the review.
2. Jackson Browne – Civic Theatre (Apr 2): This was a pleasant surprise. I’ve always loved Browne’s sorrowful ballads, but his 80’s political output never really appealed…I think it was the production more than the songs that turned me off. What this show did was reveal what a wealth of quality material Jackson Browne produced during the 90s. I was seriously impressed with an artist that I thought I knew thoroughly. Plus, he still sounds and looks a good as he did in the 70s. A stellar night. Click here to read the review.
1. Prince – ASB Theatre (Feb 24): Wow, it seems like a lifetime since Prince finally came to New Zealand to play his Piano & Microphone shows. But it was only 11 months ago. We all know what happened since then. What Prince proved…as if he needed to…was what a consummate musician he was and just how much he enjoyed playing his music in front of an audience. Prince may be gone, but the joy and passion that comes with his music lives on. Thank God we got a chance to see him! Click here to read the review.
Feel free to leave a comment with your pick for the year’s best concert.
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January 2, 2017 @ 7:49 am
It was impossible to get tickets for Prince.
The Cure would be my pick of the list of 10,of which I saw none.