Written By Wolves – Q Theatre: October 11, 2025 (13th Floor Concert Review)
Written By Wolves electrified the Rangatira Room at Auckland’s Q Theatre on Saturday, October 11, 2025, with a cinematic rock performance that marked their 10-year anniversary.
The show was a bold statement of their evolution, featuring a live string section, backing vocalists, and production values that rivalled international acts. The venue was transformed into a multisensory experience, immersing fans in a journey through the band’s past and future.
Formed in Auckland, Written By Wolves have built a reputation as one of New Zealand’s most innovative progressive rock bands. Their sound fuses rock, electronic, and orchestral elements, showcased in releases like their debut album Secrets and the collaborative The Collab Project. With emotionally charged lyrics and explosive live energy, the current band—Davie Wong, Karl Woodhams, Michael Murphy, and Oli Lyons—have cultivated a loyal fanbase both locally and abroad.
Tonight was about the fans. As lead singer Michael Murphy explained, the evening was designed to take us on a journey from the beginning to now. The show was split into two distinct sets. The first, their first-ever acoustic performance, featured reworked versions of their own songs supported by strings and backing singers. They opened with the 2016 single Lights, followed by Demons, Lucky Stars, and their latest release Please Just Breathe. The set also included unexpected covers of Lana Del Rey and Britney Spears, culminating in a singalong version of The Lighthouse, complete with branded glowsticks handed out to fans. Drummer Karl Woodhams joined Murphy up front for this eight-song opener. Murphy noted that being “their own opening act” gave them the chance to showcase songs that don’t often make the setlist.
The second set launched with a punchy, drum-led intro before diving into the full Written By Wolves experience—big sound, strobe lighting, smoke, and pyrotechnics. Highlights included Help Me Through the Night, Pretty Lies, Goddess, and standout versions of Secrets and Misery.
The lighting design was dramatic and immersive, amplifying the intensity of each track. The sound mix was crisp and powerful, allowing the intricate layering of strings, synths, and guitars to shine. Murphy’s vocals were commanding throughout, and the band’s connection with the audience was palpable—every chorus met with enthusiastic singalongs and cheers.
Murphy’s partner Becks joined him on stage for an energetic rendition of Forever & Always. They closed with a rousing version of Genius, leaving fans thrilled by a one-night-only experience.
With a diverse and passionate fan base—including children and family members in the crowd—the evening felt less like a concert and more like a theatrical celebration of the band’s journey. During the second act, they announced the upcoming release of the first song they ever wrote together (but have never recorded), coming soon.
Written By Wolves reaffirmed their unique place in New Zealand’s rock scene. For those in attendance this wasn’t just a gig but a celebration of artistry, ambition, and connection. Their 10-year anniversary show was a landmark event that will have left fans inspired and eager for the next chapter.
John Hastings
Click on any image to view a photo gallery by Branwen Hastings
