Where to begin! It’s Sunday morning in Auckland I made a school girl error not to cancel a “uk” alarm so I’m up and around at 7am after a late night and full on day of festival fun! Still it would be rude to sleep when the sun is shining and there is much touristing that needs doing, but a “review” must be where it all begins today.
GOTR Auckland. Community, we meet a lovely couple whilst waiting yesterday Naya and Gonzalo Bascur. Originally from Chile but living and working in North Auckland for the last 6 years. With a 2.5hr drive and 2 hr flight under their belt to get here. Welcome Gonzalo to the group!
I’m loving the life here. New Zealander’s are so relaxed this is reflected in the non queue until 60 mins before doors, we can all learn a lot from this attitude.
The stage was set up with an ego ramp, the age old dilemma of where to stand runs through your mind.
5pm Ben appeared on stage to introduce the first act Holly from Tiny Ruins, Ben sporting a new green trouser and white t shirt combo (Newly purchased we wondered due to #luggagegate?). He carries it off with great style and swagger.
The crowd are so relaxed, most remain seated on the grass, enjoying the sun, food and drink whilst Holly and the next act Angie McMahon (first time in New Zealand) performance. Talking of food, (Nando’s at this GOTR!) Gonzalo very kindly wandered the site to get us some chips, only to discover that he had lost his wallet by his return. Within minutes a phone call from someone onsite reunited him with his wallet, would this happen in the UK? I’m impressed.
We got chatting with one of the paps, who turned out to be from READING (UK) He moved over 8 years ago and has made NZ his home. He gave us some great beach tips…. black sand and great waves on this beach, peace tranquility on that one, shame I can’t remember any of the names! He was very sweet and helpful.
It felt like a GOTR home coming for Michael Kiwanuka, he was on the bill at the first stopover in Huddersfield back in 2012, and again in the fields of Avalon Glastonbury. He has a great laid back style that suited the western springs ethos.
Leon Bridges clearly has a big fan base, the crowd got really packed for his performance, Leon was sporting a black fur hat on such a “cold” day! This is the second time I’ve seen him, I thought he had a different sound this time more R’n’B vs his 50’s style smooth swagger from Latitude I got use to the change by the fifth song and thought he did a great set, he and his backing singers made good use of the ego ramp.
Mumford time! The crew were busy during the day laying carpet and prepping the ego ramp. Kit was now being set up for 42 as an opener…. worth the 30,000 mile trip alone!
As the sunset in Auckland on walked the chaps. Bens green trousers now supported by a matching jacket and baseball cap, who knew Ben was a Masters golf pro. 😇
Wow! Gotta love 42. Marcus placed mid way on the ramp smashing the life out of the drums, this is always a pleasure to see and hear. He clearly loves it too. The band joined him at the end of the ramp for LLM and Babel can’t deny I was a little gutted to only see the back of them for Babel.
There was something extra special about Guiding Light it really pulled on my emotions.
Marcus has a lot of banter. Wise words about loving New Zealand and not overdoing the high spirited ways! I don’t think he took his own advice the night before! Slightly jaded! And let’s embrace and never forget the song stopping during The Cave. As Marcus pointed out people were still riding the scream fun fair ride, with the classic line of “this ones a hit”. Yeah that’s right leave them hanging at the top mother fuckers! Ben laughing and all members barely able to carry on the song where they left off.
Can’t #believe that Darkness Visible didn’t follow picture you! One word WHY? They added in if I say, I think, during the encore vs Beloved which was dropped.
Roll away, I thought I might have had to dial 112 as Ben did a new jump move from Marcus’s amp down three steps to the ramp, with only the one twisted ankle enroute! It was a brave move which he was lucky to get away with! 🤣
Ditmas was a classic and a first as Marcus failed to return to the stage after the song finished. Ben put out a public broadcasting announcement for the safe return of their friend Marcus. All was well and as it turns out Marcus had a crafty puff on someone’s cigarette whilst making his way back!
It was as a great show and the band clearly love stopovers and New Zealand. The only disappointment was no collaborations…. still you can’t have everything. Or sometimes even a kettle in the states it would appear (do you see what I did there…. cross posting!) I mean what is a kitchen without a kettle! 🤣🤣🤣
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