Summer sounds unforgettable
Concert series serves up a sense of soul
It started in the Scotch mist of Taupō and ended in a cloudburst above Hamilton to the sound of Simple Minds’ ‘Don’t You (Forget About Me)’. First to the stage were local band Sonorous, who played to an enthused crowd. Their sound also attracted the attention of Collective Soul’s leading man Ed Roland, who took some time out from their set to point out drummer Cooper Paalvast in the crowd and implore concertgoers to “buy this guy’s album”.
Scotland was the theme of the final two acts of the weekend - with Scottish bands Texas and then Simple Minds taking the stage at Taupō’s ampitheatre on Saturday, after Pseudo Echo and Collective Soul.
With only a few spots of rain eventuating, Taupō’s concertgoers fared better than Hamilton’s attendees on Sunday.
At the Hamilton Claudelands Oval show, Simple Minds was cut short by fears over isolated electrical storms, with festival-goers told to evacuate the venue immediately.
“Due to an isolated thunder and lightning storm beyond the control of event organisers, and for the safety of all people involved, including concertgoers, staff and artists, [Sunday]’s Summer Concert – Claudelands Oval was brought to a close 5-10 minutes earlier than scheduled, finishing with Simple Minds most recognised song, Don’t You (Forget About Me),” said a spokesperson for concert organisers Greenstone Entertainment.
Weather was always going to be the big question heading into Auckland Anniversary weekend but the concert in Taupō on Saturday was spared any major downpours, and the lighter-than-usual crowd of 13,000 enjoyed mild, overcast weather, with periods of light drizzle.
Texas lead singer Sharleen Spiteri strode to the front of the stage as a shower came over and summed up the moment.
“I got bloody sunburned yesterday, you go out on the stage and the next thing it’s pissing with rain. Are you f### joking, right? Are you ready? Let’s do it!”
The Taupō concert typically attracts a crowd of about 17,500 and is often sold out weeks in advance. This year, punters enjoyed more space and were spared the scorching summer days that have brought out the sun lovers and sombreros in previous years.
The Summer Concert Series moves to Queenstown next week for the third and final show on Saturday, February 3.