Tour news: Melissa Etheridge brings classic rock back to New Zealand

Musician, Melissa Etheridge.

Rock legend Melissa Etheridge will return to New Zealand next year as part of the Summer Concert Tour 2016.

Etheridge will be joined in the three date event by REO Speedwagon and Huey Lewis and the News.

Etheridge returns after last performing here in 2012, while it will be the first New Zealand concerts from REO Speedwagon and Huey Lewis and band.

The tour kicks off in Queenstown on January 23 at Gibbston Valley Winery before moving north to the Taupo Amphitheatre January 30.

The final show will be at the Whitianga Waterways Arena on January 31.

This is the sixth year for the summer tour, which earlier this year saw Heart, Foreigner and Three Dog Night attract nearly 40,000 fans.

Etheridge last year released her twelfth studio album This is ME. Huey Lewis and REO Speedwagon are celebrating their 36th and 48th years together respectively.

The original band members from both groups will be performing.

Tickets go on sale Monday July 6 from Ticketek for $99. Local tickets can be purchased for $89.

- nzherald.co.nz