The macho men from 70s disco sensation the Village People are heading to New Zealand for four shows next year.
As well as playing three headlining dates, including Matakana's Ascension Winery on March 9, the New Yorkers also play the inaugural RetroFest at Mystery Creek in Hamilton on March 10along with 70s British pop acts 10CC, Leo "You Make Me Feel Like Dancing" Sayer and many others.
The Village People - who dress as the Indian, the Cowboy, the Cop, the Construction Worker, the Soldier and the Biker - have sold more than 100 million albums worldwide and are best known for the hits Y.M.C.A. (possibly the world's best-known action song) and In The Navy.
With three original members, Felipe Rose (Native American), Alex Briley (soldier) and David Hodo (construction worker), along with two members who have been with Village People for 30 years (Ray Simpson as the cop and Jeff Olson as the chap-wearing Cowboy), they're the real deal. Their latest recruit is Eric Anzalone as the Biker, who replaced the late original member Glenn Hughes in 1995.
Of course, the band want everyone to come dressed as if it's 1979 - or even better, as your favourite Village Person.
Usually, we get American soul and blues acts playing here a long, long time after they've come of age. Not so with the forthcoming December show by hot young Texas outfit Black Joe Lewis and the Honey Bears.
This raw brassy funky octet is still on the way up after forming in the Lone Star State's music capital Austin four years - and two albums - ago. They bring their mix of garage soul and R&B to the Powerstation on Wednesday December 7 with support from Tyra Hammond & The Blue Birds. Tickets on sale on Tuesday.
Influential English rock veteran Nick Lowe is returning to play in the New Year. Lowe was last here in 2009 playing alongside and backing Ry Cooder. This time the singer-songwriter (and early producer of The Damned, Elvis Costello and The Pretenders) is touring with a five piece-backing band off the back of his latest album, the recently released The Old Magic. His best known early songs include I Love the Sound of Breaking Glass, Cruel to be Kind and the Costello-covered (What's so Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love & Understanding?.
