Fat Freddy's Drop event attracts thousands

CROWDPLEASERS: Fat Freddy's Drop perform to an enthusiastic Rotorua crowd last night. PHOTO/STEPHEN PARKER

Thousands of people turned up to get down to Kiwi reggae legends Fat Freddy's Drop last night at the Lakefront.

The crowd was a mixture of locals and international visitors, as well as Kiwis who had made the trip from other centres.

Henry Hawkins, 23, had come from Auckland to see the band play.

"We've been fans for a long time so it's nice to see them play in New Zealand, it's pretty rare to see them play here," Mr Hawkins said.

Fat Freddy's Drop trombonist Jo Lindsay said he always enjoys playing shows in New Zealand. "We play here every summer, but you can't play here too much or people will get sick of you, but we love playing in New Zealand.

"We haven't played in Vegas for a long time though, but it's cool because it is a nice family vibe out there."

Keyboardist Iain Gordon had previously told the Rotorua Daily Post the band would not play their big hit Wandering Eye, but before taking the stage Lindsay said crowds could expect to hear the song.

Donna Reynolds had also travelled from Auckland to see Fat Freddy's Drop, but was also impressed with the other bands in the line-up.

"It's been really good, all of them, so far they have all been awesome."

Sydney-based Kiwi band ManaLion warmed up the crowd with their dub-tronic sound, and enjoyed playing to the Lakefront crowd.

"The crowd was awesome, quite a few fans came along, and we are stoked to be in Rotorua," front man Duan & Only said.

Meta and the Cornerstones were a big hit, giving Rotorua a taste of a top international sound.

The New York-based band also played at the New Year's Eve fixture Rhythm and Alps.

The members of Rotorua band Strangely Arousing were stoked to have shared the bill with such top musicians, Forrest Thorp said.

As the sun went down, Fat Freddy's Drop took to the stage and got the whole crowd on their feet when they opened with popular song Blackbird.

Ligia Oliveira, 26, had heard about Fat Freddy's Drop while in her native Brazil so made a special effort to see them play in Rotorua.

"We came to hear Fat Freddy's Drop play. We are only here for one year so we try to get to all of the best local concerts," she said.