Banning rap group Odd Future from New Zealand had nothing to do with the band's lyrics and wasn't a decision "made lightly", says a Border Operations Manager.

Rob Zombie's life isn't all gore, all of the time. The grizzly rocker tells Chris Schulz about some of his other passions.

Check out the venue details for Eminem's upcoming headlining show at the Rapture hip-hop festival, being held at Western Springs on February 15.

Megadeth have pulled out of all their Australian tour dates, but the heavy rockers are still coming to New Zealand, promoters say.

Jason Derulo is getting ready to talk dirty to New Zealand fans.

Pictures from Dolly Parton's Vector Arena show.

Last time he was here, DJ Shadow played in a giant orb. This time, the hip-hop pioneer is taking things back to basics. He talks to Chris Schulz.

Raggamuffin festival star Tiki Taane tells Lydia Jenkin his new album was a challenge, but one he would be happy to repeat.

Lorde didn't hold back on the surprises - or the f-bombs - at her Laneway make-up show. So was it worthy of a two-time Grammy Award winner?

Chris Schulz talks to Savages, expected to be the loudest act at Laneway.

Cat Power, aka Chan Marshall, has stepped out from in front of the band and is taking to the stage solo for the first time since 2005. She tells Lydia Jenkin what Laneway fans can expect from her set on the Cactus Cat stage.

Los Angeles siblings Haim emerged as one of the hottest new bands of last year with a sound that makes them one of Laneway's sunniest prospects. Tom Lamont caught them on tour.

Rising local star Watercolours talks to Lydia Jenkin about following her own artistic path.

The Big Day Out came back with a bang. Here are the best bits - and one gripe - from a day otherwise full of highlights.

Rachel Bache takes in Paramore's Sunday night show in Auckland.

Big Day Out headliners Pearl Jam paid an emotional on-stage tribute last night to a young Kiwi fan who was killed in a freak boating accident.