Whether they played to a few hundred in a back bar or to 80,000 fans in a stadium, many of the world’s biggest music stars have performed in New Zealand.
This beautiful coffee table book celebrates 50 years of tours, concerts and one-off shows performed in New Zealand by our favourite acts.
From Johnny Cash in 1959 to today’s artists, this large-format high-quality book revives memories of shows that created history — The Beatles, Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, Bob Marley, Bob Dylan, David Bowie, Split Enz, Elton John and many more.
Weighing more than 2kg, the 288–page hardback book is arguably the boldest music book publishing project ever attempted in this country.
More than 50 photographers and 20 of the country’s best music writers have collaborated to bring together this amazing collection of images and stories about the best concerts in New Zealand over the past 50 years.
Photographers include Bruce Jarvis, Kent Blechynden, Murray Cammick, Garry Brandon and other concert specialists. We’ve also had access to private and public collections, including those at the Alexander Turnbull Library and at major newspapers.
Writers include Josh Easby, Phil Gifford, Russell Baillie, Graham Reid, Garth Cartwright, Bryan Staff and Murray Cammick, with contributions from musicians like Mike Chunn (Split Enz), Midge Marsden and Chris Parry (Music Hall of Fame inductee).
What the reviewers say
‘A volume that will have your ears ringing for days.’ — Russell Baillie, Entertainment Editor, New Zealand Herald
‘Spectacular… bloody brilliant, loved it!’ — book blogger Graham Beattie
‘This book is on a grand scale.’ — Tom Cardy, Entertainment Editor, Dominion Post
‘Some of the images belong in the rock photo hall of fame.’ — Chris Bourke, author of Blue Smoke, writing in The Listener
‘This coffee–table page–turner captures the magic.’ — Graham Reid, music writer, author and editor Elsewhere.co.nz
‘Brings them all back like a Beatle singing Yesterday.’ — Tommy Kapai, Bay of Plenty Times
‘Superb.’ — Grant Harding, Hawkes Bay Today
‘Dynamic photographs and memories.’ — Kia Ora Magazine
‘A stunning book, both visually and in its content.’ — Jillian Allison-Aitken, Southland Times
‘Awesome.’ — Sir’Vere, Rip It Up
‘Epic in its scope.’ — Piers Fuller, Wairarapa News
‘Looks great – an amazing compilation.’ – Neville Aitchison, Employment Today
‘Fantastic!’ — Maggie Barry, Radio Live
‘Stunning!’ — Robert Scott, The Breeze
‘Magnificent!’ — Noelle McCarthy, RNZ National
‘Fantastic!’ — Tim Gruar, Groove Wellington
‘Brilliant!’ — Charlotte Ryan, bfm Auckland
‘One of the best books to land on my desk for a long, long time. I love it.’ — Kerrie-Maree Adams, KMTV
‘I can confirm you have a hit on your hands.’ — Murray Lindsay, radio broadcaster
About the authors
Bruce Jarvis is New Zealand’s foremost rock photographer having recorded the visits of some of the world’s biggest acts during the 1970s and 1980s. Easby is a writer and editor who has been to more than 500 live concerts and festivals. Jarvis runs his own photography business while Easby manages Hurricane Press, an independent publisher.
Authors: Bruce Jarvis and Josh Easby
ISBN: 978-0-9864522-6-0
Hardback, 288 pages
24.5cm x 33cm (portrait), weighs 2kg
RRP NZ$89.99
For trade sales of this title, please contact Hurricane Press.