The Great Circle passed through Aotearoa – the land of the long white cloud – over recent days for arena shows in Auckland and Christchurch. The gigs were a kind of homecoming for bass player Bones Hillman and as such the Oils busted out a cover of “Counting The Beat”. The original version of this unpolished gem had been a hit back in the early 80’s for Bones’ first well known band, The Swingers. Also unveiled as an appropriately local treat was “Shipyards of New Zealand” from Red Sails In The Sunset. It got a few live airings when the band were touring that album in 1984 but as far as the stat fiends can tell us, these were the first performances of that song since the last time the band played Christchurch back in 1988.
With all international shows officially behind them for 2017, the band’s focus now turns to the final leg – circling Australia from October 2. For all remaining tickets to these special shows please click here.
Auckland 9/9
Spark Arena 9/9
Photo: Megan Moss
Spark Arena, Auckland 9/9
Spark Arena, Auckland 9/9
Photo: Megan Moss
Spark Arena, Auckland 9/9
Spark Arena, Auckland 9/9
Spark Arena, Auckland 9/9
Photo: Jim Moginie
“Auckland Space Needle, howling in the cold night.” – JM 9/9
Photo: Jim Moginie
“After the quakes. Hope springs eternal. An amazing city in an art led recovery.” – JM, Christchurch 11/9
Photo: Jack Howard
Christchurch 11/9
Photo: Jim Moginie
“Hirst as a blur. He moves fast. Nothing new there.” – JM, Christchurch 11/9
Photo: Jack Howard
Horncastle Arena, Christchurch 11/9
Christchurch set list 11/9
Photo: Alex Grant
Horncastle Arena, Christchurch 11/9
