Brewtown Sounds 2026

This year’s Sounds concert was a more intimate affair, allegedly down to a less attractive lineup resulting in few sales than previous years (apparently being addressed for next year’s event) and was moved under the giant canopy at Brewtown.

Handy that it was as drizzle throughout the day would have been unfortunate for the mostly older (present company included) crowd.

As with previous years it was well organized with plenty of clean toilets, free drinking water, short queues for drinks and a range of catering trucks. The crowd was also on form, well behaved but not afraid to throw some shapes and sing along.

Things didn’t start off too well musically, the first act I turned up to see – British singer-songwriter Lloyd Cole – was suffering from a cold and stifling a cough throughout his quiet solo set, which was partly drowned out by the crowd talking amongst themselves, a common frustration of Kiwi audiences. Ironically Lloyd could have done with causing a commotion so I could hear him better. Still, “Perfect Skin” and “Lost Weekend” are still classics I enjoyed (mostly) hearing live. 7/10.

Thankfully things took a turn for the loud when Kiwi 80’s favourites Mi-Sex took to the stage. I saw them supporting The Stranglers back in 2020 just before lockdown and enjoyed them, so was excited to see them again close up. They didn’t disappoint! Stood so close to the main speakers I had wear earplugs, I still had ringing ears by the end of the set. They’re one of those legacy bands comprising a couple of wrinkled old rockers from the original lineup supplemented by young Millennials replacing the fallen. Luckily they have a good catalog of recognizable songs that they played VERY LOUD, broken up with some fun banter. Just the thing to liven up the crowd for the remaining acts. 9/10

Next up — and surprisingly not second on the bill — were 90’s “fun-rap” band The Fun Lovin’ Criminals. The initial confusion and disappointment that original front man Huey Morgan wasn’t there quickly melted as they blasted through the hits and lived up to the fun-loving name. I had a great view of the very funky drummer and, apart from some microphone faults, sounded great as a band, not easy when playing rap music live. There were a few filler tracks I didn’t recognize but they finished strongly with Scooby Snacks and Super Models. 8/10.

Next up were a Kiwi act I’d never heard of and wasn’t especially bothered about called While The Cat’s Away so was planning to sit at the back and phone surf for an hour, however they were much better than expected. They played a bunch of Kiwi classic pop songs and kept the energy levels up as it got dark. 7/10.

Headliner for the concert, and in the country for a series of solo gigs, was Spandau Ballet’s singer Tony Hadley. He started with the Nina Simone classic “Feelin’ Good” which showcased his still-powerful voice. Along with some good anecdotes and a storming cover of “Somebody to Love” – with a bit of namedropping about duetting with Freddie Mercury – Tony gave us all the Spandau classics, saving “True” and “Gold” for the end. Another 80’s legend ticked off the list. 9/10.

All that and home for 9.30pm!

One last thing, love the no-bullshit tone of Kiwis as shown by this sign at the venue and in the toilets.