Ash, billy woods, HUMBE and Jenevieve announce New Zealand tour dates

It is shaping up to be a busy year for live music lovers across the motu. The biggest news this week is Ash confirming their return to Aotearoa, with the Northern Irish band set to play Auckland’s Tuning Fork and Wellington’s San Fran this September. Joining the international wave of talent is billy woods, who will be bringing his abstract hip-hop stylings to San Fran for a show in July.

Pop and R&B fans have plenty to get excited about as well. HUMBE has locked in a date at the Tuning Fork in August, following on from an appearance by Jenevieve at the same venue in early June. For those chasing something a bit grittier, Saul Williams will be bringing his unique blend of poetry and hip-hop to Auckland in June, and the experimental noise rockers YHWH Nailgun are scheduled to hit the Tuning Fork stage in July.

Closer to home, Australian alternative rockers Regurgitator are hitting the road with a stop in Raglan at the Harbour View Hotel and a show at Meow in Wellington. They are joined in the touring circuit by a diverse range of acts:

• Slomosa: Bringing their 'Tundra Rock' to Auckland’s Whammy Bar and Valhalla in Wellington.
• Sidewinder: Playing at Whammy Bar and Valhalla alongside their tour run.
• Borderline: Catch them in Christchurch and Rotorua mid-year.
• Tephra and Troika: Both hitting the stage at darkroom in Christchurch.
• Caitlin: Touring through Timaru, Christchurch, and Wellington.
• Matt Jones: Performing at the Leigh Sawmill Cafe.

Rounding out the list are shows from John Splithoff, Powers, Uncle Acid and The Deadbeats, Mi-Sex, Mel Parsons, MACEY, Diplopoda, Edera, Hori Shaw, Paul Ubana Jones, Rock Tenors, Just Janie, Crook, Headland, and Baby Zionov. With such a packed schedule, it is time to start getting those tickets sorted.