Billy Woods, Boyz II Men, Dizzee Rascal & Killswitch Engage announce NZ tours

It has been a significant week for tour announcements, with several high-profile international acts confirming dates on our shores. Billy Woods leads the charge, heading to the Tuning Fork this July for a show that will be essential viewing for fans of cerebral, abstract hip-hop.

The later months of 2026 are shaping up to be just as packed. R&B icons Boyz II Men are set to take over Spark Arena in December, sharing the bill with the influential Bell Biv Devoe and Salt N Pepa. It is a rare chance to catch multiple heavyweights of the '90s R&B and hip-hop scene on a single stage. Meanwhile, grime pioneer Dizzee Rascal is heading to Shed 10, accompanied by the sharp flow of ArrDee, marking a major moment for UK rap fans in Auckland.

For those leaning towards heavier sounds, Killswitch Engage will bring their metalcore catalogue to Meow Nui this November, following the recent release of their album 'This Consequence'. If your taste trends towards classic alternative rock, Mudhoney have announced an intimate run starting at the Harbour View Hotel in Raglan before hitting Double Whammy in Auckland.

The coming months also feature a wide range of performances from veteran artists and genre-bending acts:

• Postmodern Jukebox will bring their signature jazz-swing reinterpretations to Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch.
• Joe Jackson returns in early 2027 for a two-city tour including the Christchurch Town Hall.
• Krafty Kuts will be providing a masterclass in breakbeat and hip-hop at The Stables in Auckland.
• Sonic Boom is scheduled for an experimental set at the Monkey House Theatre in the Coromandel.

While larger tours take centre stage, there is also plenty happening in the local and club scenes. Keep an eye out for Mokotron, Xile, and Farewell Spit, who all have club dates locked in across the country. For something a bit different, tribute act Bjorn Again will be performing in Rotorua, offering a light-hearted look at the ABBA catalogue for those chasing a bit of nostalgia.