KEY POINTS:
Boy George is an 80s pop icon, a songwriter, a superstar DJ, a fashion designer, and, ahem, a street cleaner. He's one of music's most colourful and flamboyant characters and he's coming to Auckland to play a DJ set at the St James on February 23.
His stint as a rubbish collector in New York late last year came about after he was charged with wasting police time when a small amount of cocaine was found in his apartment.
But it's music that he's most famous for. Culture Club hits like Do You Really Want To Hurt Me? and Karma Chameleon were among the most-played pop songs of the 80s.
When the group split up in 1986 he carried on solo, recorded material as Jesus Loves You and started DJing in the early 90s. He's now one of the most in-demand record spinners.
And besides, he's the guy from Culture Club and he's never been to New Zealand before so check out his tunes on February 23.
Meanwhile, the biggest metal gig of the year is coming up. Slayer and Mastodon team up for a show at the St James on April 21. Slayer are pioneers of thrash thanks to albums like Reign In Blood and Seasons In the Abyss, while Mastodon are the current it-band of metal. The Atlanta quartet's latest album, Blood Mountain, was one of TimeOut's albums of 2006 and it also made other lists, including Rolling Stone's.
Also, on February 21 at the St James, goth pop rockers Evanescence return for one gig following the release of their second album, The Open Door.
And Roger Sanchez, the buff, sunglasses-wearing DJ from the US, will headline this year's Groove In the Park on Waitangi Day at Western Springs Stadium from midday until 9pm. Entry is $10, under-15s free. The line-up also includes Concord Dawn, Shapeshifter, Antix, State of Mind, and local DJs.
