Concert line-up draws mixed reaction

Dean Mardon is unconvinced by this year's Mission Estate concert line-up. Photo / File

The response to the 2014 Mission Estate Winery Concert line-up looks to be a 50-50 call, with some online respondents hailing the line-up as "brilliant" and others lamenting that after such a wait it was "disappointing".

Two regular concertgoers in events manager Peter Mooney and businessman and Bluewater Hotel owner Rodney Green have given the line-up of Ronan Keating, Bill Ocean, Sharon Corr, Mel C and Leo Sayer the thumbs-up.

"They cover a number of styles and I think it will appeal," Mr Mooney said.

"And if they each get 20 or so minutes to play, then it'll be the hits - the money songs. It's [line-up] not a bad one."

Mr Green said it was refreshing to see a multiple line-up of varied artists other than just one main act and the diversity would create a happy, family atmosphere.

"I think it'll be great, really good."

His only concern was that it was being staged at the same time as the inaugural League Nines tournament in Auckland.

"I had the Mad Butcher call to say he won't be coming down this year - we will lose a lot of Auckland people through that, I think."

He had, however, begun taking plenty of bookings for the weekend.

John "Bertie" Cocking said he was unlikely to attend the concert, although acknowledged they had covered a range of styles.

"But I don't think it's too exciting - they've gone for quantity, not quality."

After strong rumours it could have been Paul McCartney he felt it was a bit of a let-down, Mr Cocking said.

Dean Mardon, who operates Electric City Music in Napier, was equally unconvinced.

"For me I think it's a comedown from some of the days gone by - it looks like they couldn't get one big act."

Mr Mardon had seen both Leo Sayer in 2001 and Ronan Keating three years ago and said they were "very good" but he was not convinced about the others on the bill.

"No, I probably won't go."

Napier city councillor Keith Price said he'd be popping along.

"They all had three or four good songs that people will know and will sing along to - and that's what the Mission is all about," he said.

"The line-up is a bit all over the place but I think it'll make for a good evening."

On Hawke's Bay Today's online page, the first two comments were: "A good line-up - something there to please most people"; and "brilliant line-up at last".

But the following four comments were far from glowing: "Yes, sadly this looks like the scraping of the barrel along with clutching at straws. Very disappointing. I wouldn't go if someone gave me a ticket," one person wrote. Another stated "average lot this year, I think - not for me".

On the Facebook site, Tony West described the event as "a has-been show" while Paul Hatchard called it "average at best".

General admission and reserve tickets went on sale through the Mission Concert Club yesterday at noon. Sales to the general public begin at noon today..

While no figures were available, tickets for both general admission and reserve seating were still readily available last night.