Simple Minds to return

Tony Ashcroft and Liz Mitchell from Boney M. Picture / Rebecca Cawston

Auckland is getting a swathe of overseas bands who have kept playing and touring despite being long past their commercial peak.

Simple Minds, the Scottish band who once rivalled U2 as a stadium act in the 80s, are returning for two shows. The band will play Wellington's Michael Fowler Centre on Monday May 15 and Auckland's Aotea Centre ASB Theatre on Wednesday May 17. Tickets go on sale on Friday, February 10.

The Hothouse Flowers are returning for two New Zealand shows, playing Wellington's Bar Bodega on Anzac Day and Auckland's The Studio the following night. Tickets on sale Monday, February 13.

And Boney M, the disco troupe whose hits are about to feature in a West End Musical in London, are returning to play the Spa Hotel in Taupo on March 3-4 and the Telstra Theatre in Manukau City on March 5. Tickets are on sale now.