One of The Bleeders' biggest hits is called So Lonely, but the band say the small crowd at yesterday's New Zealand Music Month launch was a welcoming one.
The Auckland pop/punk outfit were the main attraction at a free all-ages show at Wellington's Town Hall, a gig launching a monthof music-related activities around the country. Originally planned as an outdoor show with an expected crowd of 5000, wet weather drove the show indoors and drew a crowd closer to 500.
"I was totally happy with the response we got from the crowd," Bleeders' bass player Gareth Stack said.
"We were hoping it wasn't going to be a lacklustre performance because this was our 14th show in a row, so we've had a lot of sleep deprivation. It was very good and we were happy with it.
"We're one of those bands who aren't really what you would call a mainstream act, so getting asked to do this was a huge honour."
Last year New Zealand Music Month started with an open-air concert by Shihad in Aotea Square, which drew thousands despite pouring rain.
Cath Andersen, general manager of Music Month organising body the NZ Music Industry Commission, said she wasn't disappointed at this year's small crowd, which she said could largely be blamed on the change of venue.
"They were all screaming. My ears are still ringing, and it's from the yelling, not the band," Ms Andersen said. "The people here are having a great time."
The NZ Music Month gig guide has more than 200 shows listed, and more than 40 TV and radio programmes featuring 100 per cent New Zealand music content are also programmed for May.
