Kiwi rock/metal band Blindspott will play at Whangārei's Semenoff Stadium, thanks to the help of funding from NZ on Air. Photo / Megan Moss
Kiwi rock/metal band Blindspott will play at Whangārei's Semenoff Stadium, thanks to the help of funding from NZ on Air. Photo / Megan Moss
Kiwi alternative metal band Blindspott are playing in Northland in March, in part thanks to a pilot fund from NZ on Air.
The band will play at Whangārei’s Semenoff Stadium on Friday, March 6, with the venue being specially configured to enable a medium-sized audience of about 1000.
Since formingin 1997, Blindspott have been touted as one of Aotearoa’s most successful rock/metal bands, with their self-titled debut album going straight to No 1 in New Zealand charts on release in 2002, driven by the success of its hit single, Nil By Mouth.
The band reformed in 2018 after a hiatus of more than 10 years and returned to the studio in 2020.
Blindspott have always had a good following in Northland but had struggled to lock in a concert, said promoter Heath Wyn from East-West Music on behalf of the band.
The concert is part of a tour promoting new album Volume III, released earlier this year.
It is happening with the help of NZ On Air’s New Music Project Touring pilot fund, which covers up to 50% of eligible touring costs – such as transport, accommodation, marketing and venue hire – up to $50,000.
Wyn said the funding is significant, not only to get the band up to Northland but just to tour the new album full stop.
“It’s a tough environment out there at the moment, with cost of living high and, of course, that pushes costs up in general ... Without the funding, it would certainly be a lot more challenging.”
Touring is really important for Blindspott to engage with fans, he said.
“It allows us to connect with our fanbase, which have supported us from day one and are a big part of why we do what we do.”
Arguably the most famous member of Blindspott is its drummer Shelton Woolright, who was a judge on The X Factor (NZ). Photo / Megan Moss
A total of 20 artists received funding in November from the first New Music Project Touring fund, to tour their new album or EP release.
Out of these, four will come to Northland: Blindspott, roots reggae band Corrella, who are also planning to play in Whangārei, heavy psych-rock two-piece Earth Tongue, who will play in Kerikeri’s Turner Centre on February 13, and indie punk band Dick Move, who played at Whangārei’s Beer and Loathing earlier this month.
The fund is set to return next year, thanks to the successful pilot, NZ On Air head of music Teresa Patterson said.
Semenoff Stadium’s festival zone – behind its big screen – will be used for the Blindspott concert, said Brett Markwick, chief executive of Northland Events Centre Trust, which runs the stadium.
The move comes as the trust faces difficult economic conditions, reporting a deficit of $127,000 in the 2024-25 financial year, $48,000 worse than budgeted.
Markwick told Whangārei District Council’s community development committee on Thursday times are tough for events, which are being cancelled throughout the country.
He gave the example of Northland’s Fritter Festival, which made a loss in March this year and has been cancelled for 2026 so its future can be reviewed.
Denise Piper is a news reporter for the Northern Advocate, focusing on health and business. She has more than 20 years in journalism and is passionate about covering stories that make a difference.
