Jim Beam Homegrown February 15^th, Wellington Waterfront

I love Homegrown. Where else can you get to see such a brilliant array of New Zealand’s finest musical talent? From the reggae beats of Katchafire to the heavy rock of Head Like A Hole this day is where the best that we have to offer are. Spread out over the Wellington waterfront the weather always plays its part and a better day couldn’t be had.

I spent the first part of my day at the Rock stage which is always my first destination but with so much variety you don’t stay in one place too long.

At the Rock stage Devilskin came out and ripped the punters a new one. Their cover of Dio’s Holy Diver was dynamite. This band is going from strength to strength and with a new album coming out later in the year we were treated to a few new tracks to wet our appetite.

Head Like A Hole are a huge crowd pleaser and they sure let the band know. Booga couldn’t have been in better form with great on stage banter between songs and a set list to keep any diehard fan happy. The skull with blood spilling out was a brilliant set piece. Comfortably Shagged and Glory Glory were an awesome way to top off one of the best bands on the Rock stage.

I was absolutely devastated that I missed one of my favourite bands Kora playing a secret set of five songs. There was an unannounced spot at the after Katchafire and Kora must have come on earlier than expected so I only got to hear the end of Drop Dead Killer which was sounding sublime.

While there was a quieter time on the rock stage I headed over to the Red Bull Lab where Beastwars were carving it up. The band has a huge following and playing in their hometown seems to always inspire their performance.

Cairo Knife Fight hit the stage next up with Aaron Tokona mesmerising on guitar. These guys create beauty in chaos and are such a pleasure to watch.

The Adults were a different line-up from what they were last time I saw them and in exchange for Shayne Carter we were treated to more magic from Aaron Tokona. He complimented the rest of the band perfectly and once again another great moment was had. Jon Togood is definitely showing his class in creating this project and his versatility and talent as a musician are in full view here.

Blacklistt stormed the stage and the energy blew the crowd away. Blacklistt always end the show with a bang and this was no exception. This band gives their all and the crowd sends it straight back at them with the crowd roar being at its biggest for the whole day.

Like I said at the start I love Homegrown and this year was no exception probably having my favourite line-up so far. Bring on next year’s because I can’t wait, pity it’s a long wait to see all of New Zealand’s talents in one place.

• 1
  Anxiety Club
• 2
  Take Hold
• 3
  Coridian
• 4
  Devilskin
• 5
  Skinny Hobos
• 6
  L.A.B.
• 7
  Head Like A Hole
• 8
  Shihad
• 9
  Katchafire
• 10
  Written By Wolves

• 
  Bach Musica NZ @ Auckland Town Hall, Auckland - 14/04/2024
• 
  There's a Tuesday @ Otisfest, San Fran, Wellington - 14/04/2024
• 
  Mudgoose @ Otisfest, San Fran, Wellington - 14/04/2024
• 
  Macho Macho @ Otisfest, San Fran, Wellington - 14/04/2024

• 1
  TOO SWEET
  Hozier
• 2
  BEAUTIFUL THINGS
  Benson Boone
• 3
  LOSE CONTROL
  Teddy Swims
• 4
  LIKE THAT
  Future And Metro Boomin feat. Kendrick Lamar
• 5
  END OF BEGINNING
  Djo
• 6
  I LIKE THE WAY YOU KISS ME
  Artemas
• 7
  WE CAN'T BE FRIENDS (WAIT FOR YOUR LOVE)
  Ariana Grande
• 8
  STICK SEASON
  Noah Kahan
• 9
  TEXAS HOLD 'EM
  Beyonce
• 10
  LEAVEMEALONE
  Fred Again.. And Baby Keem

• Privacy Policy
• Disclaimer
• Copyright Statement

• Contact
• Advertising
• About Us