auckland

Sir Dave Dobbyn, the legendary New Zealand musician, is set to perform a one-night-only concert at Auckland’s Civic Theatre on July 25. Diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2022, Dobbyn continues to create music while managing his health through boxing and routine, according to his interview with RNZ’s Sunday Morning.

How does Sir Dave Dobbyn manage his music career alongside Parkinson’s?

Dobbyn balances his professional commitments by pacing himself and engaging in community-based wellness activities. He specifically credits “boxing lessons with other Parkinson’s people” for providing camaraderie. While he notes that cognitive challenges, such as occasionally losing his train of thought, can be frustrating, he remains actively engaged in the creative process. According to the artist, he often captures musical ideas in fleeting moments of inspiration, rushing back to his studio to record them after a sudden “ta-da!” realization.

What is the significance of the Civic Theatre for Dobbyn?

For Dobbyn, the Auckland Civic Theatre acts as a space of profound personal and professional meaning. Describing the 96-year-old venue as “almost like a church,” he notes that it evokes deep nostalgia. He recalls visiting the area in his youth, traveling on diesel buses along Tāmaki Drive to frequent American-style milk bars on Queen Street. The theatre also served as inspiration for his 1993 song Palace. Dobbyn expressed a desire to perform with the same level of quality he witnessed during a recent Marlon Williams gig at the same venue.

Why does Dobbyn prioritize community in his performances?

Dobbyn views his live shows as an extension of community, emphasizing that music is a shared experience rather than a performance of “us and them.” Reflecting on his sold-out Selected Songs tour from last year, he described the act of observing his audience as a “game.” He often imagines the personal stories behind the faces in the crowd, noting that his songs often serve as soundtracks for his fans’ own “tough times or good times.” For his upcoming July 25 event, he will be backed by an eight-piece band, which includes his son, Eli Dobbyn, on percussion.

Pro Tips for Aspiring Musicians

• Embrace the Audience: Dobbyn stresses that being a successful musician requires a genuine love for people and a commitment to their humanity.
• Capture Inspiration Quickly: Keep a recording device nearby at all times; Dobbyn finds his best musical ideas often strike when he is in a hurry or distracted.
• Community Matters: Build your performance around the idea of shared experience to foster a deeper connection with your listeners.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Sir Dave Dobbyn performing at the Auckland Civic Theatre?
The concert is scheduled for July 25.

Who is accompanying Dobbyn for his July 25 concert?
He will be performing with an eight-piece band, which features his son, Eli Dobbyn, on percussion.

How does Dobbyn manage his Parkinson’s diagnosis?
According to his interview with RNZ, he paces himself and participates in boxing sessions with others who have the condition to maintain camaraderie.

Are you planning to attend the Selected Songs Encore event? Share your favorite memories of Dave Dobbyn’s music in the comments below or subscribe to our newsletter for more updates on New Zealand’s music scene.

The Legacy of The Commodores: How Music Legends Shape Local Scenes

The passing of Ronald LaPread, the iconic bass player for The Commodores, marks the end of an era for soul music. Yet, his story—moving from the global stage to the heart of New Zealand’s local music community—highlights a growing trend: the “global-to-local” migration of legendary musicians who are choosing to settle in smaller, vibrant creative hubs.

LaPread, who passed away in Auckland at 75, was more than just the pulse behind hits like “Brick House” and “Easy.” He became a fixture in the Aotearoa music scene, proving that the influence of international stars doesn’t end when the tour buses stop. It evolves into mentorship and cultural enrichment.

The Evolution of the “Global-to-Local” Musician

In the past, retired rock stars often retreated to secluded estates. Today, we are seeing a shift where artists are integrating into local music ecosystems. This trend is driven by a desire for a more relaxed, collaborative, and diverse environment—a sentiment LaPread expressed in his 2025 interview with World Equal magazine.

Why Artists Are Seeking Community Over Fame

For artists of LaPread’s caliber, the industry has changed from a cycle of endless touring to one of legacy management and community engagement. By settling in smaller markets, these legends provide local musicians with direct access to decades of industry wisdom, technical expertise, and collaborative opportunities.

The Impact of Live Reunions on Modern Culture

LaPread’s occasional reunions with Lionel Richie and his former bandmates, such as their 2011 show at Vector Arena and the 2026 Aotearoa Music Awards appearance, demonstrate the power of the “living legend” performance. These moments aren’t just nostalgia; they are cultural touchstones that bridge the gap between legacy acts and younger generations of listeners.

The trend of “legacy touring” is booming. According to industry data, classic soul and funk acts are seeing a resurgence in demand, not just for the hits, but for the authenticity that original band members bring to the stage. This creates a sustainable model where musicians can continue to work on their terms, even decades after their peak chart success.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Ronald LaPread?

Ronald LaPread was a renowned American bass player, best known for his work with the legendary soul band The Commodores from 1970 to 1986.

What is the “global-to-local” music trend?

It refers to established international musicians choosing to relocate to smaller, creative communities, where they contribute to local music scenes rather than remaining in high-pressure music hubs like Los Angeles or London.

Why do legacy bands continue to tour?

Legacy bands tour to maintain their artistic relevance, connect with multi-generational fanbases, and share the history of their craft through live performances.

What are your favorite memories of The Commodores’ classic hits? Do you have a local music legend in your community who has shaped the scene? Share your thoughts in the comments below or subscribe to our newsletter for more deep dives into music history and industry trends.

The Arts vs. Defence: A National Debate Over Cultural Funding

The tension between national security spending and support for the creative arts has reached a boiling point in Aotearoa New Zealand. Following a poignant tribute at the Aotearoa Music Awards, Dame Lynda Topp of the iconic Topp Twins duo challenged the government’s recent budgetary priorities, sparking a nationwide conversation about what truly defines a country’s strength.

Dame Lynda, performing shortly after the death of her twin sister, Dame Jools, at age 68, delivered a blistering critique of the government’s decision to prioritize defence spending over arts funding. While the government allocated $4.29bn to defence in the 2026 Budget—including $1.6bn for maritime fleet and drone upgrades, $700m for defence projects, $220m for operational funding, and $25m for training—many in the creative sector feel left behind.

The Vanishing Stage: Why Local Venues Matter

Dame Lynda’s critique highlighted a structural shift in the music industry. She noted that four decades ago, artists had access to hundreds of venues, including pubs, woolsheds, and rural halls. Today, the scarcity of these performance spaces makes it increasingly demanding for emerging talent to gain experience and build audiences.

For young artists, the challenge is twofold: a lack of physical infrastructure and a complex, highly competitive government grant process. As Dame Lynda argued, the current system forces musicians to spend more time navigating bureaucracy than perfecting their craft. The call for a more robust arts policy reflects a growing sentiment that cultural infrastructure is as vital to national identity as physical defence.

Defining National Identity Through Culture

The core of the debate rests on a fundamental question: what makes a nation resilient? While Finance Minister Nicola Willis maintained that stakeholders are “entitled to their view,” the arts community argues that a country is defined by its people, culture, and art. The push for a redirected budget—one that values the creative output of local musicians as a primary tool for national unity—continues to gain momentum.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is there such a significant gap between defence and arts funding?
Government budget allocations are typically based on strategic assessments of national security requirements. However, critics argue these assessments often undervalue the “soft power” and economic contributions provided by the arts and culture sector.

What is the primary concern for young artists today?
Beyond funding, the loss of grassroots performance venues—such as local pubs and community halls—has severely limited the ability of new artists to develop their skills and connect with audiences in a sustainable way.

How does the government respond to these criticisms?
Government representatives often acknowledge the importance of the arts but maintain that budgetary decisions must balance competing demands across all sectors, including health, education, and national security.

What do you think? Should arts funding be prioritized alongside national defence? Join the conversation in the comments below or subscribe to our newsletter for more updates on the intersection of culture and policy.