Media Release: Friday 26th January 2001
Neil Finn Announces 2001 Touring Plans
ORIENTATION 2001Neil Finn is returning to the concert stage for a National tour beginning February 2001, presented by the New Zealand Campus Art’s Network, organisers of the Orientation Festivals throughout New Zealand Universities.
For the first time ever, Finn will take part in the Orientation festivities, appearing in five major centres. In a departure from the norm, Finn will play at venues off campus where students and the general public will together be able to see Finn live in concert.
Rob McCann, secretary of The Students’ Association Organising Committee for Orientation 2001: “We are overjoyed to have Neil Finn for Orientation 2001 - It feels like a real coup! The venues have been chosen to provide the best possible production values and to enable the general public the opportunity to experience Orientation”
For much of the show Finn will be playing solo on guitar and piano, debuting new songs from his forthcoming album as well as delving into his extensive repertoire of worldwide hits.
The Auditions - “Ladies & Gentlemen, let me introduce the band.”
Neil Finn - “I’m going to invite auditions in each city for local musicians to be my band for part of the show each night. The initial audition process will be handled by the local student unions, they will gather audition tapes or CD's, then they will advise me on who the likely candidates are so we can then put it all together at soundcheck on the day. For me it’s about willingly embracing the unknown for the possibility of brilliance; a thrilling flirtation with complete strangers, every night a different band. It may well be hair raising, funny, disastrous or sublime, but it will certainly be an adventure...I can’t wait.” (Audition details follow)
TAIHAPE MUSCIANS CLUB & HASTINGS MUNICIPAL THEATRE
In addition to the Orientation dates, Neil Finn is proud to announce as part of his National tour he will be perform at the Taihape Musician's Club (the former Cascade Brewery) - a cosy venue that holds 250 people. He will also play in Hastings at the Municipal Theatre. Both these concerts will be open to the 'audition process' for local musicians who will be invited to join Neil on stage during the show.
AUCKLAND SEASON - REGENT THEATRE MARCH 2001
Fear not - Auckland will not miss out. The culmination of the National tour will be a limited season at Auckland's Regent Theatre beginning Monday 26h March.
For these shows Neil will be inviting international guests to join him (no auditions necessary), as well as a number of his New Zealand contemporaries, plus some of the players who may rise from the Orientation auditions.
"I have sent invitations to friends and people I have worked with in the past for them to join me, and I have had a very enthusiastic response".
Finn says: “It’s been way too long since I was on stage and I am really excited about doing this tour especially because in every way it promises to be different to anything I have ever done”.
Neil Finn’s status as a performer and writer is unparalleled in New Zealand. His songs are acclaimed around the world and he has sold millions of recordings. His career to date includes Split Enz, Crowded House and Neil Finn solo.
Shortly after the tour Neil will prepare for the worldwide release of his second solo album.
2001 TOUR DATES
See our tour schedule page for 2001 dates.
To Audition...
This is simply about showing Neil that you are proficient on your instrument and that you can play Neil Finn songs.
- Send a tape or CD of you playing one Neil Finn song - from either Split Enz, Crowded House or Neil Finn solo repertoire.
- It’s important you write your name, address, daytime contact number, instrument, and the show/city you are auditioning for on the cover of the cassette or CD.
- Keep the choice of songs to the most well known
- Tell us your age
- Individual musicians only please - NOT bands.
- The local student union or nominated person will listen to all tapes/CD's submitted. Selected musicians will then be invited along to the soundcheck on the day of the show. Neil will then hand pick a band to perform 3 or 4 songs during his show.
- Backline equipment will be supplied
| Christchurch RDU Private Bag 4800 Christchurch | Dunedin Radio One P.O. Box 1436 Dunedin |
| Wellington Radio Active 89 FM PO Box 11-971 Wellington | Hamilton UFM P.O. Box 19389 Hamilton |
| Palmerston North Radio Massey Private Bag 11-222 Palmerston North | Taihape Dan McCartin RD4 Taihape |
| Hastings Richard Nicholson 913 Fitzroy Ave Hastings |
Tickets for Orientation dates on sale now - Student Tickets available from Student Association outlets, Public Tickets available from Ticketek
Tickets for Auckland, Regent Shows on sale Monday 5th February from Ticketek or the St James Booking Office.