Amy Shark in New Zealand – A Review

October 12, 2024, Auckland Town Hall

I’ll admit, I went to Amy Shark’s concert without high expectations. I’m not part of her usual fanbase, and honestly, I wouldn’t have bought a ticket myself – I won a double pass from a giveaway a day before, so I thought, why not? I had never listened to her before this concert. I expected an “okay” night at best, but I have to say, the show surpassed my initial expectations.

The show started with Coast Arcade, a local New Zealand band that I knew before. They played old hits like Highest Heights, Surf Club and their newest single Baited. Their loud music encompassed the Town Hall, with a playful stage presence that quickly warmed up the crowd. They set the perfect tone, leaving the audience hyped for the main act.

When Amy Shark finally took the stage, the audience was speechless. For the first show in her newest tour, “THE SADNESS TOUR”, it was planned out meticulously. The show went without a hitch. Her vocals were sharp and emotive, carrying the crowd through a mix of her biggest hits and lesser-known tracks. She performed her greatest hits like I Said Hi and Adore but also lesser-known ones like Love Songs Ain’t For Us. The three-piece band behind her was great, never messing up on a song.

What really surprised me was how engaging Amy was between songs. She shared personal stories, cracked jokes, and interacted with the audience in a way that made the whole experience feel intimate and genuine. It wasn’t just a performance – it felt like she truly wanted to connect with everyone in the room. Her stories about a fan to her mother-in-law really made put it over the top, a memorable part of the show.

Apart from the drunk crowd running up to the stage (this was a seated concert). She was exceptional and crafted a night I truly will remember for a long time.

8/10

all photos taken by me on an iPhone 13 Pro, Edited with Adobe Photoshop & Lightroom