Dragon Celebrates 50th Anniversary with Spectacular New Zealand Tour in April 2024
Published: Monday 30 October, 2023
Legendary rock band Dragon is thrilled to announce a very special tour of New Zealand to celebrate their 50th anniversary. The tour, spanning eight incredible dates across the country, promises to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for fans and music enthusiasts alike.
After playing two sold out shows at Auckland’s Powerstation this August, the band decided that two shows to mark their 50 year career were not nearly enough. Dragon's 50th Anniversary New Zealand Tour will kick off in style at the Invercargill Civic Theatre on April 12th, 2024. From there, the band will travel across the South Island, gracing Dunedin Town Hall on April 13th, Oamaru Opera House on April 15, Christchurch Town Hall on April 18 and The Trafalgar Centre in Nelson on Saturday April 20. Hamilton's Globox Arena will be the next stop on April 24th, followed by a memorable performance at Black Barn in Havelock North on April 25th. The tour will conclude with a grand finale at the Auckland Town Hall on April 26th.
Founded in 1973, Dragon has left an indelible mark on the music industry with their timeless hits like "Rain," "April Sun in Cuba," and "Are You Old Enough?" Over the last five decades, the band's iconic music has continued to resonate with fans old and new.
Formed in Auckland in 1973, Dragon quickly established themselves as one of the most exciting and dynamic live acts in the country. Playing their first ever gig at The Great Ngāruawāhia Music Festival in January 1973, alongside Black Sabbath, Fairpoint Convention and Split Enz, they endured numerous line-up changes over the following years each time refining their sound to become the Dragon we know today.
Todd Hunter, Dragon's bassist and one of the original members, expressed his enthusiasm for the tour, stating, "New Zealand holds a special place in our hearts, and celebrating our 50th anniversary with our fans in this beautiful country is an incredible honour. We can't wait to perform for you all once again."
Very special guests Hello Sailor will join Dragon on all shows. Cut from the same cloth as Dragon, Hello Sailor were and still are a phenomenal live band. ‘Blue Lady’, ‘Gutter Black’, ‘Lyin’ In The Sand’, and more, Hello Sailor rocked the country one pub at a time. With Jimmy Taylor, Paul Woolright and original members Harry Lyon and Rick Ball at the helm, Hello Sailor are the perfect pairing for what will be a tour for the ages full of nostalgia next April.
Dragon 50 is not only a celebration of the band’s existence, but also a celebration of your relationship with Dragon songs. Each song is a trip down memory lane for young and old. Whether you were right there during the early days singing away while watching the band live at the local pub, or you became familiar with the songs by listening to your parents' record collection, these songs have stood the test of time. Witnessing a Dragon show with the band in their current form triggers a powerful emotional response, punters shoulder to shoulder belting out the classics as one.
Ticket sales for Dragon's 50th Anniversary New Zealand Tour go on sale Monday 6 November at 1pm. Be sure to mark your calendars and secure your seats for what will undoubtedly be one of the most extraordinary musical events of 2024.
Dragon 50. Tickets on sale Monday 6 November 1pm.