12 Months Of NZ Herald Concert Reviews, Incl. Paul McCartney, Queen, Katy Perry, Shania Twain, Cat Stevens & Cher.

12 months ago I started reviewing concerts for the New Zealand Herald. Not every week and not even every month, but on average, every couple of months I’d find myself with pen and notepad at a gig by one of the biggest artists of all time. Tough job but someone has to do it! So, conveniently all gathered in the one place for your reading pleasure, here they are.

From Cat Stevens’ “intimate and grand” December 2017 gig, to Paul McCartney’s “profound” performance that same month, to Queen + Adam Lambert’s “extravagant” February concert, to Katy Perry’s “bonkers” August show, to Cher’s “unexpectedly poignant” September night and to finally, Shania Twain’s “hands in the air like you just don’t care” backing-track-a-thon from earlier this week, here are the links plus a few photos too:

Paul McCartney, December 2017, Mt Smart Stadium, Auckland, NZ.

Cat Stevens, December 2017, Spark Arena, Auckland, NZ.

Queen + Adam Lambert, February 2018, Spark Arena, Auckland, NZ.

Katy Perry, August 2018, Spark Arena, Auckland, NZ.

Cher, September 2018, Spark Arena, Auckland, NZ.

Shania Twain, December 2018, Spark Arena, Auckland, NZ.

As for my best pick out of those six? While Queen + Adam Lambert was so slick, exciting and stadium-worthy that I hope they tour again but in a massive outdoor venue, it’s Sir Paul who just pips them to get the nod. Sure, his voice may not quite be what it once was, but that December 2017 gig really was profound. It was also moving, joyous and a reminder of the undeniable power that live music can have. It doesn’t have to be perfect to be a near perfect concert-going experience and that’s precisely what Paul McCartney that early summer’s night was. Thanks for reading and all the best for 2019! Tim.

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