It's a mixed bag this week. Make yourself comfortable: I have a bunch of ‘have you heard about?' things for you...
First, news from Richard O'Brien, international star of stage and screen and writer of pop culture phenomenon ‘The Rocky Horror Show'. Richard has written a new musical, ‘The Kingdom of Bling'. And he's planning the world premiere here in Tauranga.
Richard has written a pile of stuff in the 50 years since Rocky's debut, including the sequel ‘Shock Treatment' and several other musicals. But perhaps because of a failure to get back to Blighty for the 50th anniversary this year due to an untimely bout of Covid picked up while playing Rocky's narrator in Adelaide, the new show – 'a satirical fairy-tale punctuated with songs” – will be happening here, performed by students of three schools, at Tauranga Boys' College, November 25.
I should ‘fess up and say that I have heard the new show, its story and songs, and I found it simply wonderful. As you would expect from Richard it is ridiculously clever and ridiculously funny but, in a first for him, it also boasts a sharp line in political satire, particularly aimed at the rise of Donald Trump and his minions.
Photo: Dead Simple. Photo: supplied.
Mantra
Richard's mantra, as long as I've known him, is that we must 'inspire and celebrate kindness”. From there it's a pretty straight line to his thoughts on America right now: 'Quite why right-wing Christians in America have abandoned gentleness and kindness in favour a man without a solitary redeeming character trait is mystifying and I do wish they would all wake up and behold the ugly reality of the empty, shallow vessel that he so obviously is”.
Moving right along, some future dates – which I will return to – to put on your calendars...
Down at The Jam Factory on November 4 is a celebration of the 40th anniversary of post-punk band Unrestful Movements' album ‘Are You A Fireman'. Frontman Glen Wilson is now Tauranga-based and his current band Dead Simple is touring, playing the songs. In Tauranga they'll be supported by Babys of Ruby and Tactical Chunny.
Another band celebrating 40 years visit later in November. One of Aussie's most influential and infamous punk bands, Cosmic Psychos, formed in 1982, will be coming to Totara Street on November 17. Also on the bill are locals Dick Move and Grown Downz.
Photo: Cosmic Psychos. Photo: supplied.
A gem
And don't forget Whirimako Black, who is coming to Baycourt's X-Space on November 3. If you haven't heard her, expect to be blown away by her astoundingly soulful voice and songs from jazz standards to Te Reo ballads. She really is a gem.
One last thing. There are still tickets left for English singer Lloyd Cole, who is touring in early December, including a show at the Holy Trinity Cathedral in Auckland which should be fantastic. It's well worth checking out his new album, ‘On Pain', which delves into musical electronica and includes an outstanding song about David Bowie and Iggy Pop. Called, of course, ‘The Idiot'.
Hear Winston's latest Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6VMTh5hUWRfZ3a0pKz8P3J?si=5bb77bb8b0634388
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