Sir Dave Dobbyn Captivates Wellington Audience with Timeless Hits

On October 31, 2023, a palpable excitement enveloped the Wellington Opera House as fans gathered to witness a performance by Sir Dave Dobbyn. The evening began with a captivating set from Anthonie Tonnon, whose rich voice and intricate soundscapes set the tone for what was to follow. As he wove together influences reminiscent of LCD Soundsystem and Kraftwerk, the audience was drawn into a musical experience that hinted at the bright future of New Zealand music.

A Hero’s Welcome

When Dobbyn finally took the stage, the atmosphere shifted to one of celebration. Dressed in all black, he received a hero’s welcome, a testament to his enduring legacy that spans over forty-five years. Despite a recent diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease, the 68-year-old musician delivered a performance that underscored his resilience and passion.

Opening with “Belltower,” Dobbyn immediately set a reflective tone. Following “Forgiveness,” he shared a humorous anecdote about a time he left Wellington for forty years after a drunken incident involving footlights and an unresponsive audience. “I had to leave town because my name was mud,” he recalled, lightening the mood with his self-effacing charm. “You’re back then,” the venue owner had said upon his return. “Sorry,” Dobbyn replied, embodying his humility.

Introspection and Energy

The first half of the concert leaned into introspection, with slower songs supported by lush arrangements from his seven-piece band. Instrumentation included keyboards, horns, and backing vocals, creating an immersive sound. Dobbyn paused between songs to catch his breath, but his voice remained strong, effortlessly hitting high notes that resonated with clarity and warmth.

Tracks like “Language” and “Maybe the Rain” delivered intimate yet universal messages about love and communication. Dobbyn’s wit and informal asides created a relaxed atmosphere, transforming the concert into a conversation with an old friend.

Acknowledging the slower start, Dobbyn humorously hinted that the “flash and bang” would come later. As the night progressed, the energy in the venue surged. The band’s precision elevated the performance, with Dobbyn’s storytelling engaging the audience, who responded with smiles and laughter.

The encores ignited the Opera House, with “Beside You” and “Slice of Heaven” prompting the crowd to rise to their feet. The second encore, featuring “You Get So Lonely” and “Be Mine Tonight,” filled the room with nostalgia and celebration. Hands were raised high, voices joined together, and the Opera House vibrated with decades of shared memories.

While Dobbyn may joke about being an “old man,” his performance was anything but. It was a masterclass in connecting with an audience through heart, humor, and timeless songs. Four decades after the infamous footlight incident, Wellington received the apology it deserved—not in words, but through every note and lyric from a night that allowed the city to forgive and remember simultaneously.