It was a big night for Stewart Islanders with one of New Zealand’s most popular bands wrapping up their latest tour in the far south — and they sure know how to party.
Dunedin-formed band Six60 have been getting back to their roots by travelling the country for their Grassroots Tour.
Some places include Waimate, Gore, Kaitaia and now, for the first time, Oban, on New Zealand’s third largest island.
The gig may have been easily one of the band’s smallest in recent times with a sellout crowd of 250 enthusiastic locals.
But for the islanders, it was a night they won’t forgot any time soon.
One concertgoer told 1News: “it’s awesome.. bloody awesome.”
Band member Chris Mac said: “Being on this tour has been amazing. It’s giving us opportunities to be in places like this.”
The band made themselves at home by bringing their famous “660” Castle Street house to the island as a tiny house replica.
All four members also got a little closer to nature by taking a tiki tour over to Ulva Island for a bit to take a breather from 24 shows.
“Walking around, tui chirping, we’ve [been able] to see things in places of New Zealand I’ve never been to before. Never seen… truly life-changing trip,” said Mac.
But last night’s performance was the highlight and talk of the town today, the band not forgetting their roots, with lucky locals who got tickets able to be front and centre.
“Absolutely fantastic,” said one ticketholder.
“They came all the way over Foveaux Strait to come and see us here, everyone is having a great time,” she said.
Some fans came from as far away as Auckland.
Islanders also went the extra mile, with the owner of the local Four Square supermarket having a one-day deal, two pottles of Bluff Oysters for $66.00 (six-sixty).
Owner Tim Manson said:”We thought we’d put on a wee special with some local produce.”
District councillor Jon Spraggon told 1News: “it was a band I didn’t know of but I do now.”
He said the island had been “buzzing ever since it announced they would be here”.
Police also quadrupled for the event with officers making their way from Invercargill for the occasion — just in case. The island usually only has one sole officer.
Constable Stuart Newton said the place was clearly excited.
“From what I’m seeing all around, they’re fizzing in the bunghole about what’s happening here and looking forward to the band itself, and its a nice buzz to the village.”
With the concert and national tour ended on Stewart Island/Rakiura, Six60 was now heading over the ditch for a similar grassroots tour starting next week.
But for Stewart Islanders, the memories will certainly last, well, Forever.
