Tour News - The Pogues' NZ tour kicks off tomorrow, following sold-out Australian shows - 7th April 2026
CREDIT - GRAHAM MACINDOE
CELEBRATING 40 YEARS OF ICONIC ALBUM RUM, SODOMY & THE LASH
Fresh from a triumphant and energetic sold-out Australian tour, and for the first time in an astounding 35 years, legendary Irish icons The Pogues bring their Rum, Sodomy & the Lash 40 th Anniversary Tour to New Zealand this week.
The 14-piece line-up are set to perform 3 shows nationwide, kicking off in Wellington tomorrow, followed by Christchurch on Thursday, before concluding the tour with one final riotous celebration in Auckland this Saturday.
THE POGUES – RUM, SODOMY & THE LASH 40 th ANNIVERSARY - With Special Guest - JOHN FRANCIS FLYNN
Wednesday 8th April – St James Theatre, Wellington – SOLD OUT
Thursday 9th April – Town Hall, Christchurch – SOLD OUT
Saturday 11th April – NZICC Theatre, Auckland – LIMITED TICKETS AVAILABLE
All tickets through Ticketmaster + Mellen Events
Opening for each show is one of the tours guest vocalists, the critically acclaimed Irish folk visionary and multi-instrumentalist John Francis Flynn, whose spellbinding presence and magnetic performances have become a definitive highlight of the tour.
The tour features original members James Fearnley, Jem Finer, and Spider Stacy, along with a collective of special guest musicians Holly Mullineaux (bass), Jordan O’Leary (banjo), Fiachra Meek (pipes/whistles – Alfi), Jim Sclavunos (drums – Bad Seeds), plus brass section Pete Fraser, Daniel Hayes, and Ian Williamson.
Joined by a rotating cast of legendary and lauded guest vocalists Daragh Lynch, Iona Zajac, Lisa O’Neill, and John Francis Flynn will join The Pogues, and also take up guitar, harp and multiple instruments to celebrate and bring one of folk-punk’s most influential and iconic albums back to life.
The Pogues said: “After the uproarious bash which was the 40 th anniversary of our first record, Red Roses for Me, in 2024, we wanted to do it again, but with Rum, Sodomy & the Lash.” The Australian reviews are in, here’s a snapshot of what they had to say:
“The night was loud, boisterous and gloriously disorderly – and that was just the audience. The Pogues themselves were even wilder, proving that their legacy remains as untamed as ever.” – Hi Fi Way
“…it was knees up, hands in the air, pogo dancing and spilling beer. Let’s call the ambience rowdy, chaotic joy…” – Australian Musician
“The Pogues are nothing but a class act…if you can find a ticket somehow, somewhere to any of the remaining shows, I urge you to do it.” – The Rockpit
Released in 1985, Rum, Sodomy & the Lash is a cornerstone of punk and alternative rock, renowned for its raw energy, poetic lyrics, and infectious melodies. The band are set to play the legendary album in full, including B-sides, extended version tracks, plus a special selectin of their most beloved material.
Album highlights include iconic songs like ‘Rainy Night in Soho’, ‘A Pair of Brown Eyes’, and ‘Dirty Old Town’. Ranked among Rolling Stone’s Best 500 Albums of All Time, and featured in such tastemaker books as 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die, Rum, Sodomy & the Lash is a certified classic which has influenced countless artists globally and continues to impact listeners 40 years on.
The Pogues have collectively sold tens of millions of albums, earned multiple GRAMMY Awards and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame honours, and defined generations of live music.
Do not miss your chance to join The Pogues for a rousing, soul-stirring celebration of one of modern music’s most enduring legacies - make sure you secure your tickets today!
