Arctic Monkeys announce NZ show
/British rock royalty Arctic Monkeys have ushered in a spectacular new era with their sixth studio album, Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino, and it has now been announced that the band will return to New Zealand for a mammoth arena show in March 2019.
Alex Turner and co. will play Auckland’s Spark Arena and joining them will be friends and collaborators Mini Mansions, the LA trio featuring members of Queens of the Stone Age, and The Last Shadow Puppets.
The news comes fresh after the Arctic Monkeys announced a new two-track digital bundle, featuring a previously unreleased b-side ‘Anyways’, out 30 November (through Domino/Universal Music New Zealand). The band have also shared Warp Speed Chic, a short film directed by Ben Chappell and originally shown as part of the band’s AM:ZM exhibitions in London and Sheffield alongside the photography of Zackery Michael.
On Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino (Domino/Universal Music New Zealand), Arctic Monkeys left behind the thick guitar riffs that defined their previous record AM, opting instead for more piano-driven, suave, lounge pop atmosphere set in a hotel on the moon. Their most surprising release to date slows down the swagger, and was written largely by Alex Turner on piano in self-imposed isolation. Fed by obscure soundtracks, cult films, European songwriters, and vintage sci-fi, the album was recorded across LA, Paris, and London with long-time producer James Ford. Think velvet jackets and brocade slippers, smoky organs, cinematic art deco visuals, and Alex Turner’s trademark lyricism exploring consumerism, politics, religion and technology.
The Sheffield band have now released six studio albums. Their debut, Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not, was the fastest-selling debut album in UK chart history, winning the Mercury Prize for best album. Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino became their sixth consecutive #1 debut in the UK, the country’s fastest-selling vinyl in 25 years, and their fourth record nominated for the Mercury Prize. They’ve won seven Brit Awards and been nominated for three Grammys, have headlined festivals all over the world, and are truly second to none.
Appearing as special guests will be Mini Mansions. Founded by Zach Dawes (The Last Shadow Puppets), Tyler Parkford, and Michael Shuman (Queens of the Stone Age) during a break from Queens of the Stone Age touring in 2009, they’ve put out two albums and three EPs, including the newly released Works Every Time. They’ve toured with Tame Impala, Arctic Monkeys and Royal Blood, as well as performing at festivals like Glastonbury, Reading & Leeds and Bonnaroo, and will be sure to add to the cinematic atmosphere of this special show.
Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino is a perfect example of Arctic Monkeys’ special brand of creativity and desire to keep the world guessing. Their live show has evolved once again to make room for the exciting new material, making this show an unmissable event. Grab your tickets now before they all disappear.
ARCTIC MONKEYS with special guests Mini Mansions
Wednesday 6 March: Spark Arena | Auckland, NZ
All Ages*
ticketmaster.co.nz | Ph: 0800 111 999
ARTIC MONKEYS PRE-SALE
via arcticmonkeys.com
Sign-up concludes: Monday 29 October (9am local time)
Begins: Tuesday 30 October (12pm local time)
Ends: Thursday 1 November (12pm local time)
or until pre-sale allocation exhausted
FRONTIER MEMBERS PRE-SALE
via frontiertouring.com/arcticmonkeys
Begins: Thursday 1 November (2pm local time)
Ends: Friday 2 November (2pm local time)
or until pre-sale allocation exhausted
GENERAL PUBLIC ON SALE
Begins: Wednesday 7 November (2pm local time)
*You must be 16 years of age or older to access the GA standing floor and may be required to show ID to verify.