Hamilton’s first-ever NZ Music Month Concert is coming — 10 bands, 5 regions, 1 unforgettable night of epic Kiwi music!

Waikato Rocks! NZ Music Month Concert.

Hamilton Rocks Into New Zealand Music Month with “Waikato Rocks!” — A Historic Celebration of Kiwi Talent.

Hamilton, New Zealand — As the chill of autumn settles across Aotearoa, Hamilton is turning up the heat with a ground-shaking celebration of homegrown sound. This May, as New Zealand embraces the 25 years of Music Month, the city will host Waikato Rocks! — a high-voltage, history-making event that brings ten boundary-pushing music groups from across the country together for one unforgettable night.

Five of the ten bands performing hail from the Waikato region, underscoring the significance of this concert for the local music community. This event sends a powerful message of support and hope, affirming that their creativity is valued and will continue to be celebrated through future concerts and opportunities.

The Lineup That Rocks the Nation:

Luger Boa: Explosive, theatrical, and utterly unmissable. The brainchild of Jimmy Christmas — former frontman of the internationally acclaimed garage rock band The D4-— Luger Boa storms the stage with sci-fi flair and swaggering bravado. Equal parts villain and virtuoso, Jimmy’s alter ego channels the sleek menace of a Luger pistol and the slick charm of a boa constrictor. Expect a masterclass in pure rock‘n’roll spectacle.

Danny Rascal: A name synonymous with catchy hooks and relentless stage energy. Danny’s journey through New Zealand’s music scene has seen him share the spotlight with legends like Devilskin, The Datsuns, Quiet Riot, and even Grammy-nominated acts. His upcoming album tour — spanning NZ to Australia — stops in Hamilton with thunderous intent, ready to raise the roof.

Dead Empire: Equal parts technical mastery and raw emotion, Dead Empire from Mount Maunganui bends progressive rock into fresh, fearless shapes. Unpredictable rhythms, soaring hooks, and undeniable stage presence make this four-piece a standout in any lineup.

MEDUSA GLARE: Thunderous riffs, vintage soul, and a swagger born of classic rock royalty — this Hamilton-based group channels the spirit of Deep Purple and Led Zeppelin while forging a bold, modern sound of their own. With deep grooves and soaring vocals, MEDUSA GLARE delivers the kind of set that grabs you by the collar and doesn’t let go.

Tablefox: An indie-rock force erupting from Auckland, Tablefox fuses atmospheric melodies with spine-tingling intensity. With chart-topping hits like Where Do I Belong? and recent support gigs alongside Ash, Inspiral Carpets, and RIDE, Tablefox are bringing their stadium-sized sound to the Waikato, ready to leave the crowd breathless.

Tony Lee: Hailing from Hamilton and steeped in heartfelt storytelling, Tony Lee weaves raw emotion into every chord of his alternative country rock. His soul-soaked voice and award-nominated videos have captured attention from London to Tamworth, carving his place as one of New Zealand’s most authentic and resonant songwriters.

Rise the Wicked: A fierce wall of sound from the heart of the Waikato. RTW’s debut album State of Oblivion blends high-octane metal with lyrical fire and powerful stagecraft. Their set is not just a performance — it’s a sonic onslaught that leaves audiences exhilarated.

Intercite: Proof that rock has no age limit, this teenage alternative/grunge/rock outfit from Kapiti Coast delivers energy and charm in equal measure — their single ‘Ode To Beer’ is already turning heads.

Hoon: Straight outta Hamilton, this hardcore group is loud, proud, and unfiltered. With their aggressive vocals and unrelenting sound, Hoon are the embodiment of youthful rebellion and unapologetic musical force.

Abstract Fish Lungs: Waikato youth at full volume. This high-octane group fuses heavy metal, thrash, and hardcore with searing riffs, electrifying solos, and pounding drums. Raw, fierce, and unforgettable — Abstract Fish Lungs is a sonic force you don’t want to miss.

Waikato Rocks! is more than just a concert — it’s a movement. A defiant, joyful celebration of who we are and how we sound. For Hamilton, it marks a new chapter — one where the city steps up, amps up, and rocks out alongside the very best.