Local music fans rocked out for a cause at a mental health fundraiser last night with bands and organisers putting on the gig to commemorate the death of a friend.
Organiser Jess Covell said the fundraising gig had originally been the brainchild of a friend of hers.
However, when her friend lost her battle with her own mental health issues, Ms Covell decided to organise the concert in her memory.
She felt gratified that tickets for the concert had sold out and did not rule out making it a regular event in the future.
"These particular charities rely heavily on donations, they don’t get government funding."
All profits of the concert were going mental health charities the Life Matters Suicide Prevention Trust and Chatbus.
One hundred punters packed the Wharf Hotel to see Soulseller perform their first concert in five years, and Biff Merchants also performed for the third time this year, following a long break.
The gig was headlined by Kahu Ropu and also featured Tiny Pieces of Eight in support.
Soulseller bassist Damo Smith said he had been apprehensive at first about getting the band back together after not performing for so long.
However he was convinced by the enthusiasm of his fellow band members and in the end had really looked forward to the gig.
Mr Smith said honouring and remembering their friend was very important to the bands.
"She was an important, die-hard music fan, and it sucks not having her around any more."
Soulseller’s hiatus came about after various family and education commitments made it difficult for the group to get together and play.
"[The concert] may have hopefully sparked a wee flame with us again and we might start ... writing new stuff and just see what happens."
- By Andrew Marshall
