Lorde heads huge lineup for Christchurch concerts

Lorde is part of a massive lineup of artists set to perform at two benefit concerts raising money for those affected by the Christchurch terror attack at two mosques.

Other performers for the concerts next month include Dave Dobbyn, Marlon Williams, Fat Freddy's Drop and Anika Moa.

FULL LINEUP

Special guest appearance by Lorde
Anika Moa
Bailey Wiley
Bene
Bic Runga
Boh Runga
Chaii
Christchurch Combined Choir
Dave Dobbyn
The Exponents
Fat Freddy’s Drop
Hollie Smith
Illbaz
Marlon Williams
Melodownz
Mitch James
Seth Haapu
Shapeshifter
Shihad

The events will be emceed by comedian Mike King.

The concerts are to be held in Auckland and Christchurch in April to raise money for those affected by the attacks on March 15.

All proceeds from the You Are Us/Aroha Nui events will go to the Christchurch Foundation’s Our People, Our City fund.

The You Are Us/Aroha Nui concerts are in addition to the national day of remembrance, which takes place tomorrow. 

A remembrance day service is being held in Christchurch with performances from Yusuf Islam (Cat Stevens), Marlon Williams, Maisey Rika, Hollie Smith and Teeks.

Jon Toogood told RNZ's Morning Report programme the You Are Us/Aroha Nui concerts were a chance for a statement of unity saying "no" to the ideology of the Christchurch attacker.

Toogood is a convert to Islam, marrying Muslim woman Dana Salih in 2014.

"What happened in Christchurch hit me on three levels actually," he said.

"Firstly, my Muslim brothers and sisters got hit. Secondly, as a Kiwi, it was an attack on my country. And then thirdly, and I think most importantly, it was an attack on reason, and civil society and humanity.

"My son and daughter are Muslim ... my in-laws are Muslim, so it really has affected us quite hard."

Toogood said he has spent the last couple of weeks going to interfaith meetings in Australia where he lives.

"It has been huge over here, especially since [the person arrested for the attack] was an Australian."

Christchurch Mayor Lianne Dalziel said she was pleased the New Zealand music industry was supporting fundraising effort for those affected by the attacks.

“The impact on our Muslim communities has been huge and they are going to need ongoing support for a very long time.

"The response of the music industry has been magnificent and we are all grateful for the significance of this contribution to the Muslim community’s long term recovery."

Many of those involved in the concert are taking part for free, and Ticketmaster and Ticketek will donate the booking fees from purchased tickets to the Our People, Our City fund.

• Christchurch, Wednesday April 17 | Christchurch Stadium

Tickets for the Auckland show go on sale at 12pm on Thursday, March 28. ticketmaster.co.nz phone 0800 111 999 

Tickets for the Christchurch show go on sale at 12pm on Friday March 29. ticketek.co.nz  phone 0800 842 538

Prices are $79 for adults and $39 for children (12 years old and under).

The organisers of You Are Us/Aroha Nui urge patrons to only purchase tickets from the events authorised tickets sellers.

For those wanting to donate separately, you can give to the Our People, Our City fund. Full accounting figures will be made available on completion of both events at www.youareus.co.nz.