From opening track It Dawned on Me to huge hits like Language and Slice of Heaven, Sir Dave and his band were impressive throughout.
The evening opened with former Dunedinite, now Whanganui-based musician and songwriter Anthonie Tonnon, who shared a taste of his new direction in a short-and-sweet set of synthesiser-based songs.
Explaining his new approach — ditching guitars for an entirely synth-driven sound, Tonnon delighted his many fans in the audience by revealing that we can expect a new album in the near future.
The new songs he shared, each coming with an amusingly detailed explanation of their genesis and signature Tonnon dance moves, gave an intriguing insight into what to expect next.
Tonnon rounded off his set with an impressive rendition of his 2021 track Mataura Paper Mill.
Taking the stage with a seven-piece band, including two brass players, Sir Dave Dobbyn quickly had the audience spellbound as he showed how he has helped to shape the soundtrack to New Zealand life over the past 45 years.
Starting with a selection of tracks from his across extensive catalogue, including Forgiveness, It Dawned on Me, Lap of the Gods, and building towards a high-energy conclusion with the likes of Just Add Water, You Oughta Be in Love, Welcome Home, and Beside You, Sir Dave and band put on a brilliant show.
Although, as he confessed ruefully, Sir Dave is "moving a little slow these days" due to living with Parkinson’s disease, his brilliant guitar skills, distinctive voice and joy in music remain undimmed.
His superbly talented band-mates provided sterling support throughout, adding musical flourishes and some beautiful vocal harmonies to bring Sir Dave’s songs to life.
The night’s final song, the reggae-fuelled anthem Slice of Heaven, had many the audience up on their feet dancing and earned Sir Dave a standing ovation.
All in all, Friday’s concert was a thoroughly enjoyable trip down musical memory lane, along with a glimpse of an intriguing future.
