We’re returning to the South Island for a tour, with 4 shows around the best summer spots.
With Fox Glacier, Queenstown, Wanaka and Christchurch on the menu, we can’t wait to experience our first proper South Island summer. To make things sweeter, we’ll be playing in the new years (from 11-1) in Wanaka, with a purpose built waterfront stage – not to mention the fact we’re sharing the stage with Queenstown’s Station Agents. We’re hoping there’ll be fireworks, and if there aren’t, Mike Rhodes who’s joining us on stage and will take his pants off, embarking on a whole new spectacle that’ll be worth sticking around for.
So southenerrrrrs, put on yer dancing shoes. We’ll see you soon.
Wednesday, 21 December, 2011 |
Hello good people
You recently may not have seen a ton of gigs posted by us. That’s because we’re working hard in the Crowes Nest to produce a series of demos for what will be a forthcoming album. There will be rock, gospel backing vocals, stomp, grit, and a good dose of nostalgia.
For all you peeps asking about gigs, we promise they’re on the horizon. Until then, we’re locked away making music for your ears.
Peace
Mercury Crowe.
Tuesday, 25 October, 2011 |
We’ve been hand-picked by Classic Hits as one of four finalists in their ‘Open for Elton John’ competition.
Needless to say, the chance to share the stage with a life-long hero of ours is a rare opportunity, and if you could spare a minute to cast a vote or ten, we would be eternally grateful.
Head over to classichits.co.nz and cast your vote.
It only takes 3 seconds and you can vote as many times as you like! There’s no signing up to mailing lists or making log-in’s involved.
Results will be announced August 1st so keep your ears peeled and wish us luck!
Monday, 25 July, 2011 |
We’ve all been catching up on rest so apologies for the delayed entry for the remainder of our South Island Tour.
Queenstown Mardis Gras show was amazing. Somewhere around 3000 people turned out to enjoy the festivities. There was a huge parade through Queenstown followed by the evenings entertainment. Thank you to the incredible crowd who made for such a killer atmosphere. Not only did we get to enjoy our own set, but the good gents from Mile High called everyone back on stage for their final song ‘Now’.
After the show we all headed to Queenstown’s ‘Revolver’. That evening a Queenstown band called ‘The Station Agents’ played. If you ever get a chance you have to hear them, Molly the female lead has one of the most powerful and amazing set of pipes I’ve heard on a gal in a long time. We were then treated to an impromptu show by Jason Kerrison. Ditty and I drunkenly realised that these wee hours were perfect for ticking off as many McDonalds items as possible, so headed to the golden arches to hit the Mega Mac and the Double Quarter Pounder.
We were lucky enough to have a couple of days off and were treated to a trip to the top of the gondola, an Ice Hockey game and an entire day’s boarding up Coronet Peak. On Thursday night we played for the good people of Wanaka, a rowdy bunch of humans who took our Kiss Me or Kill Me cardboard cut out girl and proceeded to rape her in various positions around the room. Half the crowd then piled on the stage during Carolina to see our set out in style.
Hamish McCrostie and his team at Coronet Peak had managed to crank their snow machines so hard that there was enough snow to open the mountain, allowing us to play a show up there. We’ve never played a colder show in our life… ever. Luckily the girls from Wild Turkey American Honey were hitting us with shots of the best burbon liquor you’ve tasted every 3 songs, keeping our hearts and our throats warm. We felt so fortunate to play a show to a mountain of skiers & boarders with the sun gracing the snow, slowly setting behind the range.
The drive home was long but absolutely stunning. I’ve refrained from uploading the 50+ scenery photos I snapped, but damn it’s a beautiful part of the country.
Ditty and I finished the Mcdonalds Menu. With a huge breakfast haul on Sunday I hit the blt bagel, bagel with jam, yoghurt berry crunch and Bacon McMuffin. There were a ton more items ticked off in Queenstown. Ditty, you’re a hero and a champion. Clocking video games is over rated. Clocking restaurants is where it’s at.
A huge thank you to the organisers of the Queenstown Winterfest for having us. And a massive thanks to Hell Pizza for helping us eat on the tour. Whilst I write about Maccas a lot, there is a giant place in my heart for Brimstone, Grimm and a new-found love for Envy.
The final word has to go out to the Mile High boys & Tyler Burke. Cheers for a fucking awesome tour. We were privileged to be able to share 3 killer weeks with a group of like minded and awesome individuals. Tyler, we’ll miss your morning phone calls and wandering in robes. Whatever happens, I hope no one ever finds the pillow from your bed. Ever.
Peace
Al
Sunday, 10 July, 2011 |
It’s hard to begin to describe the first few days of our South Island tour leg. The sheer beauty of the South makes for the best drives a man can have in a van. Queenstown is looking phenomenal, with mountains rising from the ocean and forests spanning hills, painting a picture no technology can capture, only the human eye.
Timaru was an awesome show. Thanks to the good local people who showed up for a party. If you do ever hit Timaru, be sure to visit No. 8 Wired (the bar) as it’s one of the better set up live music venues you’ll find in the country.
We’ve been one day in Queenstown. Mercury Crowe are proud to have beaten Mile High in our fist Mini Golf game and there was a fairly heated poker tournament last night using hotel sugar and tea sachets as chips. After sound check this afternoon we’re excited for the big winterfest show tonight. There’s not much snow around these parts yet but plenty of people keeping this bustling town alive.
So far in the south, Ditty and I have laid down the following on the McDonalds challenge: Lime Shake, Caramel Sundae, Chicken Bacon Deluxe, Tea, Hotcakes, Brooklyn Deli Bagel, Bakehouse Breakfast Roll and the Hotcakes. There’s only a small amount of the menu yet to conquer and there will be celebrations with Big Macs all round once we’re done.
Below is the Stage for tonight awaiting it’s crowd. Queenstown, we’re excited.
The Crowe
Tuesday, 28 June, 2011 |
Packing for Tour is a strange beast. You’re sharing a van, motels and peoples garage floors with 3 other band members so you have to pack light – something I certainly haven’t mastered. Heading to the South Island for a week, our van is currently as laden as she’s ever been. Not only does she have all of our gear, but also Mile High’s drums, amp heads and a guitar cabinet. On top of that we need an extra PA speaker, all of our sleeping bags, pillows, clothing bags, and still need room for us to sit somewhere.
Below is a photo of what I’ll have on or near my person at all times. Whilst these ‘what’s in my pocket’ photos are cliché, I do find them to be an accurate representation of a persons life and priorities.
With me is: My 35mm Holga + a holga flash with colour gels; a hip flask of whisky; ‘On The Road’ by Jack Kerouac; My trusty lyrics book and pen; iPod; my super trusty Nokia with torch light (boom!); wallet; earplugs; Van Keys; Epilepsy Medication & my vintage Mobil Lighter. I also forgot to include my Half Frame Olympus Pen camera loaded with red scale film.
I’ll see you tomorrow South Island. So will all this stuff.
Al
Thursday, 23 June, 2011 |
After traveling to Auckland numerous times in the van, we always opt to leave after work the night before a show. This means leaving Wellington at around 6pm and arriving in to Auckland at about 3am. There’s something nice about night drives and Thursday night was no exception. The entire way up the country the moon was full and bright, the skies were clear and the winds calm.
Waking up in Auckland on Friday was great, mostly because it included our traditional breakfast at the Fridge in Kingsland. BEST PIES EVER (and wraps too). Friday eve got a touch wet and the heaviest rain I’ve seen for a while descended on Auckland. We’ve gotta say a huge thank you to you amazing people who battled the weather to come to our show. The Kings Arms fireplace made it all worth while and it was awesome to catch up with a ton of people.
Saturday morning started with a lunch BYO and curry to cure the hangover, followed by a short dash to Raglan. Having never played Raglan before we weren’t sure what to expect. They really should warn you. A bar full of amazing, wild and dancing people. Perfect. We partied with everyone from British Tourists to the head of the local Mongrel Mob. Raglan, cheers for the warm reception. We will DEFINITELY be back to sample your fair shores again.
A special thanks to Strachan Rivers and his boy Boh for putting us up for the night and feeding us in the morning. True Hosts.
The McDonalds challenge upped it’s game with the deluxe chicken, the cesar wrap, tandori wrap, chicken snack wrap, strawberry milkshake, the boss, the sausage McMuffin and the Sausage and Egg McMuffin all being consumed. Plenty of work to do on the breakfasts next week though.
And whilst it seems like a contradiction of the aforementioned, a huge thanks to Hell Pizza, Jucy Rentals and the good people at Suzuki Motorbikes for all your continued sponsorship and support. We couldn’t do it without you.
Hey South Island. See you in a week.
Peace
Al
Monday, 20 June, 2011 |
Having spent months planning our Winter Tour, It felt like a finality when we saw posters for the shows pop up all around Wellington. Along with the boys from Mile High, we’ve embarked on an 8 show fiasco around New Zealand.
Whilst she was a fair and fine week in Welly, the skies turned to custard on the day of our show. Thank you to everyone who battled the cold and rain to come and enjoy the show at the Garden Club on Friday night. It’s been a while since we’ve played a Wellington gig and it was amazing not only to see all your faces again, but to drink and catch up afterwards. Playing again felt good. The last thing I remember is the Garden Club turning on all their lights and getting everyone to leave, which means it must have been a good night.
On Saturday we woke up hungover, jumped in to our van and headed to Napier. The highlights of the roadtrip included pies in Woodville and pulling up to see the Mile High boys having a boxing match on the side of the road. Napier is full of good humans, especially in the music scene and I wanna say a huge thanks to both Valve and Ninja Mokey Band who we played with. You both have great songs, talented singers and we enjoyed the shit out of hanging with you.
The Mcdonalds Challenge
Ditty from Mile High and I have undertaken a self imposed Mcdonalds challenge… to combine forces and eat through the entire menu. The rules are as follow:
We must cover the entire Mcdonalds Menu. This excludes McCafe, Salads, breakfast cereals on the breakfast menu and weight watchers meals (all of the aforementioned are for pussies and shouldn’t be on that holy menu in the first place). We must eat one of everything – but not one of every size. Finally, we can only undertake this eating during the hours of tour (no snacking in mid-week down time).
This weekend we covered: Chicken McBites; Chicken McWings; Chicken McCheese, McChicken, Deluxe Chicken, Hamburger, Cheeseburger, Double Cheeseburger, Quarter Pounder, Filet’o'Fish, French Fries, all the sodas, Coffee, Hot Chocolate, Chocolate Shake, Choc Oreo Shake, Bacon & Egg McMuffin and a Hash Brown. – Stay tuned for more artery clogging updates.
Auckland, we’re looking forward to seeing you on Friday. You can hit presales at 1-night.co.nz and receive a free CD from each band. Choice!
Al
Monday, 13 June, 2011 |
We are incredibly proud to present the NEW VIDEO for ‘RIDE’. CLICK RIGHT HERE to check it out!
A massive thank you to everyone who made this video possible, including all our friends from Whangapoua, all the gorgeous gypsies from the camp and all the crew who worked relentlessly all weekend to get the best shots for us. A special thank you to Roimata Taimana and his mum Minna for feeding our troupe of 24 people! It was a logistical maze and we couldn’t have done it without the support and energy of everyone on the shoot. Thank you also to the good people of Whangapoua who gave up their properties for our use, and Vicky & Steve for the helicopter fly-bys! It was AMAZING guys.
AND as if that wasn’t enough! We are hitting the road in June for a Nation wide tour with our mates Mile High. Head over to our WINTER TOUR PAGE for all the details. We can’t wait to see you all at the front of the stage. Be prepared for new tunes, old favorites and a mid year party to top all others.
See ya soon
love from the crowe
Thursday, 12 May, 2011 |
A BIG thank you to everyone who braved the cold and came down to The Dowse. We had so much fun singing up a storm, and it was so good to see people seated from the very front to the very back! A big thank you to Leanne, Nick, Ben and Rich, and all at The Dowse for making it a great night.
And as we mentioned at the gig, keep your eyes open for our new video for ‘Ride’ very soon. The final edits are coming through now and it’s looking fantastic, we can’t wait to get it out to you. If you can’t wait, head over to our YOUTUBE PAGE and check out some old treats that were playing on the screens at the gig.
And even more news: Our June winter tour is nearly finalized and we have a bunch of exciting gigs to announce in the not so distant future.
We will be in touch soon with more news, see you all at the front of the stage :)
Love from
The Crowe
Thursday, 7 April, 2011 |
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