K Road felt busier than usual for a Friday night, including groups of people flowing into The Studio. Hilltop Hoods were set to kick off their Sold Out NZ Tour tonight and people were keen, with a queue at the door and inside at the merch stand. The crowd trickled in and filled the floor drinks in hand. These were people ready to have a good night at a gig then flow out to wherever the night took them and I think that was the energy everyone needed tonight.
Freddy Reynold took the stage to kick things off with Milli Melvz on the decks. I hadn’t heard of Freddy before tonight so didn’t know what to expect but I have to say, I was impressed. He just dove straight in and really knew how to work a stage. I appreciated that it really felt like the performance was all him, I didn’t hear any backing track and even if the crowd didn’t warm up to him too quickly, he still gave the energy like they did. The crowd continued to pack in as he performed and there were definitely a group down the back that was living their best lives to their set and I loved that. Throughout the performance he let them know the percentage they were at 40%, 60% and finally 100% and ready for Hilltop Hoods.
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Hilltop Hoods took the stage with a drummer Plutonic Lab, DJ Debris (Barry Francis), Nyassa and a 3-piece horns section. Then Suffa (Matthew Lambert) and Pressure (Daniel Smith) emerged after them in shorts, a tee and trainers but all energy. The crowd was packed in at this point with people flowing down the far back, up the stairs and up on the second level. It didn’t feel as sardined as I have experienced at The Studio before but I am sure the crowd was grateful as they all began to jump and move with Hilltop Hoods.
They spoke to the audience to see who was seeing them for the first time, the legends that they are they have been around a while. But there were actually a good handful or so, including Lily at the front. They welcomed her and everyone who was experiencing them live for the first time and introduced them to those on the stage and explained how the fun the night ahead would be.
I can’t not mention Nyassa. Her powerful vocals really amplified each track. Friend asked me after the show who I would compare her to and I said SIA. Not because that is how she sings, but for sheer power. Nyassa has real soul to her vocals and her outfit was amazing. I spotted a black dress, black lace gloves with a pink hat and huge pink bow. The contrast to the band was amazing but she truly had her own flare. I was mesmerised.
The delivery from both Hilltop Hoods and band was clean. And though I shouldn’t be surprised with how much they’ve done this, you never know. I honestly can’t even recollect if I’ve seen them live myself. But that combined with their crowd engagement and the changing coloured lights relay just set this show up for success. There were moments where the crowd held up their H’s and even their phone lights. The most fun part was getting the audience to take off an item of clothing, hold up a hat, a crutch or anything they have and wave it around. The energy and smiles throughout the room were infectious and people were just really having a great time. Even if I didn’t know many of their tracks, I couldn’t help but smile and vibe along.
I had so many people message me after the show say how they didn’t even know Hilltop Hoods were playing here. Yet all their shows are sold out. It made me wonder if the show had been plastered everywhere how huge these shows could be. But I am glad I got to experience them do a headline show in a more intimate setting. And I think everyone should experience a Hilltop Hoods set. I can see why people call these guys legends.
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SETLIST:
Intro
Leave Me Lonely
Chase That Feeling
Nosebleed Section
1955
Show Business
A Whole Day’s Night
I Love It
Won’t Let You Down
Clark Griswold
Exit Sign
Live & Let Go
Through The Dark
Higher
Counterweight
I’m A Ghost
Laced Up
Rattling The Keys
Cosby Sweater