While the world is isolated by the Coronavirus, a band from New Zealand performed for 50,000 fans

Auckland, New Zealand (AFP) – Last Saturday, singer Matthew Walters smiled as he watched over 50,000 people Illusion fans And he said those magic words: “How are you, Eden Park?” Yes good The coronavirus pandemic continues to afflict much of the world, The The Six60 played in front of a large crowd this weekend in New Zealand, The country where No social distancing required After he achieved Eliminate Corona virus.

New Zealand, With 5 million inhabitants, it stands out for its successful strategy against Coronavirus, With only 2,600 cases and 26 deaths since the first infection appeared.

The band’s tour was announced on Saturday evening as follows The world’s largest concert since the start of the epidemic. Equally important to the band that met while playing rugby in college, they were able to play the first concert held at the historic Eden Park Rugby Stadium.

Finding themselves on the cusp of world music was a turning point for the Six60, who had unprecedented success in New Zealand, but whose forays abroad were now over. The theater on Saturday included engravings by military musicians before the nation honored the war dead on Sunday, and Maori artists spanned across the stage as the band began singing in the indigenous language.

One fan, Lucy Klumpas, said it was for her A surreal experience surrounded by many after spending the past year in endless cells in Britain. He said, “It is very important for us as human beings to be able to meet together and sing the same songs,” adding: “This makes us feel that we are part of something.”

Walters, lead singer, They said they desperately want their musician friends from all over the world to be able to play live again. We know what confinement is. Absorb. “We didn’t know if we could play partying again,” he said in an interview before the show. But we are fortunate for some reason here in New Zealand. ”

Guitarist J Fraser said his summer tour reception was amazing. “It was amazing to see how fanatical and excited people were outside, watching live music and seeing something that took them out of a long and brutal year,” she said. “It was very special,” he added.

Walters explained that they are worried that something is wrong, and that their concerts may have turned into widespread events. But he said there was little to do but to follow the rules and follow government guidelines.

The band was formed 13 years ago after they started playing in their rugby locker rooms, which made their concert in the grounds of the National Rugby Team All Blacks feel as though they were back in full circle. The band had lobbied for a change of civic rules to allow concerts in Eden Park, but not all residents were happy.

Former Secretary Helen Clark He was one of the people who opposed playing the band at Eden Clarck and explained at the time that concerts would represent an “invasion” of noise. But people wanted that. Walters said. The singer added that Clark was welcome to the party.

“Six60 is for everyone. Maybe if he comes and has fun, he’ll change his mind.” Promoter Brent Eccles said they only got permission to use the place at the last minute. “And we think to ourselves, well, how crazy are we? And the answer is, well, pretty crazy. Let’s do it.”

It was the strong rise of a group that started out as a cover band of partying students. His style has evolved and remains difficult to define, mixing elements of reggae, pop, rock and soul. Bassist Chris Mac said his fans are now rich and poor, young and old.

“We are so fortunate that we have become the soundtrack to people’s lives.” “Weddings, funerals, birthdays, engagement,” he said before he burst out laughing. “You know, sex reveals parties, which are all the rage.”

As the band’s popularity grew in New Zealand, it became a bit of a sport for critics who described it as being too cute. Walters said criticism of success was still a problem in New Zealand and was something that bothered him at the time. But he said it also revitalized the band.

“We take music very seriously,” he said. “It is important for us to express emotion and tell a story, and our songs are healing and attractive to people. Because it is no coincidence that we play for 50,000 people.”

the band He was trying to get more recognition abroadAlthough the six months they spent in Germany and the record deal they signed in the US ended in disaster, as was narrated in a behind-the-scenes documentary about the group “Six60: Till The Lights Go Out”.

But the band is ready to look for another opportunity, with a European and British tour planned for November. They hope that by then, there will be many places around the world where large crowds can gather to sing.

Written by Nick Perry