Cold Chisel to headline Summer Concert Tour
Mix of international and local acts set to perform
It’s all happening back where it belongs, in beautiful Whitianga.
Thames-coromandel Mayor Len Salt
Coromandel will welcome the return of the Summer Concert Tour with Cold Chisel, Icehouse, Bic Runga and Everclear set to take the stage in Whitianga.
It spells good news as uncertainty over the Coromandel roading network left Whitianga off the Summer Concert Tour for a second year in a row in 2024.
The Whitianga leg of the 2023 tour was cancelled after extensive damage to State Highway 25A from severe weather in January.
As the Coromandel worked hard to fix its infrastructure after the severe weather, Cyclone Gabrielle blew a big event opportunity Hamilton’s way.
The Hamilton concert in 2024 was a one-off and would not be repeated in 2025.
Greenstone Entertainment confirmed it would celebrate the 15th anniversary in 2025 with a welcome return to Whitianga — marked down in the diary for January 26, 2025.
It is one of the biggest events in Whitianga’s summer calendar with Greenstone Entertainment announcing dates and venues for the 2025 Summer Concert Tour today, traditionally held in Whitianga, Queenstown and Taupo¯.
The 2025 bill will feature Aussie rockers Cold Chisel and Icehouse, Kiwi songstress Bic Runga and American rockers Everclear.
Thames-coromandel Mayor Len Salt said it was exciting news for the Coromandel.
“These artists were part of my life growing up as a young musician learning to play
guitar. Cold Chisel and Icehouse defined the soundtrack to our lives.”
Salt said he was at a Cold Chisel gig in Auckland when the band had an unannounced special guest join them on stage, the late Stevie Ray Vaughan.
“Ian Moss and Jimmy Barnes both continue to be exciting and dynamic performers, both solo, and with their own bands; having the original Cold Chisel band back together is not to be missed.”
Salt said the Icehouse song Great Southern Land, penned by band frontman Iva Davies was a “quintessential Aussie anthem”.
“Add in the pure homegrown talent of Bic Runga and her iconic catalogue, and you’ve got a great concert lineup that will be the highlight of the year.
“And it’s all happening back where it belongs, in beautiful Whitianga.”
It is set to be in one mammoth anniversary celebration as Cold Chisel celebrate 50 years and Icehouse marks 45 years since its first New Zealand tour.
Greenstone chief executive Amanda Calvert said: “With this being our 15th anniversary, we are privileged to celebrate it with Cold Chisel, Icehouse, Bic Runga and Everclear.”
The Summer Concert Tour had cemented itself as an annual pilgrimage where friends got together and enjoyed some of the best music of their lifetime, she said.
“To think that over the years we have entertained so many people at our shows, hosted over 42 musical legends, had a massive economic impact on regional towns, and have made friends with so many great people along the way.
“We are so looking forward to the 2025 Summer Concert Tour and delivering our best concert series yet.”
The 2025 Summer Concert Tour would play in Queenstown on Saturday, January 18, Taupo¯ on Saturday, January 25 and make its return to the Coromandel at the Whitianga Waterways on Sunday, January 26 — the Taupo¯ and Whitianga shows falling on Auckland Anniversary weekend.
Coromandel residents can secure limited tickets from 9am today at the Whitianga i-site and Pauanui Information Centre.
One NZ customers can be among the first to secure tickets during a 24-hour presale for all shows, starting 10am today.
Greenstone Concert Club members have priority access to pre-sale tickets from 10am today, with general public tickets on sale from noon on Monday.
Ticket prices start from $159 plus a booking fee or until sold out. Express entry, VIP and Greenstone Club options are available.