Save The b! A Fundraising Gig
20th December 2023
The Town Hall, Auckland, New Zealand
Review by Bridget Herlihy with photography by Doug Peters.
2023 has been a tough year for many. In fact, the last four years have been challenging to say the least, and student based radio has not been immune to the economic strains. Iconic student radio station bFM has also faced their own share of struggles and economic challenges. For much of 2023 the station has been focused on its future sustainability.
First launched in 1969 as a pirate radio station, over the last fifty four years bFM has evolved to become an integral fixture on the music landscape in Aotearoa, helping to broadcast and promote a vast array of NZ based artists – far too many to name here – both locally and globally.
With an eye, and ear, to achieving that sustainability, the station made the difficult decision to sell off approximately 6000 vinyls from their international record collection in August to raise funds to keep the station going. This was the first part of a bigger plan. The second part was to hold ‘Save the b’, a fundraising gig featuring some of Aotearoa’s most iconic alternative artists; artists who bFM have supported throughout their careers.
Taking place at the Auckland Town Hall last night, two zones were set up in the concert chamber and the main hall, hosting a line up that was as eclectic as the near-capacity crowd. Ebony Lamb, Tiny Ruins, Aroha, and Concord Dawn (in their final ever performance), set the concert chamber alight and kept the crowd dancing late into the night. The main auditorium played host to intriguing sets by LIPS, the captivating Princess Chelsea and her band, the beloved duo of Delaney Davidson and Marlon Williams, and the ever popular Voom. Special mention must be made to the headliners of the evening Shihad, who belted out their debut album Churn in its entirety. While the album may have turned 30 this year, the quartet ripped through it with energy and ferocity in a flawless performance – definitely a bucket list moment for Shihad fans of all ages.
The sheer number of people in attendance at the Town Hall was a testament to how revered and loved bFM continues to be with its listeners, regardless of age. What a way to celebrate an icon. If you were unable to attend last night, head along to 95bfm.com and make a donation so we can keep the station alive for another 55 years!
Shihad:
Voom:
Concord Dawn:
Tiny Ruins:
Marlon Williams & Delaney Davidson:
Princess Chelsea:
Ebony Lamb:
LIPS:
Hosts:
Were you there at the Auckland Town Hall for this magnificent fundraising gig? Or have you seen any of these acts perform live somewhere else before? Tell us about it in the comments below!
Note: Ambient Light was provided a pass to photograph this concert, while Review tickets were purchased at face value in line with our fundraising policy. This post contains an affiliate link. If you purchase a product using an affiliate link, Ambient Light will automatically receive a small commission at no cost to you.
If you enjoyed this content, please consider donating towards the running of Ambient Light, covering expenses and allowing us to expand the coverage you love by visiting our PressPatron page.