Sir Dave Dobbyn Delivers Unforgettable Performance in Wellington

On October 31, 2023, Sir Dave Dobbyn captivated an audience at Wellington’s Opera House, delivering a performance that felt like a city embracing its musical heritage. The evening began with Anthonie Tonnon, whose innovative soundscapes and rich vocals drew the crowd into a state of quiet anticipation, setting the stage for the main act.

A Hero’s Welcome for a Music Legend

As the lights dimmed, Dobbyn took the stage to thunderous applause, dressed in black and embodying the spirit of a true musical icon. With a career spanning over four decades, a knighthood, and a recent Parkinson’s diagnosis, Dobbyn showcased an unwavering passion for his craft. The audience responded enthusiastically, expressing their affection with cheers and shouts of “We love you, Dave!”

Opening with his poignant track Belltower, Dobbyn set a reflective tone for the night. He followed this with Forgiveness, weaving in personal anecdotes that resonated with the crowd. In one humorous moment, he recounted a time he had left Wellington for 40 years after a drunken incident involving footlights, humorously admitting, “I had to leave town because my name was mud.” His humility and storytelling drew laughter and connection from the audience.

A Journey Through Emotion and Nostalgia

The first half of the concert was characterized by introspective melodies delivered by Dobbyn’s seven-piece band, which included keyboards, horns, and backing vocals. Despite his recent health challenges, Dobbyn’s voice remained tender and powerful, effortlessly hitting high notes. Songs like Language and Maybe the Rain resonated deeply, their themes of love and communication striking a universal chord.

Dobbyn’s self-deprecating humor kept the atmosphere light, as he acknowledged the slow start and promised that the “flash and bang” would come later. As the evening unfolded, the energy in the Opera House grew. Dobbyn’s storytelling brought smiles and laughter, creating a sense of camaraderie among the audience.

The encores transformed the venue into a vibrant celebration. Performances of Beside You and Slice of Heaven prompted the crowd to rise to their feet, uniting in nostalgic sing-alongs. The second encore featured You Get So Lonely and Be Mine Tonight, which elicited waves of emotion and collective memory, filling the space with a palpable sense of joy.

At 68, Dobbyn may jokingly refer to himself as an old man, yet his performance was anything but weary. It was a masterclass in engaging an audience through heartfelt music and genuine connection. Four decades after his infamous footlight incident, Wellington received the long-awaited apology it deserved, not in words, but through a night rich with music that encouraged both forgiveness and remembrance.