The Waikato continues to grow its reputation as the hub for original Made-in-New Zealand rock music. This week we heard the announcement that the famous Jim Beam Homegrown festival will return to its origin of Hamilton in 2026.
Waikato’s own Rise The Wicked, who self-describe as working-class rock & metal are among the many who fist-pumped, or more aptly gave the horns rock-on to the news.
But, you don’t need to wait to next year to enjoy quality live original NZ Rock music filling the clear air of Hamilton. Rise the Wicked are beyond pumped to announce they are joining the line-up being bought together by promoter Waikato Rocks on 31 May 2025. Logan Nathan is bringing a high energy line up of screaming guitars, pounding drums and voices to shake the soul to Hamilton. In celebration of NZ Music Month, ten (10) bands will take the stage in Alexandra Street at Altitude venue to sign off what is a full month dedicated to celebrating our homegrown talent.
Headlining will be Luger Boa, fronted by Jimmy Christmas, the international rock star known for his role in The D4. Luger Boa are described as ‘pop-orientated with the intensity of D4’.
Starting at 4pm, Saturday 31st, Luger Boa will be joined in the line up by a succession of hot now, and up and coming, talent. Auckland Indie Rock band Tablefox, Hamilton power rock band Medusa Glare, Mount Maunganui prog rock Dead Empire, Waikatos aforementioned Rise The Wicked, Hillcrest High hardcore Hoon, Alt/grunge Intercite come up from the Kapiti Coast, Tony Lee brings his country rock style, and Foxton beach Danny Rascal, with Abstract Fish Lungs completing the line up.
Waikato dynamic 5 piece Metal Rock band Rise the Wicked released their debut album ‘State of Oblivion’ which became a recent entrant to Aotearoa top 40 at number 17, making a strong impression with rock lovers in NZ and abroad.