MĀNUKA PHUEL FULL METAL ORCHESTRA

What's On

Author: Newstalk ZB,
Publish Date: Thu, 17 Apr 2025, 5:03am

MĀNUKA PHUEL FULL METAL ORCHESTRA :

A BRAND NEW EVENT FROM THE TEAMS BEHIND SYNTHONY & COME TOGETHER

Get ready for a colossal fusion of metal and classical.

Orchestra meets mosh pit.

This is Mānuka Phuel FULL METAL ORCHESTRA .

Duco Touring and Liberty Stage have today announced the launch of a brand new event coming to Spark Arena, Auckland on Saturday 26 July 2025 - the Mānuka Phuel FULL METAL ORCHESTRA.

The first of its kind, Mānuka Phuel FULL METAL ORCHESTRA brings together the raw power of rock and metal with the sheer might of a 29-piece classical orchestra, 5-piece band and iconic guest vocalists. Think Metallica meets Mahler, AC/DC a deux, and Sabbath with strings - this is a symphonic experience like no other.

Conducted by Sarah-Grace Williams and powered by award-winning producer Jol Mulholland, this show brings heavy music to new heights. You’ll witness massive metal anthems from the likes of Metallica, Iron Maiden, Black Sabbath, AC/DC and more - amplified by soaring orchestral arrangements, searing guitars, powerhouse vocals, and epic visuals.

"Coming off the back of sell-out SYNTHONY shows here in New Zealand and globally, we know that music fans love a collision of cultures,” said Duco Touring Founder David Higgins. “Rock and Metal felt like the logical next step; what genres could be more of a symphonic clash? We wanted to do this properly and so have teamed up with Liberty Stage, heavyweights in the New Zealand rock scene to bring a brand-new event to life, the Mānuka Phuel Full Metal Orchestra.”

"Mānuka Phuel, driven by our unwavering commitment to music and culture, is thrilled to announce our exciting sponsorship of FULL METAL ORCHESTRA, a groundbreaking fusion of metal, rock and orchestral music. This partnership embodies a shared dedication to innovation, high-energy and pushing creative limits, delivering an unforgettable and epic musical experience that will phuel the mind and body." said Alex McDonald, Co-Creator, Mānuka Phuel.

“Liberty Stage is excited to partner with Duco Touring, the visionaries behind SYNTHONY, for the world premiere of Mānuka Phuel FULL METAL ORCHESTRA,” said Liberty Stage Director. “Extraordinary things happen when you team next level production, the best rock musicians, a symphony orchestra and a metalheads dream setlist. Need we say more?.”

Annie Dundas, Director Destination at Tātaki Auckland Unlimited adds: “We’re delighted to be supporting the Mānuka Phuel FULL METAL ORCHESTRA as part of Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland’s winter night-time events calendar. Following on from the huge success of SYNTHONY earlier in the year, which brought in people from around Aotearoa, this new player in the live music scene is forecasted to boost the region by more than 3000 visitor nights. As a UNESCO City of Music, Auckland celebrates musical performance, diversity and innovation, and we’re delighted to see this event come to fruition - it will make for a fantastic night out.”

This event is supported by Auckland Council’s City Centre Targeted Rate.

Phil Rudd (AC/DC): New Zealand-based drummer, best known for his iconic work with AC/DC, contributing to legendary albums like Highway to Hell, Back inBlack, and Let There Be Rock. Phil’s unique drumming style has made him a pivotal figure in rock history.

Jon Toogood (Shihad): Frontman of the legendary New Zealand rock band Shihad, Jon Toogood is renowned for his powerful voice and stage presence. With over 1,500 live performances and five #1 albums, he is one of New Zealand’s most influential musicians.

Jennie Skulander (Devilskin): The voice of Devilskin, Jennie Skulander has become a defining presence in New Zealand’s heavy music scene. Her vocal range and commanding stage presence led the band to national success, including a #1 debut on the New Zealand charts.

EJ Barnes (Jimmy Barnes’ Daughter): A gifted singer and performer, Eliza-Jane Barnes, also known as EJ has toured the world with Liam Finn, Evil J & Saint Cecilia and Lawrence Arabia and has released multiple albums, including: “There and Back” (solo), “Champagne in Seashells” (Liam Finn & Eliza-Jane), “BARB” (BARB) and “Strange Beasts” (Evil J & Saint Cecilia).

Milan Borich (Pluto): Singer-songwriter and frontman of the alternative rock band Pluto, Milan Borich is known for his distinctive style and powerful performances. Pluto’s 2005 album Pipeline Under the Ocean achieved double platinum status.

Seamus Johnson: A Wellington-based vocalist and guitarist, Seamus Johnson is known for his high-energy performances and raw blues-rock sound. He fronts the band Sea Mouse, blending Delta blues with garage rock influences.

Orchestra: Auckland Philharmonia: New Zealand’s largest professional symphony orchestra, the Auckland Phil presents over 60 performances annually, featuring classical works and collaborations with contemporary artists.

Sarah-Grace Williams: Acclaimed Australian conductor and the Artistic Director of The Metropolitan Orchestra, Sarah-Grace Williams is known for her innovative approach to orchestral music and her regular work with SYNTHONY, blending classical and electronic music.

The Come Together Band:

Jol Mulholland – Music Director & Guitar: Renowned producer and multi-instrumentalist, Jol is a creative mastermind and the engine behind the Come Together band. He has worked with New Zealand’s musical heavyweights andbrings his expertise to the stage.

Brett Adams – Lead Guitar: A virtuoso guitarist, Brett Adams has shared stages with the likes of Radiohead and Oasis, and locally with the who's who of NZ music. Brett has earned recognition for his exceptional ability - he's in a class of his own.

Matthias Jordan (Pluto) – Keys: A founding member of Pluto, Matthias Jordan is a multi-instrumentalist and keyboardist known for his contributions to the New Zealand music scene and his work with various musical projects.

Mike Hall (Pluto) – Bass: An accomplished bassist, Mike Hall is best known for his work with Pluto, and his collaborations with artists like The Brunettes, Dimmer, and Tami Neilson. He also released his debut solo album Nothing Stands Still in 2024.

Alistair Deverick – Drums: Drummer and producer Alistair Deverick is known for his work with the electronic-pop project Boycrush and as a session musician for artists like Lawrence Arabia and Neil Finn. He released his debut album Desperate Late Night Energy in 2018.