London’s Stoner Metal Legends, Orange Goblin, Rock New Zealand in Epic Debut Show!
New Zealand may be a remote corner of the world, but that doesn’t stop its metal music scene from thriving. In the heart of Wellington lies Valhalla, the premier metal bar that pulses with the energy of the genre. The walls are plastered with Battle Of The Band posters and flyers promoting upcoming gigs, from cover acts like Damage Effect playing classic Metallica hits to Funhaus channelling Iggy & The Stooges. It’s a haven for metal enthusiasts, despite the challenge of getting international acts to perform in this corner of the globe.
However, the metal gods have smiled upon New Zealand as Orange Goblin makes the long journey to grace the stage. After touring through Asia and Australasia, they hit Wellington for a night that won’t be forgotten. Lead singer Ben Ward exudes pure joy as he marvels at finally making the trek after 30 years in the business. Orange Goblin isn’t just any metal band – they’re the real deal, and the crowd knows it.
As the band kicks off with the powerful opening riff of Solarisphere, the energy in the room is electric. The venue’s unique decor, complete with a giant skeletal hand and a helmet with deer antlers, sets the perfect backdrop for the mayhem that ensues. Ward leads the charge, his infectious grin spreading as he commands the stage with a mix of reverence and raw energy.
From the heartfelt dedication of Renegade to the late Lemmy of Mötorhead, to the anthemic The Devil’s Whip that could rival any Mötorhead classic, Orange Goblin delivers hit after hit. The crowd surges with energy during songs like Some You Win, Some You Lose, and They Come Back (Harvest of Skulls), creating a mosh pit that captures the essence of metal in its purest form.
Every era of Orange Goblin’s career is celebrated, from their debut single Aquatic Fanatic to the recent release (Not) Rocket Science. The band doesn’t hold back, delivering a relentless set that culminates in a final frenzy of Scorpionica, Quincy The Pigboy, and Red Tide Rising. Ward’s gesture of tossing his wristbands into the crowd symbolizes the camaraderie shared between the band and their fans – a mutual appreciation for the power of metal music.
As the night comes to a close, it’s clear that Orange Goblin has left their mark on Wellington. The walls of Valhalla echo with the reverberations of their performance, a testament to the enduring spirit of metal music that knows no boundaries. For one night, New Zealand becomes the epicenter of the metal universe, thanks to Orange Goblin’s electrifying presence on stage.
