Music

Jackson Browne set to perform in NZ

Jackson Browne, one of the industry’s most unique and prodigious talents, is set to perform in New Zealand following his performance at Australia’s Byron Bay Bluesfest.

The announcement has been met with widespread approval, with fans of the singer songwriter eager to snap up tickets to his show at The Civic on April 3.

The performance will follow Browne’s much anticipated appearance at the Byron Bay Bluesfest in Australia, one of the world’s best music festivals. Jackson Browne was part of the festival’s second artist announcement, which also included huge names such as Tom Jones and Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds.

Major hits include Stay, Running on Empty, Doctor My Eyes, Somebody’s Baby and The Pretender. But in addition to his own impressive back catalogue of songs, Jackson Browne wrote or contributed to many other tracks performed by musical legends such as Joan Baez, Linda Ronstadt, the Byrds, the Eagles and Greg Allman.

One of the most fascinating stories is the tale of how the Eagles came to record Take It Easy, which was one of the bands best known and successful songs. Jackson Browne became friendly with Eagles band member Glenn Frey after the pair regularly attended open mic nights. Now neighbours, Frey heard Jackson Browne working on what would become Take It Easy. He loved the song and encouraged Browne to finish it. But when Browne said it could not be finished in time for his self-titled 1971 album, Glenn Frey offered to conclude the song and record it with the Eagles.

He did finish the song – starting with the lyrics: ‘…such a fine sight to see, it’s a girl, my Lord, in a flatbed Ford…’ – and the rest is history. Jackson Browne did eventually record and release Take It Easy, but it is now considered one of the Eagles’ quintessential hits.

But Browne’s star was already one the rise and the subsequent years consolidated him as one of the finest singer songwriters of his generation.

In his personal life, Jackson Browne is a committed activist and philanthropist. He was awarded the John Steinbeck Award for his environmental and social values in 2002 and in 2008 he was awarded the NARM Harry Chapin Humanitarian Award.

Jackson Browne has also been honoured for his work in the music industry with an induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004. He was inducted by the legendary Bruce Springsteen and three years later he was also inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

His various awards and the recognition he has received are due reward for his achievements and contributions to the industry.

The performances will feature his regular band members Bob Glaub (bass), Mauricio Lewak (drums), Jeff Young (organ, piano), Alethea Mills (vocals) with the addition of Greg Leisz (guitar, lap steep, pedal steel), and Shane Fontayne (guitars) and will feature classic hits as well as songs from his new album, Standing in the Breach.

Jackson Browne has not performed in New Zealand since 2009, making his upcoming show one you simply cannot miss!

Various presales for An Evening with Jackson Browne begin on October 19. The My Ticketmaster presale is on sale from 10am on October 22 with general public tickets on sale from 11am October 23. Visit our website for more information.

Jackson Browne Tour Dates

The Civic, Auckland
April 3
Click here to purchase tickets