Latest news with #Dobbyn


NZ Herald
09-05-2025
- Health
- NZ Herald
Sir Dave Dobbyn shares health update, how Parkinson's has changed his performing
Appearing today on RNZ's Afternoons show to play an acoustic session, the Welcome Home singer reflected on receiving his diagnosis, telling host Jesse Mulligan it was 'kind of a relief'. 'It was a relief to find out what it was, because my family couldn't really recognise me. During Covid I went right down the rabbit hole somewhere, I got quite lost. 'And there can be a slight personality change, it can become quite pronounced in some people. 'Thankfully for me, it wasn't too bad. I was rescued by my family, shall we say, and I was able to tackle it head-on.' Dobbyn said almost three years on from that life-changing diagnosis he was 'thrilled with my progress'. 'It does change you, it makes you more receptive, and humble, you find your place in it.' Dobbyn is also 'literally' fighting the progressive neurological disorder by taking up boxing. 'Twice a week I go and do my boxing with some other Parky people, that's what we call ourselves – the Parkies,' Dobbyn told Mulligan. Dobbyn said the combat exercise has helped him counteract many of the physical symptoms of the neurodegenerative disease. 'It [boxing] does wonders for your balance, because your balance is shot with Parkinson's. 'You get all these things that are taken away from you, your balance, the strength of your voice in terms of loudness, things like that become difficult. 'But if you're fighting it and you're doing some exercises, it's the best way to deal with it.' Dobbyn was in good spirits during the performance. He said he considers himself in 'good shape' at the moment but admitted his musicality has been affected by the disease. 'I play less. I can't shred anymore, not that I ever did really... things get taken away. I do less on the piano, which is probably a good idea, I do less on the guitar and focus on the vocal. 'Eventually, it takes your voice, so you sound like a slurring drunk. But I think I'm a few years away from that. I've already done the slurring drunk bit, and it didn't involve Parkinson's.' Dobbyn was knighted in 2020 and appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2003 for services to music. He is set to perform a show at the Auckland Town Hall on June 4. He said the thought of the performance 'scares the hell out of me right now, but I'm sure in doing it on the night it will just be glorious'.


Scoop
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Sir Dave Dobbyn And His Band To Perform One Night Only At Auckland Town Hall
Press Release – Live Nation Entertainment TĀMAKI MAKAURAU AUCKLAND (MAY 1, 2025) – Live Nation is proud to present one of Aotearoa's most treasured musical voices, Sir Dave Dobbyn, live in concert at Auckland Town Hall for the very first time on Wednesday June 4 as part of the Auckland Winter Series. With over 45 years as a recording artist, Sir Dave Dobbyn has shaped the sound of Kiwi music, penning the soundtrack to generations of New Zealand lives. From iconic anthems to an extraordinary catalogue of deeper cuts, Dobbyn's set for the Auckland Winter Series promises an unforgettable journey through one of the nation's most storied songwriting legacies. Diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease in 2022, Dobbyn declared it 'business as usual' – and continues to inspire with his unmistakable voice and enduring presence on stage. Recognised with a Knighthood in 2001 for his services to music, Dobbyn remains one of New Zealand's most revered cultural figures. Auckland Winter Series is a new curated concert experience from Live Nation, in association with Tātaki Auckland Unlimited on behalf of Auckland Council. Featuring an eclectic lineup of international icons and homegrown heroes, the series brings world-class performances to the heart of Tāmaki Makaurau this June. Tickets are on sale Monday 5 May at 11am. Live Nation members may secure tickets first during the pre-sale beginning Friday 2nd May at 11am through Monday 5 May at 10am.


Scoop
01-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Sir Dave Dobbyn And His Band To Perform One Night Only At Auckland Town Hall
TĀMAKI MAKAURAU AUCKLAND (MAY 1, 2025) – Live Nation is proud to present one of Aotearoa's most treasured musical voices, Sir Dave Dobbyn, live in concert at Auckland Town Hall for the very first time on Wednesday June 4 as part of the Auckland Winter Series. With over 45 years as a recording artist, Sir Dave Dobbyn has shaped the sound of Kiwi music, penning the soundtrack to generations of New Zealand lives. From iconic anthems to an extraordinary catalogue of deeper cuts, Dobbyn's set for the Auckland Winter Series promises an unforgettable journey through one of the nation's most storied songwriting legacies. Diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease in 2022, Dobbyn declared it 'business as usual' – and continues to inspire with his unmistakable voice and enduring presence on stage. Recognised with a Knighthood in 2001 for his services to music, Dobbyn remains one of New Zealand's most revered cultural figures. Auckland Winter Series is a new curated concert experience from Live Nation, in association with Tātaki Auckland Unlimited on behalf of Auckland Council. Featuring an eclectic lineup of international icons and homegrown heroes, the series brings world-class performances to the heart of Tāmaki Makaurau this June. Tickets are on sale Monday 5 May at 11am. Live Nation members may secure tickets first during the pre-sale beginning Friday 2nd May at 11am through Monday 5 May at 10am.


NZ Herald
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- NZ Herald
Sir Dave Dobbyn announces one-off Auckland Town Hall concert in June for Winter Concert Series
In a Facebook post announcing his diagnosis, Dobbyn said the news has given him a 'wider appreciation of life'. 'Of late, I have a tremor in my right hand which gives my guitar playing a new kind of twang. I have to do what I love, so it's business as usual and on with the show, singing all the way.' He first gained notoriety in the Kiwi music scene with Th' Dudes in 1979 alongside Rikki Morris and Peter Urlich, enjoying further success with his band DD Smash and then as a solo artist. Songs such as Slice of Heaven, Whaling, and Bliss have become local anthems, with Dobbyn and his band a regular fixture at popular events, including Jim Beam Homegrown and Rhythm and Vines. Reporting on a performance with L.A.B in Tauranga in 2023, where Dobbyn and his band appeared instead of US band Sublime with Rome, NZ Herald journalist Alex Cairns said the then-66-year-old 'rasped 'Aaasiaaan cigarettes' (lyrics to Th' Dude's Be Mine Tonight) like it was recorded yesterday, and the quintessential Slice of Heaven really got the Domain crowd moving". He has also won countless New Zealand Music Awards, Apra and Aria awards, as well as a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Recording Industry Association of New Zealand. Dobbyn was knighted in 2020 and in 2003 was appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to music. The details Who: Sir Dave Dobbyn and his band Where: Auckland Town Hall When: Wednesday, June 4 Concert tickets for the general public go on sale Monday, May 5 at 11am. My Live Nation members may secure tickets first during the pre-sale beginning Friday, May 2 at 11am through to Monday, May 5 at 10am.