If you thought the Vengaboys were a relic of turn-of-the-millennium clubland, think again. Their show at Auckland’s Town Hall was a high-octane, dance-fuelled spectacle that proved the kings and queens of kitsch Eurodance are still masters of the ultimate party.
Kicking off the night, Alex Party and Livin’ Joy set the tone, instantly getting the crowd on their feet, dancing and vibing from the first beat.
It felt like a personal house party, but one for the masses. The dancefloor was awash with nostalgia as the duo took the crowd straight back to the golden age of ’90s house music.
With pulsating basslines, euphoric vocals, and anthems that reverberated through the walls, this was a full-throttle celebration of peak club culture.
At one point, Alex belted out Oggy Oggy Oggy! into the mic, then tossed it to the crowd, expecting a massive chant in return. However, the response was less than enthusiastic, with only a handful of fans shouting Oi Oi Oi back.
For those unfamiliar, Oggy is Cornish slang for pasty, shouted by pasty sellers back in the day. If you were interested in buying, you’d shout back Oi! Why it’s shouted three times? That remains a mystery. But enough about pastries. Back to the party!
A legend in the trance and Eurodance scene, DJ SASH! proved why he’s been a staple for decades. With a catalogue of anthems that defined the late ’90s and early 2000s, the set was a masterclass in nostalgia, wrapped in a high-energy performance.
After a short intermission and just enough time to get properly refreshed, the crowd made its way back to the great hall for the main act.
Born from the minds of Dutch producers DJ Danski and DJ Delmondo, Vengaboys began as a traveling rave on wheels, touring Spain and Ibiza between 1992 and 1997 before solidifying their lineup in 1996.
From the moment the first beat dropped, the energy inside the venue was pure chaos. Fans turned out in full force, donning cowboy hats, sailor suits, and flashing neon accessories, transforming the Town Hall into a fever dream of late 90s’ rave culture.
At one point, they launched into their massive global hit Boom Boom Boom Boom!!, and the crowd exploded. Jumping, dancing, and shaking the Town Hall’s wooden floor so intensely that it felt like being on a swaying ship. Trying to film was pointless. I had no choice but to join in, and dance we did.
As the final chorus approached, Vengaboys cut the music, letting the audience take over.
And it didn’t. Hit after hit kept the energy surging. We’re Going to Ibiza! We Like to Party! Shalala Lala, each one sending the crowd into another frenzy.
Before launching into Up & Down, they prepped the crowd. First, we go up, then down. Later, left, then right. But be careful of your neighbours!” What followed was pure dancefloor chaos, the entire venue moving in sync, hands in the air.
By the time the encore rolled around, a triumphant reprise of We Like to Party! it was clear that the Vengaboys are more than just a guilty pleasure. They’re a Pop institution, one that continues to bring unfiltered joy to those willing to embrace it.
With a setlist stacked with relentless, feel-good anthems, the Vengaboys delivered exactly what their crowd came for. An escape into pure euphoria. It was proof that, three decades on, the party is far from over.
Paul Marshall
Photography by Leonie Moreland
Vengaboys
SASH
