It’s official — The Rock knows how to throw a party. Not just a gig, but a celebration of monumental proportions. The Rock 2000: The Ultimate Live Rock Event. Those five little words in the tagline truly captured the spirit of a night at Spark Arena.
Chosen by the listeners themselves. I arrived just in time for that climactic announcement. Grateful my Uber driver’s scenic detour hadn’t robbed me of the moment.
As I pushed through security and spilled onto the main arena floor, I passed a parade of glorious mullets, blokes locked in heated debate about whether Yungblud deserved his Top 10 slot, and whether Metallica’s One had been unfairly robbed at #8.
It was perfect. Friends arguing over music, not politics or the cost-of-living crisis. That’s the beauty of music. It unites, it heals, and for one night it puts everything else on pause.
The roar that erupted in Spark Arena was enough to shake the building to its foundations. A salute to the man, the myth, the uniter. Ozzy dominated the list with three of the Top 5 songs this year. In my humble opinion, deservedly so.
From there, the celebration kicked into gear. Tadpole and Australia’s own Grinspoon warmed the stage before the headliner, each delivering tight, energetic sets.
Both bands struck that perfect balance of fan favourites and fresh material, keeping the 6,000-plus crowd buzzing. The warm-up was complete. The audience primed and ready.
Released in 2002 and a #1 debut at the time, this album is etched into New Zealand’s musical DNA. The anticipation in the room was electric.
And then it hit. The opening track, Mind Dependency, exploded through the speakers with the weight of an orchestra behind it.
Blindspott weren’t making a comeback — they’d never really left.
One after another, the anthems rolled out. Nil By Mouth, Suffocate, Fall Down, Blank. Each was executed with surgical precision.
Guitars were in safe hands with Brandon Reihana and Andy Kerr, who stalked opposite ends of the stage like territorial predators, locking down their corners with authority.
Dan Insley on bass was a revelation — darting across the stage with the same chaotic energy as Flea from the Chili Peppers, determined to use every square metre. He anchored the rhythm section with sheer personality and drive.
And up on the riser — Shelton Woolright. New Zealand’s greatest drummer?
On the night, he struck that perfect balance of power and technical finesse, weaving seamlessly with the orchestra. He was the heartbeat of Blindspott, and he drove the performance with thunderous authority.
Final Thoughts
I won’t lie; my review is glowing. And for those who’ve followed my writing, you’ll know that’s not always the case. I call it as I see it. If an act doesn’t deliver, I’ll say so. But when a night deserves praise, it deserves it in full.
The Rock 2000 at Spark Arena was more than just a concert. It was a celebration of mateship, friendship, art, and the sheer love of music.
To Tadpole and Grinspoon. Brilliant warm-ups, tight sets, and the perfect energy to kick things off.
To the Auckland Symphony Orchestra. You weren’t just background — you were loud, proud, and essential.
And to Blindspott. You weren’t back. You never left. But thank you for reminding us why you’re one of New Zealand’s greatest live acts.
I’ll see you in Hamilton. Because after a night like this, there’s no way I’m missing round two.
Aaron Gascoigne
Photography by Jennifer De Koning
Blindspot
Grinspoon
Tadpole
