OneRepublic graced Auckland’s Spark Arena on Thursday night on the first stop of the New Zealand leg of their tour, performing a greatest hits lineup of their most well-known songs.
The band had the crowd singing along with showstoppers “Apologize” and “Stop and Stare,” even throwing in their most recent hit “I Ain’t Worried” which featured in the 2022 blockbuster “Top Gun: Maverick.”
The band’s lead singer, Ryan Teddy took time to share his personal love with New Zealand, saying that he has always enjoyed touring the country since the band was founded more than 16 years ago. Teddy said that after visiting southeast Asia and Australia, New Zealand was the preferred place to end the tour.
“If you look back at some of my interviews where I’m asked about my favourite place to tour, it’s almost always New Zealand – you guys are amazing,” Teddy said to an energetic audience.
OneRepublic last toured New Zealand ten years ago, playing the then Vector Arena on their 2013 Native tour. Having recently released their fifth studio album, “Human,” featuring popular songs “Sunshine” and “Run.”
The near-sell-out crowd were surprised to learn that Teddy had written such songs as “Halo,” famously sung by Beyonce Knowles, and “Bleeding Love” made famous by Leona Lewis.
The show began just after nine o’clock, having preceded opening acts Masked Wolf, and New Zealand music rising star Robinson.
The audience was a mix of ages, ranging from young kids tagging along with their parents, to relatively senior fans having a night out. Despite age, the entire crowd drew to its feet to sing along with the encore performance of “Counting Stars.” Lead singer Teddy chose to walk through the mosh pit for this number, surprising fans lucky enough to grab a quick selfie with the singer.
The concert wrapped up near eleven o’clock, and the sizeable crowd scurried outside in the rain to find an Uber. Many left humming the tunes played, but the subject on everyone’s lips was the catalogue of songs that Ryan Teddy had written, with many in disbelief that they did not know he was the creator.
The concert delivered on all expectations, and many in attendance will no doubt be eagerly waiting for the band’s return. OneRepublic is set to play in Wellington on the 18th of March at the TSB Arena.
