Rufus Wainwright will play in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch in October, after cancelling a series of shows in February due to a family illness.
The gay Canadian-American musician will perform in Christchurch on Thursday 28 October at the Town Hall, before heading to Wellington for a show on Saturday 30 October at the Michael Fowler Centre. The New Zealand tour will conclude in Auckland on Sunday 31 October at The Civic.
Wainwright has eight albums under his belt, including a daring live Judy Garland tribute record. His shows are always a camp stage romp, punctuated with witty repertoire and hilarious stories between songs.
Promoters say the concerts are a special thank you to his 'loyal and understanding New Zealand fans who had bought tickets expecting to see Rufus perform solo in February 2010'.
It has been a rough year for the musician, with his mother, the folksinger Kate McGarrigle, dying in January. This devastating loss and his admiration for his sister, folk-rocker Martha Wainwright, are themes heard throughout his sixth studio album, All Days Are Nights: Songs For Lulu, which was released earlier this year.
In a message to his New Zealand fans, Wainwright says: "This year has been the toughest yet for me and my family with the passing of my amazing mother Kate McGarrigle, and I'm definitely in need of some sweet down under sun and smiles. Though it may appear at the outset that my new album and show are quite dark, don't be alarmed, I'm no fool and will always make sure to ensure a well rounded evening: be prepared to laugh as well as cry your little eyes out. Love Rufus."
RUFUS WAINWRIGHT TOUR DATES:
Thursday 28th October,Town Hall, Christchurch
http://www.ticketek.co.nz/
Saturday 30th October,Michael Fowler Centre, Wellington
http://www.ticketek.co.nz/
Sunday 31st October,The Civic, Auckland
http://www.the-edge.co.nz/
Tickets go on sale Wednesday 16 June.
Watch gay musician Rufus Wainwright discuss his latest album All Days Are Nights: Songs For Lulu below:
