Boh Runga and sister Pearl to perform in Christchurch

17th February 2014

Boh Runga and sister Pearl to perform in Christchurch

Boh Runga of Stellar* and ‘AnikaBoh&Holly’ fame, will return to where it all started for her— back to Christchurch to sing with her first band Amez Amez, alongside her sister Pearl. Amez Amez were a popular covers band in the club scene from 1984-1991, having residencies at Papanui Tavern, The Occidental and Firehouse Nightclub.

In 2007 Boh and Pearl attended a Simple Minds concert and on hearing a familiar song they used to cover, reminisced about the idea of reuniting Amez Amez for a one-off show in Christchurch. The band did reform with original members in 2009, minus Boh however, and played at the Bedford. They were delighted to see so many familiar faces from the past come along to support them. Spurred on by the success of that first reunion show the band has remained active— playing regularly in Auckland, Christchurch and Wellington—which is no mean feat considering that not all of their band members live in the same country, let alone the same city. They play to sell-out crowds, performing a handpicked selection of the biggest New Wave and New Romantic hits, staying true to the sound and style of the era and evoking a feeling of nostalgia in their audiences.

Calling themselves a "specialist covers band," Amez Amez features the brilliant sound-alike vocals and high energy stage antics of frontman Justin Maclaren, backed by Boh Runga (vocals), Pearl Runga (vocals/synths), drummer and programmer Andrew Maclaren (also from Stellar*), guitarist Andrew Thorne and bassist Brett Wells. On occasion they are joined by original guitarists, Paul Mason (Pop Mechanix) who resides in Australia and Chris Warburton who lives in Wanaka.

Amez Amez's two-hour long show entitled "AutoMatic 80s" comprises a selection of hits by bands including Frankie Goes To Hollywood, Simple Minds, Erasure, Eurythmics, Depeche Mode, Dead or Alive, Madness, ABC, Blondie, U2, OMD, Icehouse, Spandau Ballet, Kim Carnes, Duran Duran, Tears for Fears and many more. The hundreds of hours of preproduction, musicianship and attention to vocal detail create an authentic live Eighties music experience that leaves enthralled concertgoers exhausted and voiceless. This is a band that loves the era—loves their audiences—and knows how to deliver the hits.

Boh and Amez Amez will be performing one show only at The Ferry Alehouse, Christchurch, on Saturday 1st March. Tickets available through iTICKET.

More information available at: www.automatic80s.co.nz and www.facebook.com/AmezAmez

ENDS

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