New Zealand

Chris 'Wicked Game' Isaak announces two NZ shows

10:07 am on 29 January 2024

US singer, songwriter and sometime actor Chris Isaak. Photo: PIERRE-PHILIPPE MARCOU

US singer, songwriter and sometime-actor Chris Isaak will play two concerts in New Zealand this autumn.

Grammy-nominated Isaak, 67, last played in Aotearoa in 2006.

"I am sitting on my front porch in Nashville, Tennessee and smiling," he said in a statement.

"I have been stuck in my house for nine days because of the snow. But I have been in a great mood as I know I'm going back to New Zealand! I think it's my favourite place to tour… or just hang out. I'm so ready! Bring on the sun! Bring on the beach! I think I'm gonna wax my guitar…. I told you I was excited!"

While his nearly 40-year career has included 13 studio albums and 12 chart-topping singles, as well as hosting his own TV show and appearing as a judge on The X Factor Australia, Isaak is best-known for his 1989 breakthrough hit, 'Wicked Game'.

Isaak will play two shows during his New Zealand visit: 22 April at Wellington's Michael Fowler Centre and 24 April at Auckland's Spark Arena.

Pre-sale tickets are available from Tuesday 30 January, with general public tickets on sale Friday 2 February.