Christopher Cross

Acclaimed US singer-songwriter Christopher Cross has announced two New Zealand dates for late August 2017.

The five-times Grammy winner will be performing with his 7-piece band and will play Wellington’s Opera House and the Auckland Town Hall.

Fans can look forward to hearing classic hits like Sailing, Ride Like the Wind, Never Be The Same, and Arthur’s Theme (Best That You Can Do) right through to material from his most recent album Secret Ladder, which evokes the artistry of such great singer-songwriters as Joni Mitchell and Randy Newman, while addressing contemporary concerns head-on.

One of the album’s songs - The Times I Needed You - features a vocal chorus intentionally reminiscent of the Beach Boys. “It’s very much a tribute,” says Cross. “Brian Wilson’s writing was a big influence on me and Carl Wilson was my No. 1 vocal influence growing up. Years later, we became very close. Carl sang on my second album (1983’s Another Page), and we did a lot of touring together and vocal sessions for other artists. He’d always say, ‘We make a nice sound’—I just treasure that.”

Christopher Cross made history with his 1980 self-titled debut album, winning five Grammy Awards, including—for the first time ever—the four most prestigious awards: Record of the Year (for the single “Sailing”), Album of the Year, Song of the Year (also for “Sailing”), and Best New Artist.

The San Antonio native, now living in Austin after decades in Southern California. “I’m still a romantic at heart,” says Cross, whose classic hits remain staples on radio to this day.

Tickets go on sale at 9am Thursday 20 July.