Michael Bublé is coming to New Zealand for his first ever arena show. The Canadian superstar will be here on 21st May 2014 to play Auckland’s Vector Arena.
Dainty Group Chairman Paul Dainty says: “I’ve been fortunate to work with some of the greats and I can honestly say that Michael is one of my favourite artists of all time. He’s an absolute delight to work with and he always delivers live.”
Michael Bublé has been smashing box office records in the UK recently where it is the year’s hottest ticket. Originally slated to do six nights at London’s O2 Arena, he was forced to add four extra shows when the first run sold out in just five minutes.
"No one can accuse Michael Bublé of being anything but a crowd-pleaser,” The Telegraph raved, adding that the Canadian superstar “had the audience shrieking in appreciation”.
The London Evening Standard concluded: “This feel-good show was complete. Maybe nice guys don’t finish last after all.”
Michael Bublé has a special relationship with Australasia.
“You guys were one of the first territories to take me under your wing,” he explains. Indeed, New Zealand gave Michael his first number one album anywhere in the world when his 2003 self-titled album hit top spot in September 2003 with Australia following suit in May 2004.
That album is now Platinum x 3 in New Zealand. The 2005 follow-up, It’s Time, and Michael’s 2007 album, Call Me Irresponsible, both went Platinum; along with the 2013 studio album, To Be Loved.
His 2009 album, Crazy Love, went double Platinum.
Michael’s Christmas album is 4 x Platinum, having topped the New Zealand charts in 2011 and 2012.
Michael has also had many hit singles on the New Zealand charts, including ‘Sway’, ‘Home’, ‘Everything’, ‘Haven’t Met You Yet’ and the 2013 smash hits, ‘It’s A Beautiful Day’ and ‘Close Your Eyes’.
Michael was first in New Zealand for a promotional tour in 2003. This was followed by a visit in April 2004, where he played three theatre shows.
Now, a decade later, he is set to return to perform his first ever arena show.
But of course, it’s all about the music, with the tour celebrating Michael’s latest chart-topping album. Michael says: “My new record is about love, happiness and fun.”
Released in April this year, To Be Loved entered the New Zealand charts at number one - where it held the top position for five weeks - becoming Michael’s third chart-topper.
Produced by fellow Canadian Bob Rock, To Be Loved features the hit single “It’s A Beautiful Day” – co-written by Michael – plus his interpretations of the Bee Gees’ “To Love Somebody”, Elvis Presley’s “Have I Told You Lately That I Love You?” and Randy Newman’s “You’ve Got A Friend In Me”. And he’s joined by Reese Witherspoon for a delicious version of “Something Stupid”.
“I think it’s the best album I’ve ever made,” Michael says. “I know every artist on earth says that when their new album is coming out but, really, this time it’s true. I swear. You can ask my mother.”
Michael Bublé was adamant that he wanted to get New Zealand on this tour.
“Do not think I take my success these last 10 years for granted. I was anything but an overnight sensation, which inspires me to deliver big time for my fans – maybe even make some new ones this time out.
"Trust me, there’s no sitting back, not dialling in for me.”
The triple-Grammy winner adds: “I just love getting in front of people. It’s so important to be in touch with your audience. They’ve paid their money; I want them to be entertained. If they want to cry or laugh or dance or sing or yell, they can do whatever they want.
"My responsibility is just to take them away.” General public tickets go on sale at 9am on Wednesday, December 18 from Ticketmaster.
