The Powerstation is set to return to the glories of its heydays. The legendary Auckland music venue at the top of Mt Eden Rd has had its ups and downs over the last few years, but few people would disagree that the Powerstation still occupies a place in the hearts of virtually anyone who ever attended a show there in its long history.

Now taken on for the long term by a music industry veteran with decades of experience in touring and promoting local and international acts, the iconic venue will be operated with the respect it so deserves. A series of upgrades are restoring it to its rightful place as the country’s premier venue for music and entertainment, and these improvements — which will benefit the audience and performers alike — will firmly re-establish the Powerstation as an essential part of New Zealand’s music scene.

The Powerstation has one of the richest musical histories of any music venue in New Zealand, playing host to the cream of the local crop and to visiting internationals since the mid-1980s. A show played by The Cramps in August, 1986 at the Powerstation (then operating under the name The Galaxy) was immortalised by being released as the classic live album, Rockin’n’Reelin’inAucklandNewZealand. Radiohead played their New Zealand debut there in 1994, prior to becoming one of the biggest bands on the planet, as did a pre-fame Gwen Stefani, then fronting a little-known No Doubt.

Legendary performers as diverse as The Residents, Ramones, Public Enemy, Ben Harper, The Byrds’ Roger McGuinn, Debbie Harry, Marilyn Manson, Beastie Boys, Henry Rollins, and Steve Vai have all graced the Powerstation stage. And throughout the 1990s, the venue was treated as a second home by some of New Zealand’s largest acts — the Powerstation was where Shihad, Supergroove, Che Fu and Salmonella Dub played some of their most intense and resonant shows, and more than one member of the Finn clan has trodden the boards there, often together.

Many other great occasions happened within its walls — the APRA Silver Scrolls, the bNet Music Awards, dance parties, and some of the world’s top comedy acts make up just a few of the memorable evenings occurring there. The Powerstation is set to continue onwards into the future by providing an avenue for wide-ranging entertainment events.

There are many reasons that the Powerstation has long been a favourite of performers and audiences alike. Good acoustics and sightlines from virtually any audience vantage point, an intimate theatre vibe despite its capacity, and easy access in a central location. Now that it is being run again as a stable venue, the tradition and memories associated with the Powerstation will continue.