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Get Ready for The Rock 2000 Live: Everything You Need to Know

A fiery and metallic "2000" logo with "THE ROCK" in a red shield, overlaid on a dark, crowded concert hall with a glowing stage.

The time has almost come when we crown the winner of The Rock 2000, as voted by you.

To round off the end of the countdown, as we do every year, we'll be taking over Auckland's Spark Arena for The Rock 2000 Live Event this Friday, September 25th. There's fewer than 100 tickets left, so grab your last-minute ticket here!

(Can't make it to Auckland? You can livestream it here on rova, or head to an official Rock 2000 local party near you!)

Whether your top pick is still in the running or was knocked out long ago, here’s your ultimate guide to Friday's finale, so you can park up and lock in for the biggest countdown on radio.

What time does it kick off?

Doors open at 3pm for The Rock 2000 live event at Spark Arena, with full coverage streaming live on here on rova till 7pm, and exclusive prizes up for grabs.

Then catch Jay and Dunc on stage from 4pm for the Top 20 Live Ceremony as we reveal New Zealand's #1 song for 2026.

Who's performing at The Rock 2000 live event?

After the Top 20 Ceremony closes at 7pm, we'll celebrate at Spark Arena with performances from The Boondocks, Devilskin, Villainy, and The Living End.

What else can I do at The Rock 2000 live event?

There's plenty to get involved in at The Rock 2000 live event, with heaps of free sh*t and experiences to get you in the spirit.

The first 500 people through the doors will score a free Rock singlet, plus there's a free barber onsite thanks to our friends at Servilles Academy.

Swing past the Meet & Greet to grab a pic with the bands (The Living End, Devilskin, Villainy, and The Boondocks) as well as Rog, Bryce, Mulls, and Mel from The Morning Rumble.

Meet & Greet Times:

  • 4:00pm: The Morning Rumble

  • 4:30pm: The Boondocks

  • 5:00pm: Villainy

  • 5:30pm: Devilskin

  • 6:00pm: The Living End

Want some fresh ink? There are limited spots for free tattoos. First in, first served.

Jim Beam is pulling up with a container bar so you can hang with ya mates and crush some cold ones in the purpose-built outdoor chill garden.

You can also check out the new BYD Shark 6 and scan the QR code on-site to go in the draw to win $500!

What else can I do while watching the live stream?

While watching on rova (and cranking the volume loud so your neighbours can enjoy it too), you can join the action via our virtual photobooth! You will also get the chance to enter exclusive competitions only available during The Rock 2000 livestream. Keep an eye for the QR codes during the stream.

What time will #1 be announced?

We’ll be crowning our number one track just before 7 PM, so don't miss it! Right after that, we’re keeping the party going with live sets from The Boondocks, Villainy, Devilskin, and The Living End until 10:30 PM.

What was number one last year?

For 2025, Black Sabbath's 'War Pigs' claimed the number one spot on the Rock 2000 with Ozzy Osbourne dominating the top of the countdown with two songs in the top four.

Blindspott's 'Nil by Mouth' held firm at number three, continuing its rise as the highest-ranked Kiwi anthem.

You can check out the full history with full stats, rankings, and countdown history from 2002 onwards here on Votetrackr.

Get yourself in the spirit and check out the official 2025 aftermovie below!