The rumour mill is swirling around whether Fred Again might be planning a trip back to New Zealand on his current run of releasing 10 songs and playing 10 cities over 10 weeks.
So, we’ve been looking into it - is this us jumping to conclusions after hearing the smallest hint that he could be coming back? Yes. Could we maybe be on to something? Also yes.
If you’ve missed it, let’s get you up to speed. Two weeks ago, Fred Again.. announced his 'USB002' project, featuring ten songs to be released over ten weeks. To celebrate this, he will also DJ in 10 cities across the project’s release, with each location revealed the weekend before.
On his Instagram, Fred described it as: “10 of my dream raves.”
A leaked list of tour dates was posted to Reddit, with Sydney and Auckland included.
This turned out not to be entirely accurate, with week one in Glasgow and week two revealed as Brussels.
But we’re holding onto hope that New Zealand could still be somewhere on that list.
Interestingly, though, an Instagram account claimed the next stop will be Madrid next weekend, which was, in fact, one of the cities listed in the Reddit leak.
Only time will tell if this one is right!
Maybe we’re too deep into this, but could a picture of Messie playing Coroglen Tavern on the homepage of Fred’s website be a clue of a return down under?
We’ve gone full detective-spec investigative mode, brainstorming where Fred Again could play if the rumours are true that he’s coming back.
We know last time he played in Wellington, he played on Homegrown’s Park Stage, which was intentionally left up for him.
Hypothetically, what if the same happened this year in Auckland?
Within the aforementioned 10 weeks, Lenny Kravitz is playing is at Spark Arena and Metallica at Eden Park.
Famously, Metallica saved Tomorrowland after its mainstage burnt down earlier this year. Could they come through once again as dance music’s favourite band?
We also know Eden Park has a limit of 12 concerts per year and six different artists or acts. They are currently well within that after only Luke Combs played in January and Metallica booked for November.
Last time, Fred Again played two shows at Spark Arena. During the next 10 weeks, James Blunt, Lenny Kravitis, Doja Cat and Tool are playing. Could he sneak a show in around one of these setups?
Last time, he also played an unreal last-minute show at the Coroglen Tavern. Could he stop in another small town?
Maybe a cheeky stop at Mangawhai Tavern? Or even Leigh Sawmill?
During his last trip, he said he had “unfinished business” with the South Island.
He apologised on his Instagram Story at the time for not making it down south, saying: “Next time we are back, you have my word.”
Could it be a Fred Again pop-up at the Sprig & Fern in Nelson, AJ Hackett Bungy in Queenstown or even Castle Street in Dunedin?
We’re expecting the 10 shows to be somewhere between 3rd September to 22 November.
At this stage, these are purely rumours and haven’t been confirmed by Fred or his team, but we know Fred is the king of surprises.
If any of these shows happen, you heard it here first. If they don't - we never said a word.
