Finns playing Gracelands

FINN brothers Neil and Tim will play one charity concert for Gracelands in Te Awamutu on Friday, July 25. TC080508SP06

It has been 24 years, but the wait for both Finn brothers to publicly perform back in their hometown will be worth it in more ways than one.

The Finn Brothers concert is being promoted by Backstage Pass, with all profits going to the Gracelands fundraising effort for their new headquarters. Backstage Pass is Dean and Robyn Taylor — school friends of Neil Finn. They say its the ultimate show for them to be promoting and are looking forward to a successful venture for the town and for Gracelands.

The Taylors sent Neil information about Gracelands and the fundraising required when the project first kicked off.

‘‘We weren’t getting our hopes too high because the brothers have a huge workload at present, with Split Enz, Crowded House, solo ventures and production work on the go,‘‘ says Mr Taylor. ‘‘It was with some surprise that the call came with a July 25 date for a charity concert — but it was certainly gratefully received and is a very generous offer.’’

Apart from the opening of the Te Awamutu Museum’s True Colours exhibition in 2000, the Finn brothers haven’t played here in public since Split Enz played Albert Park as part of the town’s 1984 centenary celebrations. For the oneoff charity concert Neil will be returning to his old school — Te Awamutu College has donated the use of the hall for the fundraiser.

Tickets for the show will go on sale late next week once all preparations are finalised. There is to be a premium reserved front section and general admission, on a first in best seated basis. Tickets sales will be advertised next week and will be available via TicketDirect and from the Te Awamutu i-SITE Centre.