Aotearoa blues and roots musician Darren Watson is officially set to return to the stage in late 2025 with a brand-new record and a few live shows. The Wellington-based guitarist and songwriter will release his eighth solo album, Darren Watson Sings John Hiatt, on Friday, October 31, 2025, through Lamington Records. To support the release, he has announced a series of intimate performances across New Zealand in November and December 2025.
Darren Watson first emerged in the 1980s as the frontman for Chicago Smoke Shop. The rhythm and blues band built its name in Aotearoa's live bar scene. Over the decades, he has released a few solo albums. Records such as King Size (2002), Saint Hilda's Faithless Boy (2010), and Too Many Millionaires (2018) have received notable love from fans and enthusiasts.
His 2020 release, Getting Sober for the End of the World, was a finalist for Best Folk Album at the 2021 Aotearoa Music Awards. Now, his focus officially turns to reinterpreting acclaimed American songwriter John Hiatt's work.
Darren Watson announced the shows via an official Instagram post, which read:
"Folks, tickets are already selling well to my 'Darren Watson sings John Hiatt' album release shows. If you want to check it out I suggest grabbing your tickets sooner rather than later. All tickets and info at: www.darrenwatson.com I reckon you will dig it whether you are a John Hiatt fan or not. Loads of deep feels and of course the songwriting is all world class!"
A description on Darren Watson's official website reads:
"These days I either perform solo or with small, tight hand-picked combos featuring great local musicians. I am always aiming to serve the song and I really love a direct connection with audiences. Although I grew up playing loud and proud in Aotearoa's bars and clubs, you're more likely to see me these days in the kind of intimate venues favoured by real music lovers. Folks who want to listen first and talk afterwards."
It continues:
"I will try to keep this up-to-date as much as I can. But please remember I don't have a team of people doing this and my first priority is always making the music! So always check local and social media feeds for news of my shows near you. And if you want to book me for show please get in touch any time."
Complete list of dates and stops for Darren Watson's 2025 shows
Below is the full list of announced tour dates:
- Saturday, November 8, 2025, Ōpotiki, New Zealand, at the Senior Citizens Centre
- Saturday, November 15, 2025, Kūmeu, New Zealand, at Kūmeu Arts
- Friday, November 21, 2025, New Plymouth, New Zealand, at Most FM Live Lounge
- Friday, November 28, 2025, Lower Hutt, New Zealand, at The Shed (SOLD OUT)
- Friday, December 5, 2025, Lower Hutt, New Zealand, at The Shed
- Saturday, December 6, 2025, Palmerston North, New Zealand, at Globe Theatre
- Saturday, December 13, 2025, Nelson, New Zealand, at The Barn
Tickets for the shows are available now through Darren Watson's official website.
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