Today Fat Freddy’s Drop (New Zealand) announce a return to Melbourne, playing a one-off, not-to-be-missed show at the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne Thursday 4 March 2027 as part of the Live at the Gardens (LATG) series.
Fat Freddy’s Drop are a genre bending juggernaut, internationally regarded as one of the world’s finest live draws. The New Zealand band have been praised as an iconic cornerstone of Aotearoa music, captivating audiences with their magnetic live chemistry, deep improvisational jams, and signature fusion of dub, reggae, and soul.
“Freddy’s has always been about bringing the party… we’ve continually developed and refined our music over the years, but we started playing together at dance parties and we keep coming back to those roots, to the dancefloor vibes says saxophonist Scott Towers, aka Chopper Reeds. ‘We’re excited about the Royal Botanic Gardens show, where we’ll be performing songs from across Freddys catalogue, from Based On A True Story, BAYS, Blackbird and beyond.” – Fat Freddy’s Drop
Tickets for Fat Freddy’s Drop at Live at the Gardens go on sale Friday 6 November from Ticketmaster at 11.00am local time, with Live at the Gardens and MG Live presale beginning Wednesday 4 November at 11.00am local time.
The band formed in 1999, emerging from Wellington’s underground dance music scene into a genre-bending juggernaut who regularly sell out performances across UK, Europe, Australia and at home. Live, Freddy’s musical alchemy of reggae, dub, soul, techno and jazz is a raucously joyful experience.
After wowing audiences at sold out shows for their BOATS 21st Anniversary tour including three sold out nights at The Forum in Melbourne in March, this show will be a welcome return to the city, and a rare chance to experience Freddys in a beautiful outdoor garden setting.
Joining Fat Freddy’s Drop at the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne on Thursday 4 March will be Sub-Tribe and PANIA. Sub-tribe are the Sydney based 7-piece dub-fusion outfit with roots in Aotearoa, blending deep bass, reggae, blues, jazz-hop, dancehall, jungle and drum and bass into a sound entirely their own. With rolling low end, glitchy beats and soaring harmonies, they’ve built a reputation for high-energy live shows and feel-good vibes that leave crowds skanking for more. With a growing following on both sides of the Tasman, they remain one of the most exciting live dub acts in the region.
PANIA released her debut single ‘ICCY’ in 2021, followed by ‘tiki’ in 2022, when her career took off quickly. Having supported Kehlani, Raye, Giveon and most recently Coldplay, her latest EP Coming 2 Terms will be released later this year. Sitting at the forefront of Australia’s R&B wave, PANIA’s music has helped push boundaries for a new generation of artists looking to create change on Southern shores notably achieving titles like One To Watch by Rolling Stone and Vogue in 2023.
PRAISE FOR FAT FREDDY’S DROP
“Fat Freddy’s Drop are the epitome of old school cool and continue to embody their eclectic flavour of music, lyrics and beats.” – The Guardian
“…their music infest the mind, infests the body, and makes you smile” – The Music
“It was mesmerising and totally something I need to see again” – Music NZ
“I would have happily watched them play all day” – Left Lion (UK)
ABOUT LIVE AT THE GARDENS
Live at the Gardens (LATG) brings world-class artists to one of Melbourne’s most spectacular outdoor settings. A collaboration between MG Live and Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne, the series transforms the historic Observatory Precinct into a premium, inner-city outdoor venue.
Set against a backdrop ranked among the world’s finest gardens, fans can enjoy live music from the lawn as golden hour fades into a star-filled evening. With premium bars, curated food offerings and an exceptional lineup of Australian and international artists, it’s a concert experience like no other. Golden hour never sounded so good!
PRAISE FOR LIVE AT THE GARDENS
“Any event that can be enjoyed under the stars is a welcome addition to the summer calendar.” – The Music
“Live at the Gardens teased what it’s like to be in Melbourne for a summer of music, nature and culture.” – Arts Hub
“The people behind the acclaimed A Day On The Green series have transformed Melbourne’s Royal Botanic Gardens’ Observatory Precinct into a delightful new inner-city live music experience … Incredible band, great venue, good times.” – Australian Musician Magazine
“One of the most beautiful places on earth.” – Alex Kapranos, Franz Ferdinand
Act fast for what is sure to be a memorable night with Fat Freddy’s Drop and Sub-Tribe in the beautiful surrounds of the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne.
For more information on Fat Freddy’s Drop at Live at the Gardens visit
liveatthegardens.com.au/events/fatfreddysdrop
Fat Freddy’s Drop Live at the Gardens (LATG)
Tickets on sale Friday 6 November at 11.00AM AEDT
Presale from Wednesday 4 November at 11.00AM AEDT
Thursday 4 March | Live at the Gardens | Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne, VIC
Lic. All Ages
Patrons are advised to purchase tickets only through authorised ticket sellers.
We cannot guarantee any ticket purchase made through any means other than the official ticketing agents listed on the MG Live, Live at the Gardens and Frontier Touring websites.
LIVE AT THE GARDENS TICKET PRICE
General Admission $119.90*
*A handling fee of $5.95 applies per transaction
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EVENT INFORMATION
Live at the Gardens is Licensed All-Ages. Strictly no BYO alcohol or food. Broad offering of food and beverages will be available on site with every attempt to ensure all dietary requirements are catered for. Everyone requires a paid ticket excluding babies in arms 24 months and under. Patrons under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or adult guardian at all times.
TRANSPORT & PARKING
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