How many bands do you know do live drum and bass? Not many. If any. Except for Shapeshifter, the Christchurch band that launched its own genre in 1999 with a string of gigs that those lucky enough to see still rave about.
Now, 25 years later, the boys are taking a moment to celebrate everything that has happened since – Glastonbury, platinum records, a worldwide army of fans – with a nationwide tour in June and a reissue of their whole catalogue on vinyl.
In Christchurch, the band will return to the Town Hall, venue for one of their legendary gigs, a performance in 2006 with the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra that was released the following year as Shapeshifter Live.
After 25 years of gigs, there must be some favourites. We asked Sam, Nick and P Digsss to look back over the years and come up with their picks.
Sam Trevethick: The best show for me was coming second in the RDU band competition at the Dux De Lux in 1999. That was the moment we all realised we had something truly special. It was probably our third ever show. We went to my flat after that show and looked at each other and said ‘holy shit!’. It was on.
P Digsss: I’ve got two. My favourite home gig was at the Opera House in Wellington with the Wellington Symphonia. My favourite overseas gig was the Exit Festival in Novi Sad, Serbia.
Nick Robinson: My favourite gig would have to be Glastonbury, sharing the bill with so many legends. We played twice; one was headlining the electronic stage. Such a massive thing to be part of. It was a weekend the band will never forget.
Now it’s your turn – what’s your favourite Shapeshifter gig?